From the Guidelines
Intravenous (IV) capsaicin is not available as an approved medical treatment. Capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers that creates a burning sensation, is primarily used in topical formulations such as creams, patches, and gels for pain management. These topical applications work by depleting substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in pain signaling. While researchers have studied injectable capsaicin in experimental settings, there is no FDA-approved IV capsaicin product for clinical use. The reason for this limitation relates to safety concerns, as IV administration of capsaicin could potentially cause severe systemic reactions including intense burning sensations, cardiovascular effects, and respiratory issues.
According to the most recent study 1, topical capsaicin has been used for pain management, including mild-to-moderate pain associated with OA of the knee. The study suggests that capsaicin may need to be used continuously for 2 to 4 weeks before a therapeutic effect is experienced. However, there is no mention of IV capsaicin in this study or any other studies provided 1.
The studies provided focus on the use of topical capsaicin for pain management, including its use in patients with HIV-associated peripheral neuropathic pain 1 and neuropathic pain 1. These studies demonstrate the efficacy and safety of topical capsaicin in reducing pain, but do not support the use of IV capsaicin.
Patients seeking pain management with capsaicin should use the available topical formulations as directed by their healthcare provider, which provide localized relief without the risks associated with systemic administration. The use of topical capsaicin is recommended over IV capsaicin due to its proven safety and efficacy in reducing pain. Key points to consider when using topical capsaicin include:
- Starting with a low concentration and gradually increasing as needed
- Applying the topical formulation as directed by the healthcare provider
- Avoiding contact with eyes and genitalia
- Washing hands thoroughly after application
- Monitoring for adverse events such as burning or stinging at the application site.
From the Research
IV Capsaicin
- There is no direct mention of IV capsaicin in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily discuss the use of capsaicin in topical formulations, such as creams, gels, and patches, for the treatment of neuropathic pain and other conditions 3, 4, 6.
- Some studies mention the use of high-concentration capsaicin patches, which are applied directly to the skin, but do not discuss IV administration 3, 6.
- One study mentions the development of injectable formulations containing capsaicin, but it is unclear if this refers to IV administration 5.
- Overall, there is limited information available on the use of IV capsaicin, and further research would be needed to determine its safety and efficacy.