Drug Class Description
Topical analgesics.Drug Description
Capsaicin 0.025% w/wPresentation
Cream for topical applicationIndications
For the symptomatic relief of pain associated with osteoarthritis.Adult Dosage
Adults and the elderly:
For topical administration to unbroken skin. Apply only a small amount of cream (pea size) to affected area 4 times daily. These applications should be evenly spaced throughout the waking hours and not more often than every 4 hours. The cream should be gently rubbed in, there should be no residue left on the surface. Hands should be washed immediately after application of Zacin unless hands and fingers are being treated. Zacin should not be applied near the eyes. Pain relief usually begins within the first week of treatment and increases with continuing regular application for the next two to eight weeks.
Child Dosage
Not recommended.Contra Indications
Zacin cream is contra-indicated on broken or irritated skin.
Zacin Cream is contra-indicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to capsaicin or any of the excipients used in this product.
Special Precautions
Skin irritation has been reported following application of Zacin. The hands should be washed immediately after application of the cream, unless the hands are the treated areas, in which case, they should be washed 30 minutes after application
Patients should avoid taking a hot bath or shower just before or after applying Zacin, as it can enhance the burning sensation.
Patients and carers should avoid inhalation of vapours from the cream, as transient irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract (including exacerbation of asthma) has been reported.
Keep Zacin away from the eyes.
Medical advice should be sought if the condition worsens, or clears up then recurs.
Tight bandages should not be applied on top of Zacin cream.
Interactions
Not applicable.Adverse Reactions
Zacin may cause skin irritation or transient burning on application. This burning is observed more frequently when application schedules of less than 4 times daily are utilised. The burning can be enhanced if too much cream is used and if it is applied just before or after a bath or shower.
Irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract (such as nasal and throat irritation) on application of Zacin cream has been reported rarely, resulting in symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and runny eyes. These events are usually mild and self-limiting. There have been a few reports of dyspnoea, wheezing and exacerbation of asthma.
Manufacturer
Cephalon LimitedDrug Availability
(POM)Updated
11 November 2011