Capsaicin, lidocaine, menthol, and methyl salicylate (topical)

Capsaicin, lidocaine, menthol, and methyl salicylate (topical) is a combination medicine used for temporary relief of muscle pain and soreness that may be related to arthritis, strains, backaches, or bruises.

Capsaicin, lidocaine, menthol, and methyl salicylate (topical) may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Do not use on open wounds or on broken or infected skin. If this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.

Wash your hands with soap and water right after applying this medicine.

This medicine can cause a burning feeling wherever it is applied. This feeling is usually mild and should get less intense over time with regular use of the medicine.

If the burning feeling is painful or causes a lot of discomfort, wash the treated skin area with soap and cool water. Get medical help right away if you have severe burning, pain, redness, or skin irritation.

Shake the lotion before each use.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or heating pad, which can make the burning feeling worse.

Call your doctor if your pain does not get better after using this medicine for 7 days, or if your symptoms worsen.

To keep this medicine from getting on your fingers when you apply it, you may use a rubber glove, finger cot, cotton ball, or clean tissue to apply the medicine.

Store the medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat, in a place where children and pets cannot reach it.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to aspirin, sulfa drugs, or PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid).

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to:

• aspirin;
• sulfa drugs; or
• sunscreen or other skin products that contain para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• sensitive skin;
• an allergy to chili peppers;
• a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia (in you or a family member);
• heart problems;
• breathing problems; or
• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you apply the medicine to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Do not use this medicine on a child without medical advice. Capsaicin, lidocaine, menthol, and methyl salicylate (topical) is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Wash the skin and get medical attention right away if you have severe burning, pain, swelling, or blistering of the skin where you applied this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• pale skin, blue-colored lips;
• headache, confusion; or
• rapid heartbeats.

Common side effects may include a mild burning sensation that can last for several hours or days, especially after your first use of this medicine.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Pain:

Capsaicin/lidocaine/menthol/methyl salicylate 0.025%-2.5%-10%-25% topical lotion:Apply topically not more than 4 times daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain:

Capsaicin/lidocaine/menthol/methyl salicylate 0.025%-2.5%-10%-25% topical lotion:12 years or older: Apply topically not more than 4 times daily.

Since capsaicin, lidocaine, menthol, and methyl salicylate is used as needed, you might not follow a set dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's nearly time for your next one, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Do not use capsaicin, lidocaine, menthol, and methyl salicylate more than 4 times in one day.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, especially if anyone has accidentally swallowed it.

Do not get this medicine in your eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, or rectum. If contact happens, rinse with water. Avoid touching these areas until the medicine has been washed off your hands.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with capsaicin, lidocaine, menthol, and methyl salicylate unless your doctor tells you to.

Medicine applied to the skin is not likely to be influenced by other medications you take. However, many medications can interact with one another. Inform all your healthcare providers about every medicine you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products.