From the Guidelines
Capsaicin cream for hyperemesis should be applied 3-4 times daily to the affected areas, with a concentration of 0.025% to 0.075%, as this regimen has shown potential in alleviating symptoms, although evidence is limited 1. When using capsaicin cream for hyperemesis, it is essential to follow a consistent application schedule to maximize its benefits. The standard regimen involves applying a pea-sized amount of cream to the abdomen or wrist, rubbing it into the skin until fully absorbed.
- Treatment should continue as needed for symptom relief, with most patients potentially experiencing benefits within a variable timeframe, depending on individual response to the treatment.
- Before application, ensure the skin is clean and dry, and wash hands thoroughly afterward to avoid eye or mucous membrane irritation.
- Capsaicin works by depleting substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in nausea signaling pathways, and by potentially modulating gastric emptying.
- Some patients may experience a temporary burning sensation upon application, which typically diminishes with continued use.
- If skin irritation becomes severe or symptoms of hyperemesis don't improve after a trial period of regular application, consult your healthcare provider for alternative treatments, as other options like vitamin B6, doxylamine, ondansetron, metoclopramide, promethazine, and intravenous glucocorticoids may be considered 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions Adults and children 18 years of age and older: Apply a thin film of cream to affected area and gently rub in until fully absorbed. Unless treating hands, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after application. For best results, apply 3 to 4 times daily. The capsaicin cream should be applied 3 to 4 times daily for best results, however, the label does not specifically mention hyperemesis.
- The application frequency is general and not condition-specific.
- There is no direct information on treating hyperemesis with capsaicin cream 2
From the Research
Application Frequency of Capsaicin Cream for Hyperemesis
- The frequency of capsaicin cream application for hyperemesis is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, one study 4 mentions that topical 0.1% capsaicin cream was applied to the anterior abdomen in a uniform manner, but it does not specify the frequency of application.
- The study 4 found that the application of topical capsaicin cream was associated with a significant reduction in nausea at 60 minutes, but not at 30 minutes, and provided more complete relief of nausea.
- Another study 7 mentions that capsaicin was reported as effective for acute treatment of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, but it does not provide information on the frequency of application.
Treatment of Hyperemesis
- Other studies 3, 5, 6 discuss the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum with various medications, including ondansetron, metoclopramide, and pyridoxine-doxylamine, but do not mention capsaicin cream.
- The effectiveness of these medications varies, with some studies showing significant reductions in nausea and vomiting, while others show no difference between treatments 5, 6.
- The quality of evidence for the treatment of hyperemesis is generally low, and more research is needed to determine the most effective treatments 3.