PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE PEA: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings

PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE (PEA)

Other Names:

Hydroxyethylpalmitamide, Impulsin, N-(2-Hydroxyethyl) hexadecanamide, N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)palmitamide, Palmidrol, Palmitamide MEA, Palmitic Acid Monoethanolamide, Palmitoylethanolamine, PEA.

Review this Treatment 5 User Reviews See Brand Products

PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE PEA Overview Information

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a chemical made from fat. It is found naturally in foods such as egg yolks and peanuts, and in the human body.

PEA can bind to cells in the body and reduce pain and swelling.

PEA is used for different types of pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), carpal tunnel syndrome, autism, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE PEA Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for:

Osteoarthritis. Taking PEA by mouth seems to reduce pain and improve function in people with osteoarthritis.
Chronic pain. Taking PEA by mouth seems to reduce pain in people with chronic pain from different causes.

Possibly Ineffective for:

Injury to the spinal cord. Taking PEA by mouth doesn't reduce pain or spasticity of the spine in people with spinal cord injury.

There is interest in using PEA for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE PEA Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: PEA is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. It's usually well tolerated but might cause nausea in some people. There isn't enough reliable information to know if PEA is safe to use for longer than 3 months.

When applied to the skin: PEA is possibly safe when used for up to 28 days.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if PEA is safe to use when pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Taking PEA by mouth for up to 3 months is possibly safe for children aged 4-17 years.

PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE PEA Interactions

We currently have no information for PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE PEA Interactions

PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE PEA Dosing

PEA has most often been used by adults in doses of 300-1200 mg by mouth daily for 2-12 weeks. In children, it's most often been used in doses of 600 mg by mouth daily for up to 3 months. PEA is also used in creams, lotions, and eye drops. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View clinical references for this vitamin or supplement Sources

References:

Andresen SR, Bing J, Hansen RM, Biering-Sørensen F, Johannesen IL, Hagen EM, Rice AS, Nielsen JF, Bach FW, Finnerup NB. Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide in spinal cord injury neuropathic pain: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Pain. 2016 Sep;157(9):2097-103. View abstract.

Ardigò M, Franceschini C, Campione E, et al. Efficacy of a topical product containing purified omental lipids and three anti-itching compounds in the treatment of chronic pruritus/prurigo nodularis in elderly subjects: A prospective, assessor-blinded, 4-week trial with transepidermal water loss and optical coherence tomography assessments. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:1051-1058. View abstract.

Artukoglu BB, Beyer C, Zuloff-Shani A, Brener E, Bloch MH. Efficacy of Palmitoylethanolamide for Pain: A Meta-Analysis. Pain Physician. 2017;20(5):353-362. View abstract.

Bacci C, Cassetta G, Emanuele B, Berengo M. Randomized split-mouth study on postoperative effects of palmitoylethanolamide for impacted lower third molar surgery. ISRN Surg. 2011;2011:917350. View abstract.

Bertolino B, Crupi R, Impellizzeri D, Bruschetta G, Cordaro M, Siracusa R, Esposito E, Cuzzocrea S. Beneficial Effects of Co-Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide/Luteolin in a Mouse Model of Autism and in a Case Report of Autism. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2016 Oct 4. View abstract.

Borrelli F, Romano B, Petrosino S, Pagano E, Capasso R, Coppola D, Battista G, Orlando P, Di Marzo V, Izzo AA. Palmitoylethanolamide, a naturally occurring lipid, is an orally effective intestinal anti-inflammatory agent. Br J Pharmacol. 2015 Jan;172(1):142-58. View abstract.

Brotini S, Schievano C, Guidi L. Ultra-micronized Palmitoylethanolamide: An Efficacious Adjuvant Therapy for Parkinson's Disease. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2017;16(6):705-713. View abstract.

Caltagirone C, Cisari C, Schievano C, Di Paola R, Cordaro M, Bruschetta G, Esposito E, Cuzzocrea S; Stroke Study Group. Co-ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide/Luteolin in the Treatment of Cerebral Ischemia: from Rodent to Man. Transl Stroke Res. 2016 Feb;7(1):54-69. View abstract.

Canteri L, Petrosino S, Guida G. Riducción del consumo di antiin?ammatorios y analgésicos en el tratamiento del dolor neuropático crónico en pacientes afectados por lombosciatalgia de tipo compresivo y entratamiento con Normast® 300mg.Dolor 2010; 25: 227-34.

Caruso S, Iraci Sareri M, Casella E, Ventura B, Fava V, Cianci A. Chronic pelvic pain, quality of life and sexual health of women treated with palmitoylethanolamide and a-lipoic acid. Minerva Ginecol. 2015 Oct;67(5):413-9. View abstract.

Cervigni M, Nasta L, Schievano C, Lampropoulou N, Ostardo E. Micronized palmitoylethanolamide-polydatin reduces the painful symptomatology in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Biomed Res Int 2019;2019:9828397. View abstract.

Cobellis L, Castaldi MA, Giordano V, Trabucco E, De Franciscis P, Torella M, Colacurci N. Effectiveness of the association micronized N-Palmitoylethanolamine (PEA)-transpolydatin in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain related to endometriosis after laparoscopic assessment: a pilot study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2011 Sep;158(1):82-6. View abstract.

Cocito D, Peci E, Ciaramitaro P, Merola A, Lopiano L. Short-term efficacy of ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide in peripheral neuropathic pain. Pain Res Treat. 2014;2014:854560. View abstract.

Conigliaro R, Drago V, Foster PS, Schievano C, Di Marzo V. Use of palmitoylethanolamide in the entrapment neuropathy of the median in the wrist. Minerva Med. 2011 Apr;102(2):141-7. View abstract.

Costagliola C, Romano MR, dell'Omo R, Russo A, Mastropasqua R, Semeraro F. Effect of palmitoylethanolamide on visual field damage progression in normal tension glaucoma patients: results of an open-label six-month follow-up. J Med Food. 2014 Sep;17(9):949-54. View abstract.

Couch DG, Cook H, Ortori C, Barrett D, Lund JN, O'Sullivan SE. Palmitoylethanolamide and Cannabidiol Prevent Inflammation-induced Hyperpermeability of the Human Gut In Vitro and In Vivo-A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind Controlled Trial. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2019;25(6):1006-1018. View abstract.

Cremon C, Stanghellini V, Barbaro MR, et al. Randomised clinical trial: the analgesic properties of dietary supplementation with palmitoylethanolamide and polydatin in irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2017;45(7):909-922. View abstract.

D'Ascanio L, Vitelli F, Cingolani C, Maranzano M, Brenner MJ, Di Stadio A. Randomized clinical trial "olfactory dysfunction after COVID-19: olfactory rehabilitation therapy vs. intervention treatment with Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin": preliminary results. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021;25(11):4156-4162. View abstract.

Del Giorno R, Skaper S, Paladini A, Varrassi G, Coaccioli S. Palmitoylethanolamide in Fibromyalgia: Results from Prospective and Retrospective Observational Studies. Pain Ther. 2015 Dec;4(2):169-78. View abstract.

Di Paola R, Fusco R, Gugliandolo E, Crupi R, Evangelista M, Granese R, Cuzzocrea S. Co-micronized Palmitoylethanolamide/Polydatin Treatment Causes Endometriotic Lesion Regression in a Rodent Model of Surgically Induced Endometriosis. Front Pharmacol. 2016 Oct 14;7:382. View abstract.

Di Zazzo A, Roberti G, Mashaghi A, Abud TB, Pavese D, Bonini S. Use of Topical Cannabinomimetic Palmitoylethanolamide in Ocular Surface Disease Associated with Antiglaucoma Medications. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2017;33(9):670-677. View abstract.

Domínguez CM, Martín AD, Ferrer FG, Puertas MI, Muro AL, González JM, Prieto JP, Taberna IR. N-palmitoylethanolamide in the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with lumbosciatica. Pain Manag. 2012 Mar;2(2):119-24. View abstract.

Evangelista M, Cilli, De Vitis R, Militerno A, Fanfani F. Ultra-micronized Palmitoylethanolamide Effects on Sleep-wake Rhythm and Neuropathic Pain Phenotypes in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Open-label, Randomized Controlled Study. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2018;17(4):291-298. View abstract.

Faig-Martí J, Martínez-Catassús A. Use of palmitoylethanolamide in carpal tunnel syndrome: a prospective randomized study. J Orthop Traumatol. 2017;18(4):451-455. View abstract.

Gabrielsson L, Mattsson S, Fowler CJ. Palmitoylethanolamide for the treatment of pain: pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2016 Oct;82(4):932-42. View abstract.

Gatti A, Lazzari M, Gianfelice V, Di Paolo A, Sabato E, Sabato AF. Palmitoylethanolamide in the treatment of chronic pain caused by different etiopathogenesis. Pain Med. 2012 Sep;13(9):1121-30. View abstract.

Ghazizadeh-Hashemi M, Ghajar A, Shalbafan MR, et al. Palmitoylethanolamide as adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder: A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2018;232:127-133. View abstract.

Giammusso B, Di Mauro R, Bernardini R. The efficacy of an association of palmitoylethanolamide and alpha-lipoic acid in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: A randomized clinical trial. Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2017;89(1):17-21. View abstract.

Guida G, De Martino M, De Fabiani A, Cantieri LA, Alexandre A, Vassallo GM, et al. La palmitoilethanolamida (Normast®) en el dolor neuropático crónico por lumbociatalgia de tipo compresivo:estudioclínicomulticéntrico.Dolor2010;25:35-42.

Hesselink JM, Hekker TA. Therapeutic utility of palmitoylethanolamide in the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with various pathological conditions: a case series. J Pain Res. 2012;5:437-42. View abstract.

Hesselink JM. Chronic idiopathic axonal neuropathy and pain, treated with the endogenous lipid mediator palmitoylethanolamide: a case collection. Int Med Case Rep J. 2013 Sep 13;6:49-53. View abstract.

Impellizzeri D, Bruschetta G, Cordaro M, Crupi R, Siracusa R, Esposito E, Cuzzocrea S. Micronized/ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide displays superior oral efficacy compared to nonmicronized palmitoylethanolamide in a rat model of inflammatory pain. J Neuroinflammation. 2014 Aug 28;11:136. View abstract.

Indraccolo U, Barbieri F. Effect of palmitoylethanolamide-polydatin combination on chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis: preliminary observations. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2010 May;150(1):76-9. View abstract.

Indraccolo U, Indraccolo SR, Mignini F. Micronized palmitoylethanolamide/trans-polydatin treatment of endometriosis-related pain: a meta-analysis. Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2017;53(2):125-134. View abstract.

Kahlich R, Klíma J, Cihla F, Franková V, Masek K, Rosický M, Matousek F, Bruthans J. Studies on prophylactic efficacy of N-2-hydroxyethyl palmitamide (Impulsin) in acute respiratory infections. Serologically controlled field trials. J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol. 1979;23(1):11-24. View abstract.

Keppel Hesselink JM, Costagliola C, Fakhry J, Kopsky DJ. Palmitoylethanolamide, a Natural Retinoprotectant: Its Putative Relevance for the Treatment of Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy. J Ophthalmol. 2015;2015:430596. View abstract.

Keppel Hesselink JM, de Boer T, Witkamp RF. Palmitoylethanolamide: A Natural Body-Own Anti-Inflammatory Agent, Effective and Safe against Influenza and Common Cold. Int J Inflam. 2013;2013:151028. View abstract.

Keppel Hesselink JM, Kopsky DJ, Sajben N. New topical treatment of vulvodynia based on the pathogenetic role of cross talk between nociceptors, immunocompetent cells, and epithelial cells. J Pain Res. 2016 Oct 3;9:757-762. View abstract.

Keppel Hesselink JM, Kopsky DJ. Palmitoylethanolamide, a neutraceutical, in nerve compression syndromes: efficacy and safety in sciatic pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. J Pain Res. 2015 Oct 23;8:729-34. View abstract.

Keppel Hesselink JM, Kopsky DJ. Treatment of chronic regional pain syndrome type 1 with palmitoylethanolamide and topical ketamine cream: modulation of nonneuronal cells. J Pain Res. 2013 Mar 21;6:239-45. View abstract.

Khalaj M, Saghazadeh A, Shirazi E, et al. Palmitoylethanolamide as adjunctive therapy for autism: Efficacy and safety results from a randomized controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res. 2018;103:104-111. View abstract.

Kopsky DJ, Hesselink JM. Multimodal stepped care approach with acupuncture and PPAR-a agonist palmitoylethanolamide in the treatment of a patient with multiple sclerosis and central neuropathic pain. Acupunct Med. 2012 Mar;30(1):53-5. View abstract.

Kurosawa Y, Nirengi S, Homma T, et al. A single-dose of oral nattokinase potentiates thrombolysis and anti-coagulation profiles. Sci Rep 2015;5:11601. View abstract.

Mallard A, Briskey D, Richards A, Mills D, Rao A. The effect of orally dosed Levagen+ ™ (palmitoylethanolamide) on exercise recovery in healthy males-A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Nutrients 2020;12(3):596. View abstract.

Marcucci M, Germini F, Coerezza A, Andreinetti L, Bellintani L, Nobili A, Rossi PD, Mari D. Efficacy of ultra-micronized palmitoylethanolamide (um-PEA) in geriatric patients with chronic pain: study protocol for a series of N-of-1 randomized trials. Trials. 2016 Jul 29;17:369. View abstract.

Marini I, Bartolucci ML, Bortolotti F, Gatto MR, Bonetti GA. Palmitoylethanolamide versus a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of temporomandibular joint inflammatory pain. J Orofac Pain. 2012 Spring;26(2):99-104. View abstract.

Masek K, Perlík F, Klíma J, Kahlich R. Prophylactic efficacy of N-2-hydroxyethyl palmitamide (impulsin) in acute respiratory tract infections. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1974 Oct 4;7(6):415-9. View abstract.

Morera C, Sabates S, Jaen A. Sex differences in N-palmitoylethanolamide effectiveness in neuropathic pain associated with lumbosciatalgia. Pain Manag. 2015;5(2):81-7. View abstract.

Murina F, Graziottin A, Felice R, Radici G, Tognocchi C. Vestibulodynia: synergy between palmitoylethanolamide + transpolydatin and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2013 Apr;17(2):111-6. View abstract.

Nigro A, Nicastro A, Trodella R. Retrospective observational study to investigate Sinerga, a multifactorial nutritional product, and bacterial extracts in the prevention of recurrent respiratory infections in children. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2014 Jul-Sep;27(3):455-60. View abstract.

Orefice NS, Alhouayek M, Carotenuto A, Montella S, Barbato F, Comelli A, Calignano A, Muccioli GG, Orefice G. Oral Palmitoylethanolamide Treatment Is Associated with Reduced Cutaneous Adverse Effects of Interferon-ß1a and Circulating Proinflammatory Cytokines in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics. 2016 Apr;13(2):428-38. View abstract.

Paladini A, Fusco M, Cenacchi T, Schievano C, Piroli A, Varrassi G. Palmitoylethanolamide, a Special Food for Medical Purposes, in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Pooled Data Meta-analysis. Pain Physician. 2016 Feb;19(2):11-24. View abstract.

Palma E, Reyes-Ruiz JM, Lopergolo D, Roseti C, Bertollini C, Ruffolo G, Cifelli P, Onesti E, Limatola C, Miledi R, Inghilleri M. Acetylcholine receptors from human muscle as pharmacological targets for ALS therapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2016 Mar 15;113(11):3060-5. View abstract.

Papetti L, Sforza G, Tullo G, et al. Tolerability of palmitoylethanolamide in a pediatric population suffering from migraine: A pilot study. Pain Res Manag 2020;2020:3938640. View abstract.

Pescosolido N, Librando A, Puzzono M, Nebbioso M. Palmitoylethanolamide effects on intraocular pressure after Nd:YAG laser iridotomy: an experimental clinical study. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2011 Dec;27(6):629-35. View abstract.

Petrosino S, Di Marzo V. The pharmacology of palmitoylethanolamide and first data on the therapeutic efficacy of some of its new formulations. Br J Pharmacol. 2016 Aug 19. View abstract.

Rao A, Ebelt P, Mallard A, Briskey D. Palmitoylethanolamide for sleep disturbance. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled interventional study. Sleep Sci Pract 2021;5(1):12. View abstract.

Rossi GCM, Scudeller L, Lumini C, et al. Effect of palmitoylethanolamide on inner retinal function in glaucoma: a randomized, single blind, crossover, clinical trial by pattern-electroretinogram. Sci Rep 2020;10(1):10468. View abstract.

Schifilliti C, Cucinotta L, Fedele V, Ingegnosi C, Luca S, Leotta C. Micronized palmitoylethanolamide reduces the symptoms of neuropathic pain in diabetic patients. Pain Res Treat. 2014;2014:849623. View abstract.

Skaper SD, Facci L, Fusco M, Della Valle MF, Zusso M, Costa B, Giusti P. Palmitoylethanolamide, a naturally occurring disease-modifying agent in neuropathic pain. Inflammopharmacology. 2014 Apr;22(2):79-94. View abstract.

Steels E, Venkatesh R, Steels E, Vitetta G, Vitetta L. A double-blind randomized placebo controlled study assessing safety, tolerability and efficacy of palmitoylethanolamide for symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Inflammopharmacology. 2019;27(3):475-485. View abstract.

Strobbe E, Cellini M, Campos EC. Effectiveness of palmitoylethanolamide on endothelial dysfunction in ocular hypertensive patients: a randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013 Feb 1;54(2):968-73. View abstract.

Tartaglia E, Armentano M, Giugliano B, et al. Effectiveness of the association N-palmitoylethanolamine and transpolydatin in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2015;28(6):447-50. View abstract.

Truini A, Biasiotta A, Di Stefano G, La Cesa S, Leone C, Cartoni C, Federico V, Petrucci MT, Cruccu G. Palmitoylethanolamide restores myelinated-fibre function in patients with chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2011 Dec;10(8):916-20. View abstract.

Visse K, Blome C, Phan NQ, Augustin M, Ständer S. Efficacy of body lotion containing N-palmitoylethanolamine in subjects with chronic pruritus due to dry skin: A dermatocosmetic study. Acta Derm Venereol. 2017;97(5):639-641. View abstract.

Yuan C, Wang XM, Guichard A, et al. N-palmitoylethanolamine and N-acetylethanolamine are effective in asteatotic eczema: results of a randomized, double-blind, controlled study in 60 patients. Clin Interv Aging. 2014;9:1163-9. View abstract.

See 5 Reviews for this Treatment - OR -

Learn about User Reviews and read IMPORTANT information about user generated content

Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. © Therapeutic Research Faculty 2009.

Today on WebMD