capsaicin at a glance
Medicine class
Topical analgesic acting on pain-sensing nerves
Main role
Local treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain
Where to apply
Only to intact, non-irritated skin
Patch administration
Applied in a clinical setting by, or under the supervision of, a doctor
What is capsaicin used for?
Selected products are licensed for:
Peripheral neuropathic pain in adults: the patch may be used alone or with other pain treatments.
Post-herpetic neuralgia after open shingles lesions have healed: the cream provides symptom relief.
Painful diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy: the cream provides symptom relief.
How does capsaicin work?
Capsaicin activates TRPV1 receptors on pain-sensing nerves, initially causing heat, burning or redness. Continued exposure temporarily makes these nerve endings less responsive to painful stimuli, reducing local pain signalling. This effect is reversible.
capsaicin preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 0.025% w/w, 0.075% w/w
How to take capsaicin
Capsaicin is for use on the skin, not for swallowing. Follow the instructions for your formulation.
Rub cream gently into intact skin until no visible residue remains. Wash your hands afterwards unless they are being treated.
Keep cream away from the eyes, mouth, nose and other mucous membranes. Do not cover it with a tight bandage.
Hot baths or showers around application can intensify burning.
A healthcare professional must apply and remove the patch using protective equipment, then cleanse the treated skin.
capsaicin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Burning, stinging, pain, redness or itching at the application site
- Patch-site swelling, small raised areas, blisters or dryness
- Temporary blood-pressure increase during or shortly after patch treatment
- Cough or nausea with the patch
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe patch-site pain or a suspected skin burn
- Shortness of breath, wheezing or worsening asthma
- Persistent or worsening loss of sensation in the treated area
- Significant accidental exposure involving the eyes, mucous membranes or airways
capsaicin in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited. Absorption into the body through the skin is expected to be low, but the patch should be prescribed cautiously and the cream's safety has not been established. Discuss the formulation and treatment need with the prescriber if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
capsaicin while breastfeeding
Advice differs by formulation. Breastfeeding should be discontinued during patch treatment because infant risk cannot be excluded. Safety information for the cream is limited despite low expected skin absorption. Ask the prescriber before use.
capsaicin interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed for these products. Absorption into the body from the patch is low and temporary, but clinicians should review other treatments and products used on the same skin area.
Common questions about capsaicin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can capsaicin be used on an active shingles rash?
No. The cream is licensed for post-herpetic neuralgia only after open lesions have healed, and both formulations require intact skin.
Can I apply a capsaicin patch myself?
No. A doctor or healthcare professional under medical supervision must apply it.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.