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Icy Hot with Capsaicin

Generic name: capsaicin topical [kap-SAY-sin-TOP-i-kal]
Brand names: Aspercreme Warming Patch for Pain Relief, Capzasin Back and Body (HP), Capzasin P, Castiva Warming.

In the U.S., the Icy Hot PM Patch has been discontinued.If generic versions are approved, there may be equivalents.

What is Icy Hot with Capsaicin?

Capsaicin, the active ingredient that gives chili peppers their heat, is found in them. Capsaicin can be found in creams and lotions that are used to treat muscle pain or joint discomfort.When applied to the skin, capsaicin causes a sensation that is similar to heat. This sensation activates nerve cells. This heating effect of capsaicin reduces the amount in the body of substance P. Substance P is a chemical that acts as a messenger of pain.

This medicine is also used to treat nerve pain (a data-type="auto" href="https://www.drugs.com/condition/neuralgia.html">neuralgia/a>) in people who have had shingles or herpes zoster. This medicine can also be used to treat pain in people with herpes zoster, or "shingles."

Qutenza is a prescription-strength form of capsaicin topical that is applied by a healthcare professional. Qutenza can be used to treat pain from herpes and nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy), as well as nerve pain in feet in patients with diabetes.Icy Hot with Capsaicin can be used in other ways than those listed in the Icy Hot with Capsaicin Guide.

Side Effects of Icy Hot Capsaicin

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

If you experience severe blistering, burning, pain, or swelling of the skin after applying this medicine, wash the area and seek medical attention immediately.

Icy Hot with Capsaicin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Pain or skin rashes where the medicine has been applied.
  • Loss of feeling
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing after accidental inhalation (of dried residue or capsaicin smell)

Some of the most common side effects include pain and a burning sensation. These symptoms can last several hours or even days, especially after using capsaicin topically for the first time.There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

If you are allergic or have had an allergic reaction before to Icy Hot Capsaicin, do not use it.The burning sensation can occur wherever the capsaicin is applied. If you experience severe pain or redness on the skin, wash it with cool water and soap.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe blistering, burning, or pain where this medicine was applied.

Before you take this drug

This medicine should not be used if you're allergic to capsaicin or chili peppers.

Tell your doctor about any of the following:

  • Allergies (particularly to plants);
  • A serious medical condition.

Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or nursing.Do not apply Icy Hot with capsaicin to your breasts if you're breastfeeding.This medicine should not be used on anyone under 18 without consulting a doctor.

How to take Icy Hot with Capsaicin?

Follow the instructions on the label or those prescribed by your physician. Qutenza is only available from healthcare professionals and not over-the-counter.Take it only by mouth. Topical medicines are only to be used on the skin.Capsaicin comes in many different forms. It is available as a cream or lotion, a liquid, a skin patch, etc. Please read and follow the instructions for use that come with your medicine. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Icy Hot Capsaicin should not be used on wounds that are open or sunburned. It is also not recommended for skin that has been windburned or chapped. Rinse with water if this medicine enters your eyes, nose, or mouth.Before applying Icy Hot Capsaicin, make sure that your skin is dry and clean.After applying Icy Hot Capsaicin or after handling a topical patch of skin, wash your hands immediately with soap and warm water. Wait at least 30 minutes after applying the medicine to your fingers or hands to relieve pain.

Use a cotton ball or a clean tissue instead of putting the medicine directly on your finger.Capsaicin may cause a burning feeling wherever it is used. You may experience burning if you touch a surface that has been touched by the medicine. This feeling is mild and will gradually diminish with regular use.If you experience severe pain or discomfort from the burning sensation, wash the affected area of skin with cool, soapy water. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe pain, blistering, swelling, or burning.

Covering the treated skin with bandages or heating pads can increase the sensation of burning. Cover the skin with clothing.Avoid bathing or showering within an hour of applying capsaicin. Avoid swimming and vigorous exercise. Capsaicin can be aggravated by warm water or sweat.Avoid getting Icy Hot Capsaicin near your eyes or nose, where you could inhale the substance. If you do get it in any of these places, wash the area thoroughly with water.

Avoid getting this medication on dentures, contact lenses, and any other items that may come into contact with sensitive parts of your body.You may need to use this medication regularly for up to two weeks before you notice any improvement in your symptoms. To get the best results, use the medicine according to the instructions. As the substance P decreases in your nerve cells, you should experience pain relief.If your symptoms worsen or improve and return in a few weeks, call your doctor.Store Icy-Hot with Capsaicin away from moisture, heat, and children.Liquid Icy-Hot with Capsaicin is flammable. Use or store away from open flames or fire.

What happens if I miss the dose?

As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Capsaicin should not be applied more than four times a day. Do not use extra medicine or capsaicin to make up for a missed dosage.

Icy Hot Capsaicin missed doses will not harm you, but they may reduce the effectiveness of the medication by reducing substance P. This can help relieve your pain.

What happens if I overdose?

Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care, especially if someone has accidentally swallowed poison.

Capsaicin ingestion can cause burning around the mouth and eyes, a runny or watery nose, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.If you apply too much Icy Hot Capsaicin, it can cause serious burning or redness.

What should be avoided?

Inhale the dried residue or odor of topical capsaicin. Inhaling the odor or dried residue of capsaicin topical can cause coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes. It can also irritate your throat and lungs.Do not touch your eyes, nose, genitals, or rectum before washing your hands. Avoid handling food with the medicine still in your hand.

Avoid exposing the treated skin to sunlamps or tanning beds. Heat can exacerbate the burning sensation caused by capsaicin.You should not apply other skin care products that contain pain, such as creams and lotions, to the area where you applied capsaicin unless you are told to by your doctor.

Interaction with other drug

Capsaicin applied topically is unlikely to be affected by other drugs taken orally or injected. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.