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Qutenza (capsaicin) 8% patch contains capsaicin in a localized dermal delivery system. The capsaicin in Qutenza (capsaicin 8% patch) is a synthetic equivalent of the naturally occurring compound found in chili peppers. Capsaicin is soluble in alcohol, acetone, and ethyl acetate and very slightly soluble in water.

Qutenza (capsaicin 8% patch) is a single-use patch stored in a foil pouch. Each Qutenza (capsaicin 8% patch) patch is 14 cm x 20 cm (280 cm²) and consists of a polyester backing film coated with a drug-containing silicone adhesive mixture, and covered with a removable polyester release liner.

The backing film is imprinted with “capsaicin 8%”. Each Qutenza patch contains a total of 179 mg of capsaicin (8% in adhesive, 80 mg per gram of adhesive) or 640 micrograms (mcg) of capsaicin per square cm of patch.

The empirical formula is C₁₈H₂₇NO₃, with a molecular weight of 305.42. The chemical compound capsaicin [(E)-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide] is an activating ligand for transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1) and it has the following structure:

FIGURE 1: Structural Formula of Capsaicin

The patch contains the following inactive ingredients: diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, dimethicone, ethyl cellulose, polyester film, silicone adhesive and white ink.

Qutenza (capsaicin 8% patch) is supplied with a Cleansing Gel which is used to remove residual capsaicin from the skin after treatment. Cleansing Gel consists of the following ingredients: butylated hydroxyanisole, carbomer copolymer, edetate disodium, polyethylene glycol, purified water, and sodium hydroxide.

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/2/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.