Capsaicin topical

Generic name: Capsaicin Topical
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Usage of Capsaicin topical

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot. Capsaicin is used in medicated creams and lotions to relieve muscle or joint pain.

Capsaicin used on the body causes a sensation of heat that activates certain nerve cells. With regular use of capsaicin, this heating effect reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that acts as a pain messenger in the body.

Capsaicin topical is used for temporary relief of muscle or joint pain caused by strains, sprains, arthritis, bruising, or backaches. Capsaicin topical is also used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) in people who have had herpes zoster, or "shingles."

Qutenza is a prescription-strength form of capsaicin topical that is applied by a healthcare professional. Qutenza is used to treat nerve pain caused by herpes, and also to treat nerve pain in the feet (peripheral neuropathy) in people with diabetes.

Capsaicin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in capsaicin topical guide.

Capsaicin topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Wash the skin and get medical attention right away if you have severe burning, pain, swelling, or blistering of the skin where you applied this medicine.

Capsaicin topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using capsaicin topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe pain or skin redness where the medicine was applied;

loss of feeling;

trouble breathing or swallowing (after accidental inhalation of capsaicin odor or dried residue).

Common side effects may include pain or a burning sensation that can last for several hours or days (especially after your first use of capsaicin topical).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Capsaicin topical

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to chili peppers, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to capsaicin topical.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

any allergies (especially to plants); or

a serious medical condition.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not apply capsaicin topical to your breast area if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Do not use this medicine on anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Relate drugs

How to use Capsaicin topical

Usual Adult Dose for Postherpetic Neuralgia:

Qutenza(R): Up to 4 patches applied to intact, non-irritated, dry skin, and allowed to remain in place for 60 minutes Comments:-Treatment may be repeated not more frequently than every three months.-The patch should be applied by a physician or by a health care professional under the supervision of a physician.Use: Management of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia

Usual Adult Dose for Pain:

Salonpas(R)/Capsaicin(R)/Capzasin(R): Apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times a dayUses: For the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of the muscles and joints associated with simple backache, strains, sprains, bruises, arthritisZostrix(R): Apply a thin film to the affected area two to four times daily, and gently rub in until fully absorbedComments: Unless being treated, hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water immediately after use.Uses: For the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of the muscles and joints associated with strains, sprains, bruises, arthritis

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetic Nephropathy:

Qutenza(R): Up to 4 patches applied to intact, non-irritated, dry skin on the feet, and allowed to remain in place for 30 minutesComments:-Treatment may be repeated not more frequently than every three months.-The patch should be applied by a physician or by a health care professional under the supervision of a physician.Use: Management of neuropathic pain in the feet associated with diabetic peripheral neuralgia

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain:

Salonpas(R)/Capsaicin(R):-Adolescents 12 years and older: Apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times a dayUses: For the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of the muscles and joints associated with simple backache, strains, sprains, bruises, arthritis

Warnings

Do not use capsaicin topical if you are allergic to chili peppers, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to capsaicin topical.

Capsaicin can cause a burning sensation wherever it is applied. If you have severe discomfort or skin redness, wash the treated skin area with soap and cool water.

Get medical attention right away if you have severe burning, pain, swelling, or blistering of the skin where you applied this medicine.

What other drugs will affect Capsaicin topical

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied capsaicin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Popular FAQ

Common antidepressants used for orthopedic pain relief may include SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft), SNRIs such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline (Elavil) or nortriptyline (Pamelor). Continue reading

Yes, Qutenza is a prescription skin patch that contains capsaicin, the active ingredient that gives the heat to a chili pepper. It contains 8% capsaicin (179 mg) per patch. Continue reading

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