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Capsaicin

Capsaicin is a topical pain reliever derived from chili peppers, used across a range of products to temporarily relieve minor muscle and joint pain, arthritis, strains, and nerve pain (neuropathic pain).

Brand names QutenzaWellPatchEqui-Block OriginalSatogesic HotMenthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin +11 more
Rx/OTC Forms 4
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 141 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Oct 8, 2026
Other forms & routes:
Topical Transdermal
Capsaicin at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, is an older over-the-counter standby for muscle and joint pain (on the U.S. market since about 1998), plus a prescription patch, Qutenza, for nerve pain after shingles or from diabetic neuropathy of the feet; it first excites pain-sensing nerve endings, then dulls them so pain signals quiet down. Very little reaches the bloodstream, but most people feel burning, stinging and redness at first, which usually fades with steady use. Stop and get medical help for blistering, swelling or severe burning, and wash your hands after every application, since a stray touch to the eyes or mouth burns badly.

Clinical pearls

  • Never use a heating pad over it, and skip it right before or after a hot shower, sauna or workout.
  • Apply only to intact skin, never on cuts, sunburn or chapped areas, and do not bandage the area tightly.
  • Skip it if you are allergic to chili peppers, and do not layer other pain-relieving rubs on the same spot.
  • Qutenza is applied in a clinic, where your blood pressure may be checked, since it can rise briefly during treatment.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
How you get itPrescription and over the counter
Comes asTopical cream, ointment or gel, Skin patch, Topical spray +1
Earliest FDA record1998
Companies listing it with the FDA72
FDA label last updatedOct 2, 2024
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)None on the label

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Capsaicin, written from its FDA label.

What Capsaicin is used for

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Capsaicin is used topically (on the skin) for pain relief across a wide range of products — from everyday OTC creams and patches to a prescription-strength patch for nerve pain.

  • Temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains, sprains, and bruises — supported by multiple OTC creams, ointments, gels, patches, and solutions
  • Capsadyn cream: temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with arthritis, muscle strains, sprains, bruises, related muscle injuries, and simple backache
  • Frankie Avalons ZERO PAIN Roll-On Pain Reliever: temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains
  • Qutenza (prescription patch, applied by a healthcare professional only): neuropathic pain (nerve pain) associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) — lingering pain after shingles — in adults
  • Qutenza: neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet in adults

How Capsaicin works

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Capsaicin binds to a receptor on pain-sensing nerve endings in the skin called TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1). When it first activates these receptors, you may feel a burning or warming sensation — that's the nerves firing. With repeated exposure, those nerve endings become desensitized and reduce in number in the treated area, which is how capsaicin quiets pain signals over time. With the prescription-strength Qutenza patch, studies in healthy volunteers confirmed that the density of these nerve fibers in the skin decreases after treatment, and these changes were fully reversible.

Capsaicin dosage

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Capsaicin is always applied to the skin — it is never taken by mouth. The right form, frequency, and duration depend on the specific product.

  • OTC creams and ointments (such as Capsadyn, Capsaicin 0.025%–0.1% Cream): massage into the affected area up to 3 to 4 times daily; adults 18+ only for most products
  • OTC patches (such as Capsaicin Heat Patches, Coralite Capsaicin Heat Patch 2ct): apply to clean, dry skin; do not wear more than 8 hours at a time; use up to 3 to 4 times daily; some brands advise no more than 7 consecutive days of use; for ages 12+
  • PainBloc24 topical solution: apply no more than twice a day (every 12 to 24 hours); for adults over 18
  • Qutenza (prescription patch): applied only by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting for 30 minutes (DPN of the feet) or 60 minutes (PHN); may be repeated no more frequently than every 3 months

Always wash your hands after applying any capsaicin product, and follow your prescriber's or product label's specific instructions.

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Capsaicin prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (QUTENZA)
    • A single, 60-minute application of up to four topical systems
    • Treatment may be repeated every three months or as warranted by the return of pain (not more frequently than every three months)
    • Maximum: up to four topical systems
  • Neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (QUTENZA)
    • A single, 30-minute application on the feet of up to four topical systems
    • Treatment may be repeated every three months or as warranted by the return of pain (not more frequently than every three months)
    • Maximum: up to four topical systems
  • Capsaicin 0.035 Percent patch, adults and children 18 years of age and older
    • Apply 1 patch to the affected area of intact skin up to 3 times a day
    • Maximum: Do not leave patch on for more than 8 hours at a time
  • Capsaicin 0.035 Percent patch, children under 18 years
    • Ask a physician
  • PainBloc24 solution, adults over 18 years
    • Apply with Pain Pen to affected area, then dab sparingly and allow to dry
    • Repeat application as needed every 12 to 24 hours
    • Maximum: Do not use more than twice a day
  • Capsaicin Heat Patches, adults and children 12 years of age or older
    • Apply patch to the treatment site
    • Do not use the Capsaicin Heat Patch more than 3-4 times daily
    • Maximum: Do not use more than 8 hours; do not exceed 7 days of continue use
    • Take care when using on elderly or incapacitated persons
  • Capsaicin 0.025% and 0.1% cream
    • Apply sparingly to affected area not more than 4 times daily
    • For first use, apply to small area to test for sensitivity or skin reaction
    • Maximum: not more than 4 times daily
    • Before using on children under 18 years of age consult a physician
Read the label’s full dosing text

Directions Adults and children 18 years of age and older: Apply 1 patch to the affected area of intact skin up to 3 times a day. Do not leave patch on for more than 8 hours at a time. - Clean and dry the affected area. - Open pouch and remove one patch. - Remove any protective film and apply directly to affected area of pain. Apply immediately after removal from the protective envelope. - Wash hands with soap and water after handling the patches. - Reseal pouch containing unused patches after each use. Do not store patch outside the sealed envelope. - Fold used patches so that the adhesive side sticks to itself and safely discard used patches or pieces of cut patches where children and pets cannot get to them. Children under 18 years : Ask a physician

Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Capsaicin side effects

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The most common side effects are at the site where capsaicin is applied, and most are mild and temporary.

Common side effects

  • Burning, stinging, or warming sensation at the application site
  • Skin redness (erythema) at the application site
  • Itching at the application site
  • Skin pain at the application site
  • Small bumps or swelling at the application site
  • Nausea (reported with Qutenza)
  • Temporary increase in blood pressure (reported with Qutenza)

When to get medical help

  • Get medical help if you experience severe burning, blistering, or swelling of the skin
  • Call your doctor if pain worsens or does not improve after 7 days, or goes away and comes back within a few days
  • Seek immediate care if capsaicin gets into your eyes or mucous membranes — rinse continuously with cool water
  • Get medical attention if you inhale capsaicin and have difficulty breathing
  • If you swallow capsaicin, contact Poison Control immediately
  • Tell your care team if you notice any new loss of feeling or numbness in a treated area (relevant to Qutenza)

Stop using immediately and get medical help if you develop severe burning, blistering, or swelling of the skin — rare but serious burns have been reported, particularly with Qutenza when used outside of approved guidelines.

Capsaicin warnings and precautions

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  • Keep away from eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes. Capsaicin causes severe irritation if it contacts these areas. If it happens, flush immediately and continuously with cool water and seek medical help.
  • Never apply to broken, wounded, sunburned, or irritated skin. This includes wounds, cuts, rashes, or any damaged skin.
  • Do not combine with heat sources. Heating pads, hot water bottles, or hot baths close to the time of application can intensify absorption and increase the risk of serious burns.
  • Qutenza only — risk of significant application pain and blood pressure changes: Even with a local anesthetic beforehand, patients may experience substantial pain during and after Qutenza application. Blood pressure should be monitored during and after the procedure. Patients with unstable high blood pressure or a recent heart or stroke event may be at higher risk.
  • Qutenza only — risk of severe burns: Second- and third-degree burns have been reported, particularly when Qutenza was used outside approved guidelines or at previously traumatized skin sites. Follow dosing instructions exactly.
  • Qutenza only — temporary sensory changes: Minor, temporary reductions in the ability to feel heat or sharp sensations have been reported. Patients with pre-existing sensory loss should be assessed before each treatment.

Capsaicin interactions

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Capsaicin has very few known systemic drug interactions because very little is absorbed into the bloodstream, but there are important local interactions to be aware of.

  • Other topical pain-relieving products: Do not use capsaicin at the same time as other topical analgesics on the same area — this increases irritation risk
  • Heat sources (heating pads, hot water bottles): Using heat with capsaicin significantly increases the risk of serious skin burns — avoid combining them
  • Heat exposure from bathing, exercise, or hot weather: Perspiration and open pores can intensify the burning effect; avoid applying within 1 hour before or after bathing, showering, saunas, or vigorous exercise
  • Systemic medications: Drug interaction studies have not been performed, but based on lab studies, capsaicin is not expected to affect the liver enzymes that process most medications, making interactions with systemic drugs unlikely

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

Check Capsaicin against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Capsaicin

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  • Allergy to chili peppers or capsaicin: Do not use if you have had a prior allergic reaction
  • Broken or damaged skin: Never apply to wounds, sunburned, chapped, or irritated skin
  • Pregnancy: Animal studies with Qutenza showed no evidence of harm to the fetus; systemic absorption from topical use is negligible. Ask a health professional before use if pregnant.
  • Breastfeeding: Systemic absorption from topical capsaicin is negligible. For Qutenza specifically, avoid applying to the nipple or areola to prevent direct contact with a nursing infant.
  • Children: Qutenza has not been studied in patients under 18. Most OTC creams require a doctor's advice for children under 18; most OTC patches require a doctor's advice for children under 12.
  • Older adults: Qutenza was studied extensively in patients 65 and older (75% of PHN trial participants) and was found to be similarly safe and effective — no dose adjustment needed.
  • Unstable high blood pressure or recent heart/stroke events: Discuss Qutenza with your doctor before treatment, as it can cause transient blood pressure increases.
  • Pre-existing sensory loss or nerve damage: Inform your healthcare professional before each Qutenza treatment so your sensory function can be assessed.

Capsaicin overdose

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There is no clinical experience with capsaicin overdose in humans, and there is no specific antidote. If overdose with Qutenza is suspected, the patch should be gently removed, cleansing gel applied for one minute and wiped off, and the area washed with soap and water. Supportive care and symptom management are recommended. If you believe you or someone else has been overexposed to any capsaicin product, contact Poison Control or seek emergency care.

What Capsaicin does in the body

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When capsaicin is applied to the skin, it activates TRPV1 receptors on pain-sensing nerve endings, initially causing a burning sensation. With sustained exposure — particularly at prescription strength — the density of those nerve fibers in the skin measurably decreases, reducing pain signaling. Studies with Qutenza in healthy volunteers confirmed reduced epidermal nerve fiber density and minor changes in heat and sharp-sensation detection one week after treatment. Importantly, these changes were fully reversible over time.

How your body processes Capsaicin

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When capsaicin is applied topically at standard doses, only very small, transient amounts are absorbed into the bloodstream — the systemic exposure is considered negligible. Because so little reaches the circulation, capsaicin is not expected to affect the liver enzymes responsible for processing most medications, and interactions with systemic drugs are considered unlikely. Maternal use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not expected to result in meaningful fetal or infant exposure.

How to store Capsaicin

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WARNING: FLAMMABLE PRODUCT Store in a cool well-ventilated area away from heat. Keep away from sparks or open flame. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) .

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

Capsaicin: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Capsaicin — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

Why does capsaicin burn when I put it on? Is that normal?

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Yes, completely normal — and it actually means the medicine is working. Capsaicin activates the same pain-sensing receptors in your skin that respond to heat and spicy food. That burning or warming feeling is those nerve endings firing. The good news is that with regular use, the nerves become desensitized and the burning sensation usually fades significantly. First-time users should start with a small amount and build up gradually.

How often should I apply capsaicin cream or use the patch?

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For most OTC creams and ointments, you can apply up to 3 to 4 times a day. For OTC patches, apply to clean, dry skin and remove after no more than 8 hours — again, up to 3 to 4 times daily. PainBloc24 solution is used no more than twice a day. The prescription Qutenza patch is a different animal entirely — it's only applied by a healthcare professional in a clinic, not at home. Always follow the specific directions on your product's label.

What should I do if capsaicin gets into my eyes or mouth?

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Rinse immediately and continuously with cool water — and don't stop rinsing for several minutes. If the irritation is severe or doesn't improve quickly, seek medical help right away. Capsaicin can cause serious irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes, so the most important thing you can do is wash your hands thoroughly every single time you apply it, before you touch your face.

Can I use a heating pad with my capsaicin patch or cream to help with pain?

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No — please don't. Combining capsaicin with any heat source, including heating pads, hot water bottles, or even a hot shower right after applying, can dramatically increase the burning effect and raise your risk of a serious skin burn. Also avoid applying capsaicin within about an hour before or after bathing, exercising, or using a sauna for the same reason.

Is capsaicin safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

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Studies with the prescription Qutenza patch showed that very little capsaicin is absorbed into the bloodstream with topical use, so meaningful exposure to a baby through the placenta or breast milk is considered unlikely. That said, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before starting any new product. If using Qutenza while breastfeeding, avoid applying it directly to the nipple or areola area.

When should I stop using capsaicin and call my doctor?

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Stop use and contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse instead of better, if pain doesn't improve after 7 days of use, or if the pain goes away and then comes back within a few days. Get immediate medical attention if you notice severe burning, blistering, or swelling of the skin — those are signs of a serious skin reaction that needs prompt care.

Is Capsaicin available over the counter?

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Both. Some Capsaicin products are sold over the counter and others need a prescription. According to their FDA listings, the skin patch form is sold both ways, at different strengths or package sizes and the topical cream, ointment or gel, topical spray and topical solution forms are sold over the counter. The package says which kind you have. Your pharmacist can tell you which product is right for you.

When was Capsaicin first available?

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The earliest FDA record we hold for Capsaicin is from 1998: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Capsaicin was first used.

Who makes Capsaicin?

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72 companies currently list Capsaicin products in the FDA's NDC Directory, including Nufabrx LLC, PureTek Corporation, Alexso, Inc. That count includes repackagers and distributors as well as manufacturers (companies that sell only the raw ingredient are not counted), so fewer companies actually make it; the label on your bottle names the one that supplied yours.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Capsaicin on HelloPharmacist

🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerCapsaicin vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Capsaicin NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Capsaicin Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Capsaicin forms and strengths (how it comes)

Capsaicin is available in 4 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Need a version that does not list lactose, a gluten source, a dye or gelatin? Inactive ingredients differ by manufacturer: see Capsaicin inactive ingredients by manufacturer.

Topical cream, ointment or gel

On the skin
Brands Nufabrx Arm Sleeve Nufabrx Knee Sleeve Nufabrx Medicine Infused Socks Red hot
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Capsadyn cream is for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, muscle strains, sprains, bruises, related muscle injuries, and simple backache
  • Capsaicin 0.025% Cream, Capsaicin 0.035% Cream, Capsaicin 0.05% Cream, and Capsaicin 0.1% Cream are for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains
Important instructions
  • Adults 18 and older: apply sparingly to the affected area and massage into the skin until fully absorbed
  • May be used up to 3 to 4 times daily; on first use, apply to a small area to test for sensitivity
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after each application to avoid spreading to eyes or mucous membranes
  • Children under 18: consult a physician before use
Available strengths 35 strengths
0.025 mg/g 0.0002 g/g 0.25 mg/g 0.25 mg/mL 0.3 mg/mL 0.35 mg/g
Show 29 more strengths Show fewer strengths
0.35 mg/mL 0.5 mg/g 0.75 mg/g 0.001 g/g 1 mg/g 0.025 g/100 g 0.025 g/g 0.035 g/100 g 0.05 g/100 g 0.075 g/100 g 0.08 g/80 g 0.1 g/100 g 0.11 g/100 g 0.12 g/100 g 0.12 g/120 g 0.14 g/100 g 0.14 g/170 g 0.15 g/100 g 0.16 g/100 g 0.18 g/100 g 0.19 g/100 g 0.19 g/204.117 g 0.2 g/100 g 0.25 g/100 g 2.5 g/100 g 0.15 1 0.16 1 0.18 1 0.2 1
135 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Skin patch

On the skin · Through the skin
Brands Capsaicin Heat Patches Back And Large Areas Satogesic Hot
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Capsaicin Heat Patches Back And Large Areas, Capsaicin Hot Patches, and 2-Count HEAT PATCHES are for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints
  • Coralite Capsaicin Heat Patch 2ct and Coralite Medicated Heat are for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain
  • Capsaicin 0.035 Percent patch is for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints
Important instructions
  • Adults and children 12 and older: clean and dry the affected area before applying
  • Apply the patch to the affected area; do not wear for more than 8 hours at a time
  • Do not use more than 3 to 4 times daily; Capsaicin Hot Patches, Capsaicin Heat Patches Back And Large Areas, and 2-Count HEAT PATCHES should not be used for more than 7 consecutive days
  • Wash hands with soap and water after applying; children under 12 should not use without consulting a doctor
Available strengths 16 strengths
0.00025 g/g 0.25 mg 0.25 mg/g 0.702 mg 2.5 mg/10 g 0.025 g/100 g
Show 10 more strengths Show fewer strengths
0.025 g/1001 0.025 g/g 25 mg 0.03 g/100 g 0.035 g/100 g 0.05 g/100 g 179 mg 249 mg 249 mg/g 0.5 g/100 g
65 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Topical spray

On the skin
Available strengths 1 strength
0.025 g/100 g
4 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Topical solution

On the skin
Brands Frankie Avalons ZERO PAIN Roll-On Pain Reliever PainBloc24
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Frankie Avalons ZERO PAIN Roll-On Pain Reliever is for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains
  • PainBloc24 is for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints
Important instructions
  • PainBloc24: adults over 18 — hold the Pain Pen straight down, press the tip repeatedly on the affected area until liquid flows, then dab sparingly; allow to dry
  • PainBloc24: repeat as needed every 12 to 24 hours; do not use more than twice a day
  • PainBloc24: wash hands with soap and water after each application; if applying to the hand, wait 30 minutes before washing
  • Frankie Avalons ZERO PAIN Roll-On Pain Reliever: adults over 18; follow product label directions
Available strengths 2 strengths
0.25 mg/mL 0.075 g/100 mL
2 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Capsaicin on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Capsaicin appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

72 companies list 126 Capsaicin product records with the FDA, mostly as topical cream, ointment or gel, skin patch, topical spray; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 1998. Brand names on the directory include Qutenza, WellPatch, Equi-Block Original and 13 more; the rest are generics.

4
Dose forms ⓘ
72
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
40
Brand names
126
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
1998
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Kit (12) · Powder (6) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

Nufabrx LLC13%
PureTek Corporation6%
Alexso, Inc5%
Proximity Capital Partners Llc Dba Asutra5%
AvPAK3%
Pharmacure Llc3%
Other makers65%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

How widely Capsaicin is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Capsaicin is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Capsaicin is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

49,268
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$8.6M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Capsaicin prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Capsaicin ranks #635 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 60% of them.

Where Capsaicin ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #635 of 1,601
#630 Abacavir, Dolutegravir... 51,277 Rx #631 Pembrolizumab Injectio... 51,156 Rx #632 Eslicarbazepine 50,618 Rx #633 Pegfilgrastim Injectio... 50,322 Rx #634 Pyridostigmine 50,282 Rx #635 Capsaicin 49,268 Rx #636 Suvorexant 49,093 Rx #637 Emtricitabine, Rilpivi... 48,910 Rx #638 Eplerenone 48,763 Rx #639 Sumatriptan Nasal 48,078 Rx #640 Darbepoetin Alfa Injec... 47,924 Rx

Utilization by Capsaicin product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 0.25 mg/mL topical cream is the most-dispensed Capsaicin product — about 54% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

capsaicin 0.25 MG/ML Topical Cream Most dispensed

26,632 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 54% of Capsaicin prescriptions shown $901,661 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $34 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 4 of 38 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 198555

capsaicin 1 MG/ML Topical Cream

12,527 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 25% of Capsaicin prescriptions shown $193,943 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $15 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 4 of 29 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 646333

capsaicin 0.75 MG/ML Topical Cream

7,622 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 15% of Capsaicin prescriptions shown $128,328 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $17 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 11 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 141868

capsaicin 0.00025 MG/MG Medicated Patch

22 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Capsaicin prescriptions shown $146 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $6.63 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 51 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1043399

Other Capsaicin products — combination packs and listings not yet matched to a specific clinical product (kept visible so every prescription is accounted for)

2,465 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 5% of Capsaicin prescriptions shown $7.3M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $2,975 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 3 of 108 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity.

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Capsaicin, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 14 of 237 listed Capsaicin NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Capsaicin products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Capsaicin — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Showing 126 of 126 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 126 Capsaicin NDCs →

Capsaicin recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list one Capsaicin recall since July 2021. It is no longer listed as ongoing. A recall names specific lots from one company, so check the lot number on your own bottle rather than assuming every product is affected; your pharmacist can check whether your supply came from an affected lot.

Class II Aug 11, 2023 · Terminated · AVKARE LLC
Product mix-up: Cartons labeled Capsaicin Cream 0.025% may contain tubes of Sodium Fluoride 1.1% Prescription Dental Toothpaste
  • Capsaicin Cream 0.025%, External Analgesic Cream, Penetrating Pain Relief, NET WT. 2.1 OZ. (60g) NDC 50268-195-60, Manufactured for: AvKARE, Pulaski, TN 38478 Lots: Lot # P22078; Exp. 11/30/2024 FDA record D-1147-2023 →

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Capsaicin RxCUI 1992 7 dose forms · 29 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Medicated Patch RxCUI 1792834 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.00025 MG/MG RxCUI 1043399 0.0003 MG/MG RxCUI 2727393 0.00035 MG/MG RxCUI 2702859 0.0005 MG/MG RxCUI 2722414 0.0015 MG/MG RxCUI 1303734 0.0025 MG/MG RxCUI 1111739 0.005 MG/MG RxCUI 2746894 0.08 MG/MG RxCUI 1039679
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Cream RxCUI 377632 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.2 MG/ML RxCUI 562444 0.25 MG/ML RxCUI 198555 0.3 MG/ML RxCUI 1312747 0.33 MG/ML RxCUI 1803727 0.35 MG/ML RxCUI 577395 0.5 MG/ML RxCUI 200083 0.7 MG/ML RxCUI 562445 0.75 MG/ML RxCUI 141868 1 MG/ML RxCUI 646333 2.5 MG/ML RxCUI 199078
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Gel RxCUI 378000 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.00025 MG/MG RxCUI 199870 0.001 MG/MG RxCUI 2639091
  4. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Lotion RxCUI 379381 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.25 MG/ML RxCUI 198556 0.35 MG/ML RxCUI 692724
  5. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Ointment RxCUI 379104 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.00025 MG/MG RxCUI 359321 0.0005 MG/MG RxCUI 1923327 0.00075 MG/MG RxCUI 359322
  6. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Solution RxCUI 371251 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.25 MG/ML RxCUI 252006 0.75 MG/ML RxCUI 358922 1.5 MG/ML RxCUI 792051
  7. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Spray RxCUI 1116917 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.25 MG/ML RxCUI 1116918

Look up RxCUI 1992 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

💵 What Capsaicin costs pharmacies (NADAC benchmark)

The national average invoice price pharmacies pay for the drug itself, from CMS's NADAC survey (data as of Sep 30, 2026). This is a supply-cost benchmark — not a retail price and not what you'd pay at the counter.

FormStrengthPharmacy acquisition benchmark
Cream · Topical 0.25 mg/g $0.082 per gram NDC details & price history
Why show this? Your out-of-pocket cost depends on insurance, pharmacy markup, and discounts — but the acquisition benchmark tells you whether the medication itself is inexpensive or costly, which strengths cost more per dose, and whether a cash-price quote is in a reasonable range. Each row links to the NDC-level record with its full price history.

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), a survey of retail pharmacy invoice prices. Benchmarks shown are the range across package sizes of a representative product for each form and strength — other manufacturers' products may differ.

Capsaicin brand names

Capsaicin is sold under 16 brand names in the FDA directory — Qutenza, WellPatch, Equi-Block Original, Satogesic Hot and others. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Qutenza WellPatch Equi-Block Original Satogesic Hot Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin Zostrix Red Hot Zostrix Sports Castiva Warming Capzasin-P Arthricare for Women Moisturizing Capzasin-HP Capsaicin Heat Patches Back And Large Areas Nufabrx Medicine Infused Socks Nufabrx Knee Sleeve Nufabrx Arm Sleeve

Who makes Capsaicin: manufacturers and labelers

72 companies list Capsaicin products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are Nufabrx LLC, PureTek Corporation, Alexso, Inc. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

Nufabrx LLC 17 PureTek Corporation 7 Alexso, Inc 6 Proximity Capital Partners Llc Dba Asutra 6 AvPAK 4 Pharmacure Llc 4 Averitas Pharma Inc 3 Easment LLC 3 Medcore LLC 3 Rugby Laboratories 3 Trifecta Pharmaceuticals USA LLC 3 Walgreen Company 3 Cardinal Health 110 dba LEADER 2 Qirui Network (shenzhen) Co., Ltd. 2 Sa3, Llc 2 United Exchange Corp. 2 A2A Integrated Pharmaceuticals, LLC 1 Alaina Healthcare Private Limited 1 Ari Brands, Llc 1 Advanced Rx of Tennessee, LLC 1 Allure Labs 1 Amerisource Bergen 1 Army & Air Force Exchange Service 1 Asclemed USA, Inc. 1

…and 48 more on the FDA NDC directory.

Capsaicin drug class (RxNorm)

Capsaicin belongs to the Capsaicin and similar agents class.

Drug family (ATC) Capsaicin and similar agents, Other local anesthetics

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Capsaicin page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Oct 2, 2024
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Capsaicin.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Capsaicin after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
141
Finished products in the current FDA directory
126
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
72
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
69
Linked representative label ⓘ
PureTek Corporation
Linked label effective
Oct 2, 2024
Composite sections available
10
Linked SPL Set ID
cd3b1256-2df8-dc26-e053-2a95a90ad049
Linked SPL Document ID
2384159e-f2c3-9d21-e063-6394a90a20a8
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. PureTek Corporation is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →