Capsaicin (Topical)

Brand Names : Zostrix, Zostrix-HP

Category

• Analgesic, specific pain syndromes (topical)
• antineuralgic, specific pain syndromes (topical)
• antipruritic (topical)

Description

Capsaicin (cap-SAY-sin) is used to help relieve a certain type of pain known as neuralgia (new-RAL-ja) . Capsaicin is also used to temporarily help relieve the pain from osteoarthritis (OS-te-o-ar-THRI-tis) or rheumatoid arthritis (ROO-ma-toid ar-THRI-tis) . This medicine will not cure any of these conditions.

Neuralgia is a pain from the nerves near the surface of your skin. This pain may occur after an infection with herpes zoster (shingles). It may also occur if you have diabetic neuropathy (di-a-BET-ick new-ROP-a-thee) . Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that occurs in some persons with diabetes. The condition causes tingling and pain in the feet and toes. Capsaicin will help relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy, but it will not cure diabetic neuropathy or diabetes.

Capsaicin may also be used for neuralgias or itching of the skin caused by other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Capsaicin is available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of this medicine.

Topical
• Cream (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S. -

• Zostrix
• Zostrix-HP

In Canada -

• Zostrix
• Zostrix-HP