Capsaicin: A Therapeutic Option for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Authors

Karen M. Basha
Fred W. WhitehouseFollow

Abstract

Fifteen patients with diabetes mellitus who had painful diabetic neuropalhy (PDN) were enrolled in a double-blind study to test the safety and efficacy of capsaicin 0.075% (Axsain, Genderm, Northbrook, IL). Twelve of the 15 patients completed the eight-week sludy. Nine of the 12 patients reported symptomatic relief; of these nine, five used the drug and four used the vehicle. The three patients who reported no relief of symptoms applied the vehicle. Capsaicin is potentially effective when burning pain is a major symptom of PDN. The side effects of capsaicin were limited and minimal. This agent should be considered by clinicians for treatment of PDN.

Recommended Citation

Basha, Karen M. and Whitehouse, Fred W. (1991) "Capsaicin: A Therapeutic Option for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy," Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal : Vol. 39 : No. 2 , 138-140.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/hfhmedjournal/vol39/iss2/16