Zostrix Cream is a topical cream that is used to treat painful joints. It does this by using the active ingredient capsaicin, a compound that is derived from capsicum pepper. Capsaicin reduces the sensation of pain in the joints by lowering body temperature and it achieves this by stimulating the cooling centre of the hypothalamus in the brain. There is a pain transmitting chemical known as 'substance P' that plays a role in the transmission of pain impulses to the brain and it is this substance P that conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis release into the joints, activating other compounds. When applied to the surface of the skin, Zostrix Cream works by reducing the amount of substance P in the treated area.

Lightly massage a small quantity into the skin around the affected joint four times a day. These applications should be evenly spaced throughout the waking hours and not more often than every 4 hours. A blob just about big enough to cover your little fingernail is about right for a knee joint; less for smaller joints like fingers or a wrist. The cream should be gently rubbed in, there should be no residue left on the surface. You may notice a tingling or burning sensation after the cream has been applied, which is quite normal particularly in the early stages of treatment. This is a sign that the cream is working and over the first few days or weeks this effect will gradually reduce. This burning can be worse if the medicine is applied less than the recommended four times daily.

After applying Zostrix cream wash the residue off your fingers, unless you are actually treating arthritic hand joints.

Zostrix Cream contains Capsaicin 0.025% (Zostrix Cream) or 0.075% (Zostrix HP Cream)

Zostrix also contains purified water, sorbitol solution, isopropyl myristate, cetyl alcohol, white soft paraffin, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate and benzyl alcohol.

Zostrix Cream is for external use only and contact with eyes or broken skin should be avoided. If contact with eyes or broken skin should accidentally occur then quickly wash the affected area thoroughly with plenty of soap and water. Do not tightly bandage an area treated with Zostrix Cream.

Zostrix Cream may cause a brief burning feeling when applied. This burning is more common when:

• the cream is used less than 3-4 times a day, or
• too much cream is used, or
• if the cream is applied just before or after a bath or shower.