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TRPV1 Agonist (Nasal Desensitisation Agent)

Capsaicin Nasal Spray

Brand names: Rhinopasic (0.1 mmol/L)

Capsaicin nasal spray is a topical intranasal preparation used for idiopathic (non-allergic) rhinitis, where it can reduce nasal hyperreactivity and obstruction unresponsive to standard therapies.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Capsaicin acts on TRPV1 receptors on nasal sensory nerves, causing initial stimulation followed by desensitisation of the nociceptive nerves that drive non-allergic nasal hyperreactivity.

Prescribing in practice

  • Application causes intense but transient nasal and ocular burning, stinging and rhinorrhoea, so patients must be warned and local anaesthetic pretreatment is sometimes used; it should be kept away from the eyes.
  • It targets non-allergic rhinitis and is not a treatment for allergic rhinitis or infective sinonasal disease.
  • Treatment is given as a short course of repeated applications, after which benefit may persist for a period before retreatment is considered.

Monitoring

Assess symptomatic response in non-allergic rhinitis and tolerability of the application; no laboratory monitoring is needed.

Counselling the patient

  • Expect strong burning and a runny nose for a short time after each dose.
  • Avoid touching your eyes and wash hands after use.
  • Benefit may last for a period before another course is needed.

Evidence & guidelines

Intranasal capsaicin has trial support as a treatment option for idiopathic non-allergic rhinitis, though it remains a specialist-directed therapy.

Reference: Fokkens et al. EPOS 2020; Bernstein et al. Laryngoscope 2011; MHRA SPC Rhinopasic 2023; Baudoin et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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