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Medication guide · Common after a work injury: Topical

Capsaicin (topical): uses, appearance and warnings

What the official FDA label says Capsaicin (topical) is used for, what it looks like, and its most important warnings — in plain English, with the label text one click away.
Capsaicin and similar agentsOther local anestheticsOver-the-counter label

Uses

What the official label says Capsaicin (topical) is used for

The FDA label for Capsaicin (topical) states:

For temporary relief of pain

Purpose (from the over-the-counter label): Topical analgesic

Read the label's “Indications and usage” section (verbatim)
For temporary relief of pain

Names & forms

Brand names, forms and strengths

Brand names (from RxNorm; not every brand is still sold): Arthricare for Women Moisturizing, Capzasin-HP, Capzasin-P, Castiva Warming, Equi-Block Original, Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin, Qutenza, Red Hot, Satogesic Hot, WellPatch, Zostrix, Zostrix Sports.

Generic name: capsaicin · RxNorm ID (RxCUI): 1992

Forms and strengths of Capsaicin (topical) listed in RxNorm
FormStrengths listed in RxNorm
Medicated Patch0.00025 MG/MG, 0.0003 MG/MG, 0.00035 MG/MG, 0.0005 MG/MG, 0.0015 MG/MG, 0.0025 MG/MG, 0.005 MG/MG, 0.08 MG/MG
Topical Cream0.2 MG/ML, 0.25 MG/ML, 0.3 MG/ML, 0.33 MG/ML, 0.35 MG/ML, 0.5 MG/ML, 0.7 MG/ML, 0.75 MG/ML, 1 MG/ML, 2.5 MG/ML
Topical Gel0.00025 MG/MG, 0.001 MG/MG
Topical Lotion0.25 MG/ML, 0.35 MG/ML
Topical Ointment0.00025 MG/MG, 0.0005 MG/MG, 0.00075 MG/MG
Topical Solution0.25 MG/ML, 0.75 MG/ML, 1.5 MG/ML
Topical Spray0.25 MG/ML

Strengths are listed so you can recognise a product — not as dosing information. Only your prescriber can decide what is right for you.

Appearance

What Capsaicin (topical) looks like

Illustration: white patch

capsaicin 0.035 g per 100 g
Medcore LLC

Illustration based on label data — not a photo; appearance varies by manufacturer. Confirm with your pharmacist.
Appearance of Capsaicin (topical) products from DailyMed product data
StrengthFormColourShapeSizeImprintScoreLabeler
capsaicin 0.035 g per 100 gpatchwhite————Medcore LLC

From the product data in each manufacturer's label on DailyMed. Many companies make Capsaicin (topical), so your medicine may look different from any shown here. If a pill looks unfamiliar, ask your pharmacist before taking it.

Read the label's “How supplied” section (verbatim)
Other information Store at room temperature 15°-30°C (59°-86°F) Avoid storing product in direct sunlight and protect product from excessive moisture.

Safety

Important warnings for Capsaicin (topical)

(For external use only)

Warnings and precautions (verbatim excerpt)
(For external use only)

This is not a complete list of warnings or side effects. Read the full label and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. To report a side effect to the FDA, use MedWatch.

Resources

If you were hurt at work

Whether a medicine is right for you is a decision for your prescriber. If you were injured on the job, these educational guides explain the next steps and who can help.

Sources

Label text is quoted from the Medcore LLC label (label version effective September 2, 2026), retrieved October 20, 2026. Other manufacturers' labels for the same medicine may differ in wording.

If anything here differs from the label that came with your medicine, follow your label and your pharmacist.

Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. This page does not tell you whether to take a medicine or how much to take. Medical emergency? Call 911. Poison emergency: call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.