Capsaicin

Drug Name
Capsaicin

Brand Name(s)
Zostrix®, Rub A-535 Capsaicin Cream®, etc.

Drug Class
Non-prescription medication

Capsaicin is a potential alternative for osteoarthritis (OA) pain not relieved with acetaminophen or for people who cannot tolerate or are reluctant to use oral medications.


This information was written in November 2017, with expert advice from:

Jason Kielly, B.Sc. (pharm.), Pharm.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Clinical Pharmacist, Rheumatic Health Program, Eastern Health

This information was last updated in December 2021 by:

Alan Low, B.Sc. (pharm.), Pharm. D., ACPR, FCSHP, CCD, RPh
Clinical Associate Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UBC
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Medicines Access Coalition – BC
​Primary Care Pharmacist, Vancouver

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