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Capsaicin
Aka: Capsaicin, Zostrix
- Indications
- Postherpetic Neuralgia
- Mechanism
- Derived from jalapeno peppers
- Depletes Substance P from pain fibers
- Requires frequent and repeat applications for affect
- Inconsistent use not effective
- Dose: Capsaicin Cream (OTC)
- Apply Capsaicin cream (0,025% to 0.075%) to affected area 3-5 times daily
- Dose: Capsaicin Patch (high dose - 8%)
- Applied in office
- Pre-treat area by applying 4% Lidocaine cream for 60 minutes
- Check area for anesthesia following application
- Apply Capsaicin 8% cream with gloves and leave on for 60 minutes
- Wash off after 1 hour
- Adverse effects
- Burning sensation on initial application
- Increased pain for up to first week of application
- Precautions
- Wash hands thoroughly after Capsaicin application