Drug Reference
Capsaicin
Capsaicin and similar agents
OTC
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Capsaicin and similar agents
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Over-the-counter (OTC)
Brand names
Arth-RXArthricare for Women MoisturizingArthricare for Women Ultra StrengthArthur ItisAtomic BalmCapzasin Quick ReliefCapzasin-HPCapzasin-PCartiladeCastiva WarmingDendracin NeurodendraxcinDoloracin with LidocaineEqui-Block OriginalLidoProMedi-DermMedi-Derm with LidocaineMedroxMenthac Arthritis Cream with CapsaicinQutenzaRed HotSatogesic HotSloan's LinimentWellPatchXoten-CZIKS Pain ReliefZostrixZostrix Joint & Arthritis Pain ReliefZostrix Sports
Available as
0.25 MG/ML0.08 MG/MG · Patch0.00025 MG/MG · Patch0.0015 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.25 MG/ML · Topical Cream0.35 MG/ML · Topical Cream0.375 MG/ML · Topical Cream0.000375 MG/MG · Patch0.0025 MG/MG · Patch0.02 MG/ML0.0005 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.0015 MG/MG · Patch0.3 MG/ML · Topical Cream0.00035 MG/MG · Patch0.000325 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.75 MG/ML · Topical Cream36 MG/ML · Topical Solution0.0083 MG/MG · Patch0.0005 MG/MG · Patch0.0003 MG/MG · Patch0.5 MG/ML · Topical Cream0.000225 MG/MG · Patch1 MG/ML · Topical Cream0.33 MG/ML · Topical Cream
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
Uses Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains of muscles and joints due to: • simple backache • arthritis • strains • sprains
How to use / dosing
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
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
BreastfeedingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label. Check LactMed →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings 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.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
- SALONPAS PAIN RELIEVING HOT (CAPSAICIN, MENTHOL) PATCH [HISAMITSU PHARMACEUTICAL CO., INC.]
- TARGETED WARMING CAPSAICIN PATCH (CAPSAICIN) PATCH [ARMY & AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE]
- QUALI YI TIAO GEN PAIN PATCH (CAPSAICIN PATCH) PATCH [SHENG CHANG PHARMACEUTICAL CO, LTD. ZHONGLI FACTORY]
- QUTENZA (CAPSAICIN) KIT [AVERITAS PHARMA INC]
- EASMENT 0.1% CAPSAICIN CREAM FOR SENSITIVE SKIN (CAPSAICIN 0.1%) CREAM [EASMENT LLC]
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.