Capsaicin
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kiran Singh, M.D. [2]
Disclaimer
WikiDoc MAKES NO GUARANTEE OF VALIDITY. WikiDoc is not a professional health care provider, nor is it a suitable replacement for a licensed healthcare provider. WikiDoc is intended to be an educational tool, not a tool for any form of healthcare delivery. The educational content on WikiDoc drug pages is based upon the FDA package insert, National Library of Medicine content and practice guidelines / consensus statements. WikiDoc does not promote the administration of any medication or device that is not consistent with its labeling. Please read our full disclaimer here.
NOTE: Most over the counter (OTC) are not reviewed and approved by the FDA. However, they may be marketed if they comply with applicable regulations and policies. FDA has not evaluated whether this product complies.
Overview
Capsaicin is a topical analgesic that is FDA approved for the treatment of for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains and sprains. Common adverse reactions include erythema, rash, pruritus, nausea.
Adult Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)
Indications
- For the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains and sprains
- For use in treating neuralgias, consult a physician
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)
Guideline-Supported Use
Indications and Dosage
- Arthritis - Pain: topical, apply thin film to the affected area 3 to 4 times per day.
- Musculoskeletal pain: topical, apply thin film to the affected area 3 to 4 times per day.
- Neuropathic pain, associated with postherpetic neuralgia: (patch) a single 60-minute application of up to 4 patches every 3 months as needed; do not apply more frequently than every 3 months
- Psoriasis: apply cream 6 times/day for 3 days, then 4 times/day
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Capsaicin in adult patients.
Pediatric Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric) in the drug label.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)
Guideline-Supported Use
- Safety and effectiveness of capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza(R)) not established in pediatric patients; consult a physician before using capsaicin cream on patients under 18 years of age
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Capsaicin in pediatric patients.
Contraindications
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin Contraindications in the drug label.
Warnings
For external use only.
Do not apply to wounds or to damaged or irritated skin.
When using this product
- You may experience a burning sensation which is normal and related to the way the product works. With regular use, this sensation generally disappears within several days.
- Do not get it on mucous membranes, into eyes, or on contract lenses. If this occurs, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.
- Do not apply immediately before or after activities such as bathing, swimming, sun bathing, or strenuous exercise.
- Do not apply heat to the treated areas immediately before or after use.
- Do not tightly wrap or bandage the treated area.
- Avoid inhaling airborne material from dried residue. This can result in coughing, sneezing, tearing, throat or respiratory irritation.
Stop use and ask a doctor if
- Condition worsens or does not improve after regular use.
- Blistering occurs.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing occurs.
- Severe burning persists.
Keep out of reach of children.
- If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
Adverse Reactions
Clinical Trials Experience
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin Clinical Trials Experience in the drug label.
Postmarketing Experience
Common
- Dermatologic: Application site erythema (63% ), application site pain (42% ), application site rash (6% ), pruritus,application Site (6% )
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea (5% )
- Respiratory: Nasopharyngitis (4% )
Serious
- Cardiovascular: Hypertension (2% )
Drug Interactions
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin Drug Interactions in the drug label.
Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category (FDA):
There is no FDA guidance on usage of Capsaicin in women who are pregnant.
Pregnancy Category (AUS):
There is no Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) guidance on usage of Capsaicin in women who are pregnant.
Labor and Delivery
There is no FDA guidance on use of Capsaicin during labor and delivery.
Nursing Mothers
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Capsaicin in women who are nursing.
Pediatric Use
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Capsaicin in pediatric settings.
Geriatic Use
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Capsaicin in geriatric settings.
Gender
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Capsaicin with respect to specific gender populations.
Race
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Capsaicin with respect to specific racial populations.
Renal Impairment
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Capsaicin in patients with renal impairment.
Hepatic Impairment
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Capsaicin in patients with hepatic impairment.
Females of Reproductive Potential and Males
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Capsaicin in women of reproductive potentials and males.
Immunocompromised Patients
There is no FDA guidance one the use of Capsaicin in patients who are immunocompromised.
Administration and Monitoring
Administration
Topical
Monitoring
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin Monitoring in the drug label.
IV Compatibility
There is limited information regarding the compatibility of Capsaicin and IV administrations.
Overdosage
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin overdosage. If you suspect drug poisoning or overdose, please contact the National Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) immediately.
Pharmacology
Template:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox entryTemplate:Chembox ECNumberTemplate:Chembox E numberTemplate:Chembox AppearanceTemplate:Chembox OdourTemplate:Chembox MeltingPtTemplate:Chembox BoilingPtTemplate:Chembox SolubilityInWaterTemplate:Chembox SolubilityTemplate:Chembox LambdaMaxTemplate:Chembox StructureTemplate:Chembox MainHazardsTemplate:Chembox RPhrasesTemplate:Chembox SPhrasesTemplate:Chembox NFPATemplate:Chembox Supplement| Template:Chembox header2 | Capsaicin | |
|---|---|
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
|
|
| ChEBI | |
| ChEMBL | |
| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 879: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 879: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
| KEGG | |
PubChem CID
|
|
| UNII | |
| |
| |
| Properties | |
| C18H27NO3 | |
| Molar mass | 305.42 g·mol−1 |
| Hazards | |
| Template:Chembox header2 | Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references | |
Mechanism of Action
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin Mechanism of Action in the drug label.
Structure
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin Structure in the drug label.
Pharmacodynamics
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin Pharmacodynamics in the drug label.
Pharmacokinetics
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin Pharmacokinetics in the drug label.
Nonclinical Toxicology
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin Nonclinical Toxicology in the drug label.
Clinical Studies
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin Clinical Studies in the drug label.
How Supplied
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin How Supplied in the drug label.
Storage
Store at 15° - 30°C (59° - 86°F)
Images
Drug Images
{{#ask: Page Name::Capsaicin |?Pill Name |?Drug Name |?Pill Ingred |?Pill Imprint |?Pill Dosage |?Pill Color |?Pill Shape |?Pill Size (mm) |?Pill Scoring |?NDC |?Drug Author |format=template |template=DrugPageImages |mainlabel=- |sort=Pill Name }}
Package and Label Display Panel
{{#ask: Label Page::Capsaicin |?Label Name |format=template |template=DrugLabelImages |mainlabel=- |sort=Label Page }}
Patient Counseling Information
- For persons under 18 years of age, ask a doctor before using.
- To avoid getting cream on hands use applicator pad to apply a thin film of cream to the affected area and gently rub in until fully absorbed. Discard applicator pad after use.
- For optimum relief, apply 3 to 4 times daily.
- Best results typically occur after 2 to 4 weeks of continuous use.
- Unless treating hands, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after use.
- See package insert for more information.
Precautions with Alcohol
Alcohol-Capsaicin interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.
Brand Names
ZOSTRIX
Look-Alike Drug Names
There is limited information regarding Capsaicin Look-Alike Drug Names in the drug label.
Drug Shortage Status
Price
References
The contents of this FDA label are provided by the National Library of Medicine.
{{#subobject:
|Label Page=Capsaicin |Label Name=Capsaicinfig.jpg
}}
{{#subobject:
|Label Page=Capsaicin |Label Name=Capsaicin ingredients and appearance.png
}}