Pharmacologic Substance
capsaicin Audio
cap·sa·i·cin [ kap-sey-uh-sin ]
Brand Names:
Arthricare for Women Moisturizing; Arthricare for Women Ultra Strength; Arth-RX; Arthur Itis; Capsin; Capzasin Quick Relief; Capzasin-HP; Capzasin-P; Cartilade; Castiva Warming; Corisin; Dendracin Neurodendraxcin; Doloracin with Lidocaine; Equi-Block Original; Genorthix Pain Relieving Roll On; LidoPro; Medi-Derm; Medi-Derm with Lidocaine; Medrox; Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin; Overtime; Qutenza; Satogesic Hot; Sloan's Liniment; Transanosil; WellPatch; Xoten-C; ZIKS Pain Relief; Zostrix; Zostrix Joint & Arthritis Pain Relief; Zostrix Sports
Effect:
Decreased Sensory-Somatic Nervous System Organized Electrical Activity
May Prevent:
Pain
May Treat:
Diabetic Neuropathies; Herpes Zoster; Neuralgia
More Information:
ChemID; DrugBank; DailyMed; PDR
Definitions related to capsaicin:
  • A chili pepper extract with analgesic properties. Capsaicin is a neuropeptide releasing agent selective for primary sensory peripheral neurons. Used topically, capsaicin aids in controlling peripheral nerve pain. This agent has been used experimentally to manipulate substance P and other tachykinins. In addition, capsaicin may be useful in controlling chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced mucositis.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • A component of certain plants, including cayenne and red pepper, used topically for peripheral nerve pain. Also being studied for controlling mucositis pain after chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • An alkylamide found in CAPSICUM that acts at TRPV CATION CHANNELS.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • An chemical found in hot chili peppers that is used in some pain relief creams.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
  • Capsaicinoid compound with side chain CO(CH2)4(CH)2CH(CH3)2. The chemical structure is CC(C)C=CCCCCC(=O)NCC1=CC(=C(C=C1)O)OC.
    CRCH Nutrition Terminology
    Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii, 2021
  • N-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylmethyl) -8-methyl-6-nonenamide; chili pepper extract and neuropeptide releasing agent selective for primary sensory peripheral neurons, used to experimentally manipulate substance P and other tachykinins, and as an analgesic for Herpes zoster infection.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
  • Capsaicin, the most abundant of the pungent principles of the red pepper (Capsicum). It is an organic nitrogen compound belonging to the lipid group, but it is often erroneously classed among the alkaloids, a family of nitrogenous compounds with marked physiological effects. The name capsaicin was...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.