Generic name: Capsaicin in Lidocaine Cream [ kap-SAY-uh-sin-& LYE-doh-kane ]
Brand names: Axsain, Zostrix
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 8, 2024.

Uses of Capsaicin in Lidocaine Cream:

• It is used to help diabetic nerve pain.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Capsaicin in Lidocaine Cream?

For all patients taking capsaicin in lidocaine cream:

• If you have an allergy to capsaicin, local anesthetics, or any other part of capsaicin in lidocaine cream.
• If you are allergic to capsaicin in lidocaine cream; any part of capsaicin in lidocaine cream; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If your skin is damaged or has open wounds. Do not put on damaged skin or open wounds.
• If a large area needs to be treated.

Children:

• If your child is younger than 10 years of age. Do not give capsaicin in lidocaine cream to a child younger than 10 years of age.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with capsaicin in lidocaine cream.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take capsaicin in lidocaine cream with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Capsaicin in Lidocaine Cream?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take capsaicin in lidocaine cream. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings) unless told to do so by the doctor.
• Do not use right before or after a bath, shower, or heavy exercise.
• Avoid using a heating pad or other heating devices on the treated area.
• Do not breathe in capsaicin in lidocaine cream after it has dried. May cause nose or throat irritation.
• Take capsaicin in lidocaine cream off of the skin if very bad burning or itching happens.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If capsaicin in lidocaine cream is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using capsaicin in lidocaine cream while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Capsaicin in Lidocaine Cream) best taken?

Use capsaicin in lidocaine cream as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take capsaicin in lidocaine cream by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Do not put on the genitals.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Put on by using the pads that come with capsaicin in lidocaine cream. Throw away pad after use.
• Wash hands after use.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, mouth, genitals, irritated skin, or contact lenses after you use capsaicin in lidocaine cream. Some drug may stay on your hand even after washing.
• If you get capsaicin in lidocaine cream in any of these areas, rinse well with water.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

acetaminophen, gabapentin, duloxetine, tramadol, cyclobenzaprine, naproxen, pregabalin, oxycodone, Tylenol

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad burning or burning that does not go away.

What are some other side effects of Capsaicin in Lidocaine Cream?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Burning.
• Stinging.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Capsaicin in Lidocaine Cream?

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about capsaicin in lidocaine cream, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Does Qutenza contain red chili peppers?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer