Indications
Topicacin is indicated for the symptomatic relief of pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Although researchers don't fully understand exactly how Capsaicin works, current evidence suggests it relieves pain by depleting Substance P in peripheral sensory neurons and preventing it from building back up. Substance P is thought to be the main chemical messenger that carries pain signals from the periphery to the central nervous system. How much Capsaicin is absorbed after topical application is unknown. Capsicum fruit contains roughly 1% Capsaicin, so a 50 kg person's dietary intake of Capsaicin may range from 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day. Applying 90 g of 0.025% Capsaicin cream each week works out to a topical exposure of 3.21 mg/day. Assuming 100% absorption in a 50 kg person, that amounts to a daily exposure of 0.064 mg/kg, which is roughly one eighth of the dietary intake described above.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There isn't enough evidence in humans or animals to confirm that Capsaicin is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. That said, only a very small amount is absorbed through the skin from Capsaicin cream, so it is unlikely to cause harm to humans.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.