This medication is used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints (such as arthritis, backache, sprains). Capsaicin works by decreasing a certain natural substance in your body (substance P) that helps pass pain signals to the brain.

Capsaicin topical is used off-label to treat diabetic neuropathy. Capsaicin topical is available under the following different brand names: Capzasin P, Zostrix, Capzasin-HP, Axsain, No Pain-HP, Pain Doctor, Pain-X, Rid-A-Pain, Salonpas Hot, Trixaicin, and Menthac.

Label: CAPZASIN HP ARTHRITIS PAIN RELIEF- capsaicin cream Packager: Chattem, Inc.

Ingredients. Active Ingredient - Purpose. Capsaicin 0.1% - Topical Analgesic. Inactive Ingredients: Benzyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-40 Stearate, Petrolatum, Sorbitol, Water (309-173).

Capsaicin is also known for its antimicrobial and anticancer properties. Capsaicin is the main ingredient in ointments, lotions, and patches that are used for pain relief. It interacts with a nerve receptor called TRPV1, which is found in the brain, peripheral nerves, bladder, blood vessels, and other areas.

Is it safe? There are no major safety concerns in applying capsaicin gel/cream. You may feel a burning sensation when the gel touches your skin. This is because capsaicin also binds to specific receptors in nerve endings called VR1, producing a burning sensation which isn't caused by any tissue damage.

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) announced last week (March 16) that this comes following “intermittent supplies” of the medications. It added that while “unlicensed supplies may be sourced, lead times vary.”

Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from plants of the genus Capsicum, better known as chili pepper fruit.

Approval Date: 11/16/2009.

Capsaicin is used in food in many parts of the world including the United States, in the form of hot chili peppers. Although it is often used in cooking, eating too much capsaicin can lead to irritation of the mouth, stomach, and intestines. People may develop vomiting and diarrhea.

Capsaicin is stimulated by physical abrasion, heat, and also protons. It plays a vital role in the eradication of skin inflammation, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis and overcoming chronic pain amplification syndrome.

Capsaicin is used to help relieve a certain type of pain known as neuralgia (shooting or burning pain in the nerves). Capsaicin is also used to help relieve minor pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis or muscle sprains and strains.