Capsaicin

Pronouncation: (kap-SAY-uh-sin)
Class: Counterirritant

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

Trade Names:
Capzasin-P
- Cream 0.025%

Trade Names:
Dolorac
- Cream 0.25% in emollient base

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

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

Antiphlogistine Rub A-535 Capsaicin (Canada)
Capsaicin HP (Canada)

Pharmacology

Feedback for Capsaicin

As a treatment for...	Avg User Ratings [?]
Persisting Pain -- Shingles	Be the first to rate it 0 comments
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Compare with other drugs.

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 and osteoarthritis; 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

Adults and Children 2 yr of Age and Older

Apply to affected area 3 to 4 times/day or less. Wash hands immediately after application.

General Advice

Wear gloves during application and avoid contact with eyes and broken or irritated skin.
If bandage is needed, apply loosely to application area.

Storage/Stability

Store at room temperature.

Drug Interactions

None well documented.

Laboratory Test Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Dermatologic

Burning; stinging; erythema.

Respiratory

Cough; respiratory irritation.

Precautions

Monitor

Pain

Assess location and intensity of pain periodically throughout therapy.

Pregnancy

Safety undetermined.

Lactation

Undetermined. Capsaicin is for external use only.

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.
Teach patient correct method of application: wear gloves, avoid contact with eyes and broken or irritated skin, wash hands 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. Remind patient not to apply medication more than 3 times/day.
Instruct patient to discontinue treatment and notify health care provider if pain persists 14 to 28 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 accompanies therapy.