Capsaicin for the Treatment of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
Capsaicin for the Treatment of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
This study aims to determine if capsaicin cream offers symptomatic relief to patients
 suffering from Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (condition that leads to repeated and severe
 bouts of vomiting).
Objectives:

 The purpose of this study is to determine if capsaicin cream offers symptomatic relief to
 patients suffering from Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. We hypothesize that the use of
 topical capsaicin may provide effective symptomatic relief more quickly than conventional
 anti-emetic therapy alone thereby decreasing costs for continued drug therapies, repeat
 laboratory testing, radiographic imaging, and specialist consults.

 Primary endpoint:

 Time to resolution of symptoms, clinical improvement in pain score as defined by visual
 analog score.

 Approach and methods:

 Patients presenting to the UVA Emergency Department with chief complaint of nausea and
 vomiting who endorse cannabinoid use via inhalation or consumption. Patients 18 years of age
 and older will be included in the study and patients who have another clear indication for
 nausea/vomiting or cyclic vomiting (infection, appendicitis, pain, etc.) will be excluded.
 Patients who are enrolled in the study will be randomized 1:1 to treatment vs. placebo. All
 patients will be allowed 1L of intravenous fluids and one to two standard anti-emetics. The
 Investigational Drug Services team at UVA will be involved in compounding the capsaicin
 treatment versus placebo and drug/placebo shall remain in place for at least 30 minutes.
 Clinical improvement will be scored based on visual analog score for pain and assessment at
 hourly increments until discharge or admission.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  At least 18 years old

 -  Diagnosis of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients who receive more than 2 anti-emetic therapies prior to screening for
 enrollment

 -  Patients who receive haloperidol as an anti-emetic therapy

 -  Pregnant women

 -  Prisoners