Capsaicin
- Drugs List
- Therapeutic Indications
- Dosage
- Contraindications
- Precautions and Warnings
- Pregnancy and Lactation
- Side Effects
- Monograph
Presentation
Topical cream containing capsaicin 0.075% w/w
Drugs List
Therapeutic Indications
Uses
Management of symptoms of painful diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy
Symptomatic relief of post-herpetic neuralgia after lesions have healed
Dosage
Adults
Postherpetic neuralgia
To be applied sparingly (pea size amount of cream) to the affected area up to 3 to 4 times a day. Space applications evenly during the waking hours and do not apply more frequently than every four hours.
Diabetic Peripheral Polyneuropathy
Treatment should only be initiated under the supervision of a hospital consultant.
Apply sparingly 3 to 4 times daily (not more often than every 4 hours). There is no evidence of efficacy for treatment periods of longer than 8 weeks, therefore initial treatment should not exceed 8 weeks and should be monitored closely. If further treatment is considered necessary full clinical assessment and continued monitoring are recommended by the supervising consultant.
Contraindications
Children under 18 years
Precautions and Warnings
Breastfeeding
Contains benzyl alcohol
Contains cetyl alcohol - may cause local skin reactions
Advise patient to wash hands after use
Avoid application before or after a bath or shower
Avoid broken or inflamed skin
Avoid contact with eyes
May cause transient burning particularly if applied more than 4 times a day
Tight bandages should not be used
Use sparingly
Advise patient residue on clothing/bedding may cause fire hazard
Avoid inhalation of vapours from the product
Fire hazard: Keep away from naked flames and potential sources of ignition
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy
Capsaicin cream is considered safe for use during pregnancy.
Although the manufacturer states that safety during pregnancy is not established, given the small amount absorbed following topical administration, it is unlikely that capsaicin will cause any adverse effects.
Lactation
Use capsaicin cream with caution during breastfeeding.
The manufacturer advises caution if capsaicin cream is used when breastfeeding. The safety of capsaicin cream during lactation has not been established. However, it is unlikely that capsaicin will cause any adverse effects in humans.
Capsaicin cream should not be applied to the breast or other areas where there may be direct contact with the infant's skin as this may cause severe pain to the infant.
Side Effects
Cough
Dyspnoea
Exacerbation of pre-existing asthma
Eye irritation
Irritation of respiratory tract
Nasal irritation
Skin irritation
Sneezing
Throat irritation
Transient burning
Wheezing
Overdosage
It is strongly recommended that the UK National Poisons Information Service be consulted on cases of suspected or actual overdose where there is doubt over the degree of risk or about appropriate management.
The following number will direct the caller to the relevant local centre (0844) 892 0111
Information may be obtained if you have access to ToxBase the primary clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service. This is available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).
Further Information
Last Full Review Date: July 2021
Reference Sources
Summary of Product Characteristics: Axsain Cream. Cephalon UK Ltd. Revised November 2020.
US National Library of Medicine. Toxicology Data Network. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed).
Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
Capsaicin. Last revised: 17 May 2021
Last accessed: 26 July 2021
Medscape UK | Univadis prescription drug monographs & interactions are based on FDB Multilex Content
FDB Disclaimer : FDB Multilex is intended for the use of healthcare professionals and is provided on the basis that the healthcare professionals will retain FULL and SOLE responsibility for deciding what treatment to prescribe or dispense for any particular patient or circumstance.