Capsaicin

Mechanism-of-action class: Neurotransmitter Transporter Interactions.

• Uses Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains of muscles and joints due to: • simple backache • arthritis • strains • sprains

Directions Adults and children 18 years of age and older: Apply a thin film of cream to affected area and gently rub in until fully absorbed unless treating hands. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after application for best results. Apply 3 to 4 times daily. Children under 18 years : Ask a doctor

For external use only Read all warnings and directions before use. Test first on small area of skin. Do not use • On wounds or damaged skin • If you are allergic to capsicum or chili peppers Whe n us ing this product • You may experience a burning sensation. The intensity of this reaction varies among individuals and may be severe. With regular use, this sensation generally disappears after several days. • Avoid contact with the eyes, lips, nose and mucous membranes • Do not tightly wrap or bandage the treated area • Do not apply heat to the treated area immediately before or after use Stop use and as k a doctor if • Condition worsens or does not improve after regular use • Severe burning persists or blistering occurs Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

• Nov 16, 2009NDANDA022395Averitas

1. 1Application Site Pain51814%
2. 2Pain48713%
3. 3Drug Ineffective41311%
4. 4Burning Sensation3408.9%
5. 5Pain In Extremity2546.6%
6. 6Fatigue2296.0%
7. 7Off Label Use1704.4%
8. 8Application Site Erythema1473.8%
9. 9Dyspnoea1333.5%
10. 10Nausea1283.3%
11. 11Insomnia1193.1%
12. 12Fall1183.1%
13. 13Weight Increased1112.9%
14. 14Arthralgia1092.9%
15. 15Dizziness1082.8%

Recent PubMed references pinned to Capsaicin as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

• Identification of potential key genes that respond to capsaicin treatment in ER-positive breast cancer: An integrated analysis.
  PloS one · 2026 · Zheng L, Li W, Wang B, et al.
  PMID 42234642DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0350841
• Dietary Capsiate-Producing Chili Pepper Promotes Somatic and Femoral Growth and Modulates Intestinal Immunometabolic Responses in Mice.
  Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026 · Gutiérrez-Chávez DV, Arellano-Ordoñez E, Feregrino-Pérez AA, et al.
  PMID 42197234DOI 10.3390/molecules31101679
• Attenuation of Adaptive Thermogenesis by a Culinary Dose of Red Pepper During 24-Hour Negative Energy Balance.
  Nutrition reviews · 2026 · Ludy MJ, Moore GE, Mattes RD, et al.
  PMID 42186269DOI 10.1093/nutrit/nuaf300
• Dietary capsaicin attenuates aortic dissection by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarisation and modulating the gut microbiota.
  Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · 2026 · Lan W, Yang H, Liu W, et al.
  PMID 42102790DOI 10.1016/j.phymed.2026.158269
• CaHAT5, an HD-ZIP transcription factor, positively regulates capsaicinoid biosynthesis during pepper fruit development.
  Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology · 2026 · Li M, Li J, Bai Y, et al.
  PMID 42092700DOI 10.1016/j.plantsci.2026.113189
• Recent Progress on Capsaicin- and Nonivamide-Type Compounds as Agrochemicals and Drugs.
  Journal of agricultural and food chemistry · 2026 · Wen H, Lv M, Xu H, et al.
  PMID 42080490DOI 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c11580
• Capsaicin ameliorates glycemic levels via gut microbiota-derived 5-aminolevulinic acid in mice.
  Microbiome · 2026 · Fang Q, Huang S, Zhang C, et al.
  PMID 42067917DOI 10.1186/s40168-026-02415-8
• Rigid Benzene Ring Substitution of Capsaicin's Double Bond: Synthesis of TRPV1 Agonist with Anti-fatigue Efficacy.
  Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin · 2026 · Wu YF, Zeng XF, Shen ZW, et al.
  PMID 42055700DOI 10.1248/cpb.c26-00013

The 10 most recently updated of 291 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Capsaicin as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.

• Human Experimental Models of Pain (HEMP)
  Not yet recruiting · Interventional · 25 enrolled · National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
  NCT07549490updated 2026-06-12
• Periganglionic Resiniferatoxin for the Treatment of Intractable Pain Due to Cancer-induced Bone Pain
  Not yet recruiting · Phase 1 · Phase 2 · Interventional · 30 enrolled · National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
  NCT02522611updated 2026-06-12
• Muscle Synergies in Pain and Pain Anticipation
  Recruiting · Interventional · 12 enrolled · Universite de Picardie Jules Verne
  NCT07251387updated 2026-06-11
• Healthy Participants Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Phase Ⅰ
  Recruiting · Phase 1 · Interventional · 104 enrolled · First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University
  NCT07640438updated 2026-06-10
• Resiniferatoxin to Treat Severe Pain Associated With Advanced Cancer
  Recruiting · Phase 1 · Interventional · 45 enrolled · National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
  NCT00804154updated 2026-06-08
• Efficacy of Oral HA35 for Rapid Relief of Oral Pain and Pungent Sensation
  Active not recruiting · Interventional · 50 enrolled · Nakhia Impex LLC
  NCT07630571updated 2026-06-05
• Session-Order Sensitivity of TS and OA in a Capsaicin Crossover Model
  Completed · Interventional · 16 enrolled · University of Guelph
  NCT07625475updated 2026-06-04
• Genetic Markers Associated With Capsaicinoid Supplementation Effects in Overweight and Obesity
  Active not recruiting · Interventional · 100 enrolled · Universidad Autonoma de Baja California
  NCT07602361updated 2026-05-22
• Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy by Taxanes and Capsaicin 8%.
  Recruiting · Interventional · 50 enrolled · Hospital Ambroise Paré Paris
  NCT07602387updated 2026-05-22
• Topical Capsaicin Versus Diclofenac for Chronic Temporomandibular Joint-Related Pain
  Completed · Interventional · 50 enrolled · Istanbul University
  NCT07598994updated 2026-05-20

Frequently asked questions

How does Capsaicin work?

Mechanism-of-action class: Neurotransmitter Transporter Interactions.

What is Capsaicin used for?

According to FDA labeling, Capsaicin carries indications including: Uses Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains of muscles and joints due to: • simple backache • arthritis • strains • sprains. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.

What class of drug is Capsaicin?

Capsaicin is classified as Capsaicin and similar agents, Other local anesthetics, Neurotransmitter Transporter Interactions, Decreased Sensory-Somatic Nervous System Organized Electrical Activity.

What are the brand names for Capsaicin?

Capsaicin is marketed under brand names including Arth-RX, Arthricare for Women Moisturizing, Arthricare for Women Ultra Strength, Arthur Itis, Atomic Balm, Capzasin Quick Relief, Capzasin-HP, Capzasin-P.