Topical capsaicin is used to treat minor pain in muscles and joints brought on by sprains, cramps, bruises, arthritis, backaches, and muscular strains. Chili peppers contain a compound called capsaicin. It functions by influencing the pain-related nerve cells in the skin, which causes a decrease in their activity and a corresponding reduction in the perception of pain.

Capsaicin is available as topical solutions for the skin in a variety of strengths as an ointment, cream, gel, oil, and topical solution. Topical capsaicin is typically applied as needed, according to the directions on the product label or as prescribed by your physician. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on the packaging that you do not understand, and carefully follow them. Apply topical capsaicin as instructed. Use it just as instructed by the instructions on the package. Do not use more or less of it or use it more frequently.

Apply a tiny amount of ointment, lotion, oil, or topical solution to the affected region of skin and gently rub it in to utilize topical capsaicin. Do not put topical capsaicin into skin creases.

Topical capsaicin should not be used on skin that is harmed, cut, diseased, or covered in a rash. Avoid bandaging or wrapping the treated area.

Only the skin should be used to apply this medication. Avoid getting topical capsaicin in your mouth, nose, or eyes, and avoid swallowing it.

To get any medication off your hands that may have gotten on them, wash them with soap and water. Wait 30 minutes before washing your hands if you’ve just applied topical capsaicin to your hands. Till your hands are clean, avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Avoid utilizing direct heat sources like electric blankets, hair dryers, heating pads, and heat lamps on the treated region while using topical capsaicin. Using topical capsaicin right before or right after having a shower, bath, swimming, or engaging in strenuous exercise is not advised.

If your pain intensifies, gets better and then gets worse, lasts more than seven days, stop using topical capsaicin and make an appointment with your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before using topical capsaicin,

• If you have allergies to capsaicin, any other drugs, chili peppers, or any of the other substances in topical capsaicin, let your doctor and pharmacist know right once. Get a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are now taking or intend to use. Transdermal patches containing diclofenac (Flector), nicotine (Nicoderm, Nicotrol), rivastigmine (Exelon), rotigotine (Neupro), or other topical analgesics should be mentioned.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are already nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you get pregnant while using topical capsaicin.
• Have a strategy to wear sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and prevent unnecessary or prolonged sun exposure. Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight if you apply topical capsaicin.
• You should be aware that topical capsaicin may produce burning at the application site, which typically goes away after a few days. If there is significant burning at the application site, stop using topical capsaicin and contact your doctor right once.
• You should be aware that topical capsaicin might irritate the throat or respiratory system and cause coughing, sneezing, tears, and other symptoms if breathed. Avoid breathing in any dried residue from the area where you applied topical capsaicin.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

Usual dosage for this drug is as needed. Apply the missing dose as soon as you remember it if your doctor has prescribed topical capsaicin on a regular basis. Skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular dosing plan, nevertheless, if it is almost time for the subsequent dose. To make up for a missing dose, avoid applying a second one.

Side effects from topical capsaicin are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Burning at the site of the capsaicin application
• Inflammation, itchiness, or irritability where capsaicin was applied
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Throat discomfort

Certain adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these signs or symptoms:

• Inflammation, discomfort, or blistering where capsaicin was applied
• Eye stinging or discomfort

Further negative effects from topical capsaicin are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone if you have a serious side event.

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from light, excessive heat, and moisture at room temperature.

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilizing a medicine take-back program is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programs in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back program, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Moreover, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Any inquiries regarding topical capsaicin should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.