capsaicin/menthol topical (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Capzasin Quick Relief

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

topical gel

  • 0.025%/10%

Analgesia for Minor Muscle/Joint Pain

Apply topically to affected area TID/QID for 3-4 consecutive weeks and evaluate efficacy; not to exceed 4 applications/day

Wash hands and avoid touching eyes after applying

Apply patch to affected area

Safety and efficacy not established

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Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Capsaicin causes transient increased pain at application site (substance P release)

Stinging/burning/tingling sensation of skin

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Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Cautions

Topical use only

Avoid eyes and mucous membranes

Do not apply to face or scalp

Do not apply to broken skin

Treated area may be sensitive to heat for several days (eg, hot water, direct sunlight, vigorous exercise)

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Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk; do not apply to nipple or areola

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of healthcare professional before using OTC drugs

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

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Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Capsaicin: Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) agonist; topical application causes initial TRPV1 stimulation that may cause transient pain, followed by pain relief by reduction in TRPV1-expressing nociceptive nerve endings

Menthol: Local anesthesia

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Images

No images available for this drug.
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Patient Handout

A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.