Capsaicin

Trade Names:
Capsin
- Lotion 0.025%
- Lotion 0.075%

Trade Names:
Capzasin-P
- Cream 0.025%

Trade Names:
No Pain-HP
- Roll-On 0.075%

Trade Names:
Icy Hot PM
- Patch 0.025%

Trade Names:
Pain Doctor
- Cream 0.025%

Trade Names:
Pain-X
- Gel 0.05%

Trade Names:
R-Gel
- Gel 0.025%

Trade Names:
Zostrix
- Cream 0.025% in emollient base

Trade Names:
Zostrix-HP
- Cream 0.075% in emollient base

Trade Names:
Zostrix Neuropathy
- Cream 0.25%

Pharmacology

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May deplete and prevent reaccumulation of substance P, principal transmitter of pain impulses, from periphery to CNS.

Indications and Usage

Temporary relief of pain from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, muscle strains, sprains, bruises, and backache; relief of neuralgias (eg, pain after shingles, diabetic neuropathy).

Unlabeled Uses

Temporary relief of pain of psoriasis, vitiligo, intractable pruritus, postmastectomy and postamputation neuroma (phantom limb syndrome), vulvar vestibulitis, apocrine chromidrosis, reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

Contraindications

Standard considerations.

Dosage and Administration

Apply to affected area 3 to 4 times/day or less.

Apply a thin film of cream using applicator pad 2 to 4 times daily.

Remove backing from patch and apply one patch to affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily.

General Advice

• Wash hands with soap and water immediately after application.
• Wear gloves during application and avoid contact with eyes and broken or irritated skin.
• If bandage is needed, apply loosely to application area.
• Zostrix Neuropathy : Discard applicator pad after use. Do not apply in large quantities.

Storage/Stability

Store at room temperature.

Drug Interactions

Use with caution because the toxic effects are additive and potentially synergistic.

Laboratory Test Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Dermatologic

Burning; stinging; erythema.

Respiratory

Cough; respiratory irritation.

Precautions

Pregnancy

Safety undetermined.

Lactation

Undetermined.

Children

Do not use Zostrix Neuropathy in children younger than 10 years of age. Do not use Icy Hot PM in children younger than 18 years of age.

Burning

Note that transient burning may occur during initial course of therapy but will decrease in a few days. Burning is more common when medication is applied more than 3 times/day.

Patient Information

• Remind patient that this medication is for external use only.
• Advise patient to wear gloves, avoid contact with eyes and broken or irritated skin, and to wash hands with soap and water immediately after application.
• Caution patient to use care when handling contact lenses after application.
• Advise patient to keep bandage placed loosely over application area.
• Emphasize that following prescribed regimen reduces transient burning associated with infrequent administration.
• Instruct patient to discontinue treatment and notify health care provider if pain persists 7 days or returns a few days after initiation of therapy, or if signs of infection occur.
• Counsel patient to notify health care provider if persistent cough and difficulty breathing or swallowing accompanies therapy.
• Advise patient not to use a heating pad when using these products.

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