Capsaicin and Zyclara Topical

• Generic Name: capsaicin topical
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Capsicum Oleoresin, Capsin, Capzasin Back and Body, Capzasin-HP, Capzasin-P, Castiva Warming, Icy Hot PM, Icy Hot with Capsaicin, Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin, Qutenza, Salonpas Gel-Patch, Salonpas Pain Patch with Capsaicin, Sloan's Liniment, Trixaicin, Zostrix, Capzasin-P, Theragen HP, Zostrix Arthritis Pain Relief, Zostrix Foot Pain Relief, Zostrix HP

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot. Capsaicin is used in medicated creams and lotions to relieve muscle or joint pain.

Capsaicin used on the body causes a sensation of heat that activates certain nerve cells. With regular use of capsaicin, this heating effect reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that acts as a pain messenger in the body.

Capsaicin topical is used for temporary relief of muscle or joint pain caused by strains, sprains, arthritis, bruising, or backaches. Capsaicin topical is also used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) in people who have had herpes zoster, or "shingles."

Capsaicin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: imiquimod topical
• Dosage Forms: cream
• Other Brand Names: Zyclara, Aldara, Zyclara Pump

Imiquimod topical is used to treat external warts around the genital and rectal areas called condyloma acuminatum. It is not used on warts inside the vagina, penis, or rectum. Imiquimod is also used to treat a skin condition of the face and scalp called actinic keratosis (AK), which is caused by too much sun exposure. Imiquimod may be used to treat certain types of skin cancer called superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC).

Imiquimod works on the immune system to help the body fight viruses that cause warts. It does not destroy the viruses directly. It is not known how imiquimod works for actinic keratosis or skin cancer.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.