Capsaicin (Topical)

Brand Names : Zostrix, Zostrix-HP

Before Using This Medicine

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For capsaicin, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your health care professional if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to capsaicin or to the fruit of Capsicum plants (for example, hot peppers). Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy - Capsaicin has not been reported to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding - It is not known whether capsaicin passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children - Use is not recommended for infants and children up to 2 years of age, except as directed by your doctor. In children 2 years of age and older, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Older adults - Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of capsaicin in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of capsaicin. Make sure you tell your health care professional if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Broken or irritated skin on area to be treated with capsaicin