Capsaicin (Salonpas, Zostrix, and Others) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use capsaicin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use capsaicin.

• Biosavia
• Capsaicin
• Capsicum
• Chili peppers
• Salonpas Hot
• Zero Pain
• Zostrix
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific capsaicin products they stock.

What should I know about capsaicin before using it?

There are many OTC capsaicin products available and they may be used in different ways. Read and follow the label closely for details about how to use your product properly. For example, some patches should be taken off before bathing and should not be applied right after bathing. 

Keep capsaicin out of the reach of children.

It is normal to have some stinging, burning, or tingling when you first apply capsaicin. Each person may respond differently. If you use capsaicin regularly, the stinging or burning usually gets better or stops after a few days. Capsaicin also seems to work better with regular use.

Stop using capsaicin and contact your health care provider if you have any of the following. 

• Severe irritation or burning, or you have redness, blistering, a rash, or itching
• Symptoms get worse instead of better or last longer than seven days
• Symptoms go away but then come back in a few days

Capsaicin is for external use only. It is important to avoid getting capsaicin on sensitive areas, such as your eyes, nose, lips, mouth, or genitals. This could be very painful. To reduce the risk of accidental exposure, be sure to wash your hands well with soap and water right after using capsaicin or wear gloves when you are applying it. If accidental exposure to capsaicin occurs, rinse or flush the area with cool water. 

You should not use capsaicin on skin areas with cuts, sores, rashes, an infection, or other irritation or damage. 

Do not use tight bandages over or wrap the area where you apply capsaicin. 

Do not expose areas where you apply capsaicin to heat right before or after using it. This may increase the risk of side effects. The treated area may also be more sensitive to heat. Heat sources may include a heating pad, hot compresses, a hot shower or bath, direct sun exposure, or intense exercise.

What should I tell my health care provider before using capsaicin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if capsaicin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• A reduced ability to feel things
• Areas of broken skin or other prior skin damage, trauma, or wounds

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how capsaicin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use capsaicin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if capsaicin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use capsaicin while breastfeeding. If you use capsaicin while breastfeeding, avoid applying it anywhere near your nipples to limit the risk of exposing your baby to it. Wash your hands after applying capsaicin before touching your baby. Also, be sure to avoid touching the baby’s bare skin to areas of your skin where you have applied capsaicin.