Capsaicin (Topical)
Brand Names : Zostrix, Zostrix-HP
Category- Analgesic, specific pain syndromes (topical)
- antineuralgic, specific pain syndromes (topical)
- antipruritic (topical)
DescriptionCapsaicin (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 NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
In Canada -
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