A prospective, blinded, monadic comparative sensory study of three topical pain relief spray formulations.

Introduction: Oral drugs are commonly prescribed for the treatment of acute pain. Other than these agents, certain anticonvulsants and antidepressants are also prescribed for chronic pain. Although being effective in providing pain relief, oral administration frequently results in systemic adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which may prevent their ongoing use and result in their discontinuation. Topical analgesics are useful to provide symptomatic benefits seen with oral agents but devoid of the systemic ADRs. Essential oils extracted from plants, some of which are known analgesic compounds like methyl salicylate, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, menthol, turpentine oil which form contents of the newly launched Iodex rapid action spray along with excipients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensorial profiling of newly launched Iodex rapid action spray in meeting the consumer expectations as topical pain relief spray. The other objective was to validate consumer perception of the product’s sensorial claims and appeal. Methods: This study was a prospective, blinded, monadic comparison, consumer sensory study conducted in 3 different cities in India. Participants were pre-recruited to try 3 different pain relief spray formulations, 30 min session per day. One product to be tested each day. The participants had to use the product and answer the questionnaire online. Only Sensorial aspects were checked. Results: Comparing the market sample 1 (Iodex rapid action spray) vs other formulations, all 3 products got very high level of consumer agreement. For the monadic score, market sample 1 was equal to if not better to than the other two i.e., market sample 2 and market sample 3 in regard to the sensory and participant liking claims. Conclusion: Market sample 1 (Iodex rapid action spray) got very high level of consumer agreement. Market sample 1 (Iodex rapid action spray) is equal to if not better to than the other two i.e., market sample 2 and market sample 3 regards to the sensory and liking claims