Capsaicin
Pronunciation: (kyoo-TEN-zuh).
- Generic name
- Capsaicin
- Brand names
- Capzacin Patch, Capsaipatch, Qutenza, Capsaicin 8% Patch, Qutenz
- Drug class
- Topical Analgesic (Capsaicinoid)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Capsaicin is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Capsaicin works
Capsaicin acts as an agonist at the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor on cutaneous nociceptive nerve fibers. High-concentration exposure leads to defunctionalization of these fibers by causing calcium-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in reversible loss of epidermal nerve fiber function and reduced transmission of pain signals. (2)
What Capsaicin is used for
Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)
Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) (2)
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) (2)
HIV-associated Neuropathy
HIV-associated Neuropathy (2)
Neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury
Neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury (2)
Before taking Capsaicin
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to capsaicin, chili peppers, or any patch components. (Contraindication) (2)
- Avoid use on broken, inflamed, or infected skin. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Capsaicin
- General Instructions: Qutenza is applied by a healthcare professional. Do not apply the patch yourself. The skin area will be cleaned and may be numbed before the patch is placed.. Adult Dosing: For postherpetic neuralgia or diabetic peripheral neuropathy: Apply the patch to the affected area for 30 to 60 minutes. Treatment may be repeated every 3 months as needed.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children and adolescents have not been established. Qutenza is not recommended for use in patients under 18 years.. Administration: The patch is applied to intact, non-irritated skin. After removal, the area is cleaned, and patients should avoid touching the treated area. Wash hands thoroughly after contact.. When To Stop: Treatment is usually a single application. Do not reapply unless directed by your healthcare provider.. Storage: Store patches at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss an appointment for Qutenza application, contact your healthcare provider to reschedule. Do not attempt to apply the patch yourself.
Overdose
Overdose is unlikely as Qutenza is administered by healthcare professionals. If excessive burning, severe pain, or skin damage occurs, seek medical attention immediately. Supportive care and symptomatic treatment may be required. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Application site pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Erythema
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Pruritus
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Edema
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypertension
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Peripheral edema
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
For external use only — serious
Symptoms: For external use only; do not apply to broken or irritated skin. May cause severe burning or pain at the application site. Risk of accidental exposure to others (children, pets) if not handled properly. Not recommended for use in children under 18 years. Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to capsaicin, chili peppers, or any patch components. Avoid use on broken, inflamed, or infected skin. Use caution in patients with cardiovascular or respiratory disease, as application may cause transient increases in blood pressure or bronchospasm.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Qutenza is unlikely to interact with oral medications, but caution should be taken with other topical treatments on the same area. Inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and skin products you use. Avoid concurrent use with other irritant topical agents. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Requires a primary-source research pass before this section can be completed. (2)
Breastfeeding
Requires a primary-source research pass before this section can be completed. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (2)
Renal_impairment
Requires a primary-source research pass before this section can be completed. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Requires a primary-source research pass before this section can be completed. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Requires a primary-source research pass before this section can be completed.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)
Dose summary: Apply one 8% capsaicin patch to the most painful area for 60 minutes.
Renal context: FDA label (Qutenza): no dedicated renal-impairment subsection or dose adjustment is given. Qutenza is applied topically and capsaicin is negligibly absorbed into the systemic circulation, which is the likely reason no renal (or hepatic) dose-adjustment table exists; the label's Use in Specific Populations section covers pregnancy, lactation, reproductive potential, pediatric, and geriatric use, but not renal or hepatic impairment specifically. (2)
Hepatic guidance
FDA label (Qutenza): no dedicated hepatic-impairment subsection or dose adjustment is given, again consistent with capsaicin being negligibly absorbed systemically after topical patch application. No formal hepatic dosing table exists; the prescriber should still exercise general clinical judgment when treating anyone with significant hepatic disease.
Frequently asked questions
How long does pain relief from Qutenza last?
Pain relief can last for up to 3 months after a single application, but duration may vary between individuals.
Can I apply Qutenza at home?
No. Qutenza must be applied by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting due to the risk of severe skin reactions and the need for proper handling.
What should I do if the patch causes severe burning?
Notify your healthcare provider immediately. The patch may need to be removed, and supportive care provided.
Is Qutenza safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There is limited data on use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor before use.
Can Qutenza be used for other types of pain?
Qutenza is only approved for certain types of nerve pain. Its safety and efficacy for other pain conditions have not been established.
What should I avoid after Qutenza application?
Avoid touching the treated area, exposing it to heat, or using other topical products on the area for several days.
How often can Qutenza be applied?
Treatment may be repeated every 3 months if needed, as directed by your healthcare provider.
What happens if I take too much Qutenza (Capsaicin patch)?
Qutenza is a topical patch, and systemic overdose is highly unlikely. However, applying multiple patches or leaving a patch on for an extended duration beyond the prescribed time could intensify local skin reactions like severe burning, redness, or blistering. If you suspect misuse or experience severe skin reactions, remove the patch immediately and seek emergency medical attention.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Qutenza (Capsaicin patch)?
There are no known direct interactions between alcohol consumption and the Qutenza (Capsaicin patch) itself, as its action is primarily localized to the skin. However, excessive alcohol intake can sometimes exacerbate neuropathic pain symptoms or interfere with your body's natural healing processes. It's generally advisable to discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
Is Qutenza (Capsaicin patch) safe during pregnancy?
Qutenza (Capsaicin patch) falls under a pregnancy category that requires careful consideration. The safety of Qutenza during pregnancy has not been definitively established. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. They can assess the potential risks and benefits to determine the most appropriate course of action for your individual situation.
What is the mechanism of action of Capsaicin?
Capsaicin acts as an agonist at the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor on cutaneous nociceptive nerve fibers. High-concentration exposure leads to defunctionalization of these fibers by causing calcium-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in reversible loss of epidermal nerve fiber function and reduced transmission of pain signals. (2)
What is the generic name of Capsaicin?
The generic name is Capsaicin. It is sold under brand names including Capzacin Patch, Capsaipatch, Qutenza, Capsaicin 8% Patch, Qutenz.
What class of drug is Capsaicin?
Capsaicin is classed as: Topical Analgesic (Capsaicinoid).
References
- Clinician-authored medicine record for Qutenza (Capsaicin patch) (MedGuideGlobal medicines database) · · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- QUTENZA (capsaicin) 8% patch — FDA prescribing information, DailyMed · · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- SATOGESIC HOT (CAPSAICIN) PATCH [SATO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Capsaicin Topical — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Capsaicin 0.1 Percent — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA M017)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Capsaicin — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 1992)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Capsaicin names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Capsaicin Heat.025 g00g, .025 g001 · universal distribution center llc
- CAPSAICIN HEAT PATCHES BACK AND LARGE AREAS.025 g00g · meijer distribution inc
- Capsaicin External Analgesic.25 mg/g · avpak
- Nufabrx Medicine Infused Socks.12 g00g, .11 g00g · nufabrx llc
- Nufabrx Knee Sleeve.15 g00g, .25 g00g · nufabrx llc
- Nufabrx Arm Sleeve.25 g00g, .2 g00g · nufabrx llc
- Nufabrx Neck Wrap.19 g00g · nufabrx llc
- Nufabrx Medicine Infused Wrist Sleeve.25 g00g · nufabrx llc
- WellPatch Warming Pain Relief25 mg · the mentholatum company
- NATURULZ ULTIMATE HEALING.025 g00g · i shay cosmetics inc