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Capsaicin Topical Cream
Capsaicin activates TRPV1 pain receptors on nerve endings, causing initial stimulation followed by desensitization and depletion of substance P, reducing pain signal transmission.
Capsaicin activates TRPV1 pain receptors on nerve endings, causing initial stimulation followed by desensitization and depletion of substance P, reducing pain signal transmission. Used for Localized neuropathic pain (post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy), Musculoskeletal pain and arthritis, Topical pain relief.
At a glance
| Generic name | Capsaicin Topical Cream |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Chili |
| Sponsor | Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island |
| Drug class | Topical analgesic; TRPV1 agonist |
| Target | TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Capsaicin is a natural alkaloid that binds to and activates the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel on nociceptive nerve fibers. Repeated or sustained exposure leads to desensitization of these nerve endings and depletion of substance P, a key neurotransmitter in pain signaling, resulting in localized analgesia. This mechanism makes it effective for topical pain relief in conditions involving peripheral neuropathic or musculoskeletal pain.
Approved indications
- Localized neuropathic pain (post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy)
- Musculoskeletal pain and arthritis
- Topical pain relief
Common side effects
- Local burning or stinging at application site
- Erythema (redness)
- Local irritation or pruritus
Key clinical trials
- Pain Biomarker Study (PHASE1)
- Efficacy of a Topical Palmitated Formulation of Capsaicin (Capsadyn®) In the Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathic Foot Pain (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Capsaicin for the Treatment of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (PHASE4)
- Thermosensitivity of a Topical Palmitated Formulation of Capsaicin (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Capsaicin Cream as an Adjunctive Therapy for Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (PHASE2)
- Spinal and Supra-Spinal Pain Mechanisms in Patients With Fibromyalgia
- Topical Capsaicin for Cyclical Vomiting (PHASE2)
- Study With Two Capsaicin Topic Treatments in Diabetic Neuropathy. (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Capsaicin Topical Cream CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Capsaicin Topical Cream updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island portfolio CI