What is Capsaicin topical?
Capsaicin, the ingredient that gives chilli peppers their heat, is found in them. Capsaicin can be found in creams and gels that are used to treat muscle pain or joint discomfort.
When applied to the skin, capsaicin causes an intense sensation of warmth that stimulates nerve cells. This heating effect of capsaicin reduces substance P in the body, which is a chemical messenger of pain.
The topical application of capsaicin is intended to temporarily relieve muscle and joint pain due to strains, sprains, or arthritis. It can also be used in the treatment of backaches. Capsaicin is used for pain and neuropathy in those who suffer from herpes zoster, or "shingles.".
Qutenza is a prescription-strength capsaicin topical applied by healthcare professionals for pain management purposes. Qutenza can be used to relieve nerve pain from herpes and to reduce nerve pain on the feet in patients with diabetic neuropathy.The capsaicin guide does not list all possible uses for the topical.
Side effects of Capsaicin topical
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue
If you experience severe blistering, burning, pain, or swelling of your skin after applying this medication, wash the area and seek medical help immediately.
The topical application of capsaicin can cause severe side effects. Call your doctor immediately if:
- Pain or swelling where the medication was applied.
- Loss of feeling
- Trouble breathing or swallowing after accidental inhalation (of dried capsaicin residue or odor)
Some of the most common side effects include burning or pain that may last several hours (especially if you are using capsaicin for the first time).
There may be other side effects.Call your healthcare provider immediately if any side effects appear; for reporting purposes call the FDA directly at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You should not use the topical capsaicin if your skin is allergic to peppers or you've ever experienced an allergic reaction.The burning sensation can occur wherever capsaicin is used. Wash the affected area of skin with cool, soapy water if you experience severe pain or redness.Seek medical help immediately if there is severe pain, blistering, swelling, or burning in your skin after applying this medication.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if the patient is allergic to capsaicin or chilli peppers.
If you've ever:
- Allergies (especially plants);
- A serious medical condition.
Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or nursing.Avoid applying capsaicin to the breasts if you're breastfeeding.This medicine should not be used on children under 18 without consulting a physician.
How to take Capsaicin topical?
Follow the instructions on the package or those prescribed by your physician.Qutenza can only be obtained from healthcare professionals, not available over-the-counter.Take it only by mouth. Topical medicines are only to be used on the skin.There are many different types of capsaicin, including creams, lotions, liquids, and patches. Please read and follow the instructions for use that come with your medication. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your pharmacist or doctor.Use capsaicin topically only on wounds that are not open or sunburned. Avoid using it on chapped or dry skin. Rinse with water if this medication gets into your eyes, nostrils, mouth, vagina, or rectum.
Before applying capsaicin, make sure that your skin is dry and clean.After handling or applying a topical patch of capsaicin, wash your hands immediately with soap and warm water. Wait at least 30 minutes before you wash your hands if the medication was applied to your fingers or hands to relieve pain.Use a cotton ball or a clean, dry tissue instead of putting the medicine directly on your finger.The burning sensation can occur wherever the capsaicin is applied. You may experience burning if you touch a surface that has been touched by the medication. The sensation should be mild and gradually diminish over time as you continue to use the medication.
Wash the affected area of skin with cool, soapy water if the sensation is severe or painful. Seek medical help immediately if there is severe pain, blistering, burning, or swelling.Covering the treated area with bandages or heating pads can increase the burning. Cover the treated skin with clothes.You should avoid taking a shower or bath within an hour of applying capsaicin. Avoid swimming and vigorous exercise. Capsaicin can be aggravated by warm water and perspiration.You should avoid getting the topical capsaicin near your nostrils or your eyes, where it could be inhaled. Rinse the area thoroughly with water if it gets into these areas.
Avoid getting the medicine on your contact lenses, dentures, or any other item that comes into contact with sensitive parts of your body.You may need to use this medication regularly for up to 2 weeks before you notice any improvement in your symptoms. To get the best result, use your medicine according to the instructions. As the amount of substance P decreases in nerve cells, pain relief will occur.If your pain persists after 7 days of using the medicine or your symptoms worsen or improve and return in a couple days, call your doctor.Capsaicin topical should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. It must also not be in an area where pets or children can reach it.The topical capsaicin liquid is highly flammable. Use or store away from open flames or fire.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for postherpetic neuralgia:
Qutenza (R): Apply up to four patches to dry, intact skin that is not irritated. Allow it to stay in place for at least 60 minutes.
Comments:
The treatment may not be repeated more than three times a year.
The patch must be applied under supervision by a doctor or a medical professional.
Treatment of postherpetic neuropathy
Adult dose for pain:
Salonpas (R)/Capsaicin (R)/Capzasin (R): Apply to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times a day.
Uses: To temporarily relieve minor muscle and joint pain associated with simple backaches and other minor injuries such as bruises and sprains.
Zostrix (R): Gently rub in a thin layer of the product on affected areas two to four times per day.
Comment: If the hands are not being treated immediately, they should be thoroughly washed with soap and warm water.
Uses: To temporarily relieve minor muscle and joint pain associated with strains and sprains.
Adult dose for diabetic nephropathy:
Qutenza (R): Apply up to four patches to dry, intact skin that is not irritated. Allow it to stay in place for at least 30 minutes.
Comments:
The treatment may not be repeated more than three times a year.
The patch must be applied under supervision by a doctor or a medical professional.
Treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy-associated neuropathic foot pain
Common paediatric doses for pain:
Salonpas(R)/Capsaicin(R):
Adolescents aged 12 and over: Do not apply more than three to four times per day to the affected area.
Uses: To temporarily relieve minor muscle and joint pains associated with backache, simple sprains and strains, bruises, and arthritis.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take the dose you missed.Unless it's almost time for the next dose, forget the missed one and take only what's due on time.Capsaicin should not be applied more than four times per day, or extra medication should be used to replace a missed dosage.The medicine will still work, but it may be less effective in reducing the substance P to relieve your pain.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care, particularly if someone has swallowed this substance accidentally.Capsaicin ingestion can result in severe burns around the mouth and eyes, a runny or watery nose, or difficulty swallowing. Capsaicin can be irritating to the skin if applied too heavily.
What should be avoided?
Inhaling dried capsaicin residue or the smell is not recommended. Capsaicin inhalation can lead to watery or red eyes and sneezing. It can also cause irritation of the throat or lungs.Do not touch your mouth, eyes, nose, genitals, or rectum before washing your hands. Avoid handling food while holding medication in your hands.Avoid exposure to sunlamps or tanning beds. Heat can compound the burning sensation caused by capsaicin. You should not apply other skin care products, such as pain relief lotions and creams, to areas where you've applied capsaicin unless you are told to by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Capsaicin applied topically is unlikely to be affected by other medications taken orally or intravenously.Many drugs interact. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you take, including prescription medicines and over-the-counter medications.
