Capsicum Oleoresin Side Effects

Generic name: capsaicin topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 1, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Capsicum Oleoresin.

Applies to capsaicin topical: topical cream, topical lotion, topical patch extended release, topical solution Side Effects associated with capsaicin topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Capsicum Oleoresin.

Applies to capsaicin topical: topical cream, topical lotion, topical patch extended release, topical solution.

Precautions

If you use the Qutenza® patch:

• Your doctor will check you closely for any problems or unwanted effects (eg, loss of sensory function) that may be caused by this medicine.
• Your blood pressure will be measured while the patch is on your skin and after it has been removed. If you notice any change to your recommended blood pressure at home, call your doctor right away. If you have questions about this, talk to your doctor.
• You may have some skin redness, burning, or a stinging sensation at the application site. Heat, humidity, bathing in warm water, or sweating may increase the burning sensation. If this irritation is severe or does not go away, call your doctor.
• Your skin may be more sensitive to heat and sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Check with your doctor right away if you have coughing, sneezing, or any breathing problems after the patch is removed.
• If skin not intended to be treated got exposed to the patch, apply cleansing gel for 1 minute and wipe off with gauze. Wash with soap and water.
• You may feel pain and a burning feeling during application and after removal of the patch, even after using a numbing medicine on the affected area. Your doctor may give you an ice pack or oral pain medicine to treat this pain.

If you use the cream, gel, lotion, or ointment:

• You may have some skin redness, burning, or a stinging sensation at the application site. Although this usually disappears after the first several days, it may last 2 to 4 weeks. Heat, humidity, bathing in warm water, or sweating may increase the burning sensation. If this irritation is severe or does not go away, call your doctor.
• The burning sensation will not improve or go away if you reduce the number of doses you use each day. Using fewer doses may also reduce the amount of pain relief you get.
• Your skin may be more sensitive to heat and sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Check with your doctor right away if you have coughing or any breathing problems after the medicine has dried on the skin.

Serious side effects of Capsicum Oleoresin

Along with its needed effects, capsaicin topical (the active ingredient contained in Capsicum Oleoresin) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking capsaicin topical:

More common - all forms

• Burning, itching, dryness, pain, redness, swelling, or soreness at the application site

Less common - all forms

• Body aches or pain
• chest tightness
• chills
• cough
• difficulty with breathing
• dry or productive cough
• ear congestion
• fever
• headache
• loss of voice
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stuffy or runny nose
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common - patch only

• Blurred vision
• breakdown of the skin
• dizziness
• nervousness
• pain in the arms or legs
• pounding in the ears
• slow or fast heartbeat

Incidence not known - patch only

• Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• eye irritation or pain
• increased sensitivity to pain or touch
• scarring of the skin
• stabbing pain
• throat irritation
• unusual weight gain or loss

Other side effects of Capsicum Oleoresin

Some side effects of capsaicin topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common - patch only

• Muscle aches
• nausea
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• vomiting

Incidence not known - patch only

• Abnormal skin odor
• change in or loss of taste

For healthcare professionals

Applies to capsaicin topical: compounding powder, topical cream, topical film, topical gel, topical kit, topical liquid, topical lotion, topical stick.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were application site erythema and application site pain.^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Application site erythema (63%), application site pain (42%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Application site pruritus, application site papules, application site edema, application site swelling, application site dryness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Application site urticaria, application site paresthesia, application site dermatitis, application site hyperesthesia, application site excoriation, application site warmth, application site anesthesia, application site bruising, application site inflammation, application site exfoliation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): First degree atrio-ventricular (AV) block, tachycardia, palpitations, increased blood pressure^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Herpes zoster, pruritus
• Frequency not reported: Abnormal skin odor, second degree burns^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cough, throat irritation
• Frequency not reported: Sneezing, dyspnea, wheezing, exacerbation of asthma, irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (such as nasal and throat irritation)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pain in extremity, muscle spasms^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysgeusia, hypoesthesia, burning sensation
• Frequency not reported: Headache, peripheral sensory neuropathy, dizziness, dysgeusia, hyperesthesia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eye irritation
• Frequency not reported: Irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, runny eyes^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Peripheral edema^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Does Qutenza contain red chili peppers?

Further information

Capsicum Oleoresin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer