Paice 2000.

Methods	Multicentre, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Generation of allocation sequence: unclear. Double blind: stated but no information about who were blinded. Withdrawal/dropouts: 12 participants (46%) dropped out before the end of 4 weeks period. Intention to treat analyses: no.
Participants	Study country: USA. Setting: two hospital‐based inpatients and outpatients. 26 participants with HIV‐related DSPN (distal symmetrical peripheral neuropathy) (15 in capsaicin group and 11 in placebo group). Diagnostic criteria not described.
Interventions	Experiment: Capsaicin (chili peppers of the Solanaceae) cream (0.075%), topical use, 4 times daily for 4 weeks; Control: Placebo (only vehicle of the cream), topically 4 times daily for 4 weeks. Co‐intervention: usual analgesic therapy in both arms.
Outcomes	Pain intensity, pain relief, sensory perception, quality of life, mood and function.
Notes	Containers were used for tested drug or placebo.
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Allocation concealment?	Unclear risk	B ‐ Unclear