Case series: treating cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome with capsaicin cream

3 out of 5 stars Resolution of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome with topical capsaicin in the emergency department: a case series. Dezieck L et al. Clin Toxicol 2017 Sep;55:908-913. Abstract  Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a form of cyclic vomiting characterized by: chronic marijuana use recurrent vomiting, and lack of alternate explanation for symptoms A striking feature is that although CHS-induced nausea and vomiting are frequently resistant to standard antiemetics such as ondansetron, patients often report that very hot showers or baths relieve their symptoms. Several years ago, Jeff Lapoint noticed that the transient receptor potential vanillin 1 (TRPV1) receptor was activated by exposure to temperatures above 109oF. In addition, he realized that capsaicin (the chemical that makes hot peppers hot) also activated TRPV1, and had the brilliant insight that applying capsaicin cream topically might alleviate symptoms of CHS. Subsequent studies have established that he was correct. This paper provides further support for this therapy. The authors conducted a retrospective chart review at 2 large hospitals to identify patients treated with capsaicin cream in their emergency departments during the years 2015 and 2016 who also had a history consistent with CHS. In most cases, the cream was applied to the abdomen. The authors point out that the abdomen is advantageous because it has a large surface area, is not immediately adjacent to sensitive mucous membranes, and may...
Source: The Poison Review - Category: Toxicology Authors: Tags: Medical cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome capsaicin treatment TRPV1 receptor Source Type: news