Magnesium-aluminum hydroxide suspension for the treatment of dermal capsaicin exposures.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether magnesium-aluminum-hydroxide-simethicone suspension (MgAl) is an effective treatment for dermal capsaicin exposures.


METHODS
The authors performed a double-blind, randomized, controlled, pilot study comparing the effect of MgAl with that of saline in the treatment of dermal capsaicin exposures. Ten volunteers were sprayed with a commercial defensive spray containing 10% capsaicin on the flexor surface of both forearms. A dressing embedded with MgAl (Maalox) suspension was randomly applied to one arm and a saline-embedded dressing was applied to the other arm. Pain was assessed on a 10-cm visual analog scale at 0, 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes.


RESULTS
Mean pain scores were significantly lower in the MgAl group as compared with the saline (S) group at 10, 20, and 30 minutes. Differences in pain scores were not statistically significant at times 60, 90, and 120 minutes.


CONCLUSIONS
During the initial 30 minutes of treatment, there was a statistically significant decrease in pain scores with MgAl as compared with saline treatments. Although the difference in means may have questionable clinical significance, MgAl is cheap and readily available, and has minimal side effects. Thus, MgAl may be an appropriate treatment for dermal capsaicin exposure.
Lee
David C
DC
Department of Emergency Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA. dlee@nshs.edu
Ryan
James R
JR
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010146:Pain / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013535:Suspensions; D013995:Time; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004338:Drug Combinations; D013535:Suspensions; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide; D008274:Magnesium; D002211:Capsaicin