Capsaicin Cream for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in the ER
Topical capsaicin cream provided modest pain relief for emergency department patients with suspected cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, with 42% needing no further treatment afterward.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Among 57 patients receiving capsaicin for suspected CHS, pain scores dropped from a median of 8 to 5.5, and nearly half required no additional symptomatic therapy after application.
Key Numbers
57 patients; pain score median 8 to 5.5; 98% received antiemetics; 47% received an opioid; 42% needed no further therapy after capsaicin; capsaicin applied at median 4 hours into visit
How They Did This
Retrospective chart review of 57 patients with suspected CHS who received capsaicin cream in an emergency department between July 2014 and October 2018.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is notoriously difficult to treat. Standard antiemetics often fail, and many patients receive opioids. A simple topical cream that provides relief could reduce reliance on more problematic medications.
The Bigger Picture
CHS has become increasingly common as cannabis use has risen. Finding effective non-opioid treatments for the severe abdominal pain it causes remains a clinical priority.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Retrospective design without a control group. Capsaicin was typically given after antiemetics and opioids, making it hard to isolate its independent effect.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would earlier capsaicin application produce better results?
- ?Could capsaicin reduce the need for opioids if given as a first-line treatment for CHS?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 42% needed no further therapy after capsaicin
- Evidence Grade:
- Retrospective chart review without a control group, and capsaicin was given after other treatments in most cases.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022
- Original Title:
- Use of Capsaicin Cream in Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department.
- Published In:
- The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 56(2), 151-154 (2022)
- Authors:
- Lee, Allison, Coralic, Zlatan
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03993
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
CHS is a condition in long-term cannabis users characterized by cyclical severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, often temporarily relieved by hot showers.
How does capsaicin cream help with CHS?
Applied topically to the abdomen, capsaicin cream reduced pain scores from a median of 8 to 5.5 in this study. The exact mechanism is unclear but may involve activating TRPV1 receptors, similar to the relief from hot showers.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03993APA
Lee, Allison; Coralic, Zlatan. (2022). Use of Capsaicin Cream in Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department.. The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 56(2), 151-154. https://doi.org/10.1177/10600280211018516
MLA
Lee, Allison, et al. "Use of Capsaicin Cream in Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department.." The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1177/10600280211018516
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Use of Capsaicin Cream in Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome i..." RTHC-03993. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/lee-2022-use-of-capsaicin-cream
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.