Capsin (Topical)

Generic name:capsaicin (topical route) [ kap-SAY-sin ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 20, 2021.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Arthricare For Women
• Capsagel
• Capsagesic-HP Arthritis Relief
• Capsin
• Double Cap
• Icy Hot Arthritis Therapy
• Pain Enz
• Rid-A-Pain
• Sportsmed
• Therapatch Warm
• Trixaicin
• Zostrix

Available Dosage Forms:

• Cream
• Lotion
• Patch, Extended Release
• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Analgesic

Uses for Capsin

Capsaicin is used to help relieve a certain type of pain known as neuralgia (shooting or burning pain in the nerves). Capsaicin is also used to help relieve minor pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis or muscle sprains and strains. Qutenza® patch is also used to treat nerve pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet. It will not cure any of these conditions.

Neuralgia is a pain that comes from the nerves near the surface of your skin. This pain may occur after an infection with herpes zoster (shingles or postherpetic neuralgia). Capsaicin will help relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia, but it will not cure the condition.

Qutenza® is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor. Zostrix® is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Capsin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of capsaicin in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of capsaicin in the elderly.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.