I’m going to finish off the week with some random things I’ve come across over the previous few months. I occasionally see some capsaicin(creams, gels etc.) products used from time to time for the treatment of pain. I also frequently see as needed orders for this medication. This medication applied topically is recommended to be used 3-4 times per day to affected area with best results occurring 2-4 weeks after continued use(per Lexicomp). This repeated application causes the depletion of substance P (a chemomediator involved in pain impulses). So clinically what does this mean? This medication most likely will not work without that consistent administration so an as needed order as I’ve seen probably dozens of times will most likely be ineffective and hence time, effort, and money potentially wasted due to the drug not be utilized appropriately.
Pain and Capsaicin Products
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Written By Eric Christianson
November 8, 2013
Study Materials For Pharmacists
Hi. I think that topical use of capsaicin can also produce hyperaemia and thus decontract muscles that are spasming. I’ve seen it work many times in patients (eg back pain, neck pain) even overnight.