Last update June 6, 2025
Likely Compatibility
We do not have alternatives for Capsaicin.
Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.
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Capsaicin is also known as
Capsaicin in other languages or writings:
Capsaicin belongs to these groups or families:
Main tradenames from several countries containing Capsaicin in its composition:
| Variable | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Bioavail. | 50-90 (oral). ≈ 0 (dermal) | % |
| Molecular weight | 305 | daltons |
| pKa | 9.93 | - |
| Tmax | 0.75 | hours |
| T½ | 1.64 | hours |
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e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine - 2012 of United States of America
Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM
Capsaicin is the active ingredient in ripe and dried fruits of Capsicum spp. (Bell pepper, Capsicum, Cayenne pepper, Chili, Chilli, Green pepper, Paprika). It is used in medicine as an analgesic for peripheral neuropathic pain (postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and others), osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is administered topically to the skin in the form of creams, gels, or patches. It is also used in gastronomy as a condiment.
A low absorption into plasma (very low levels or undetectable in plasma) and rapid clearance make it highly unlikely the passage of significant amount toward breast milk. In fact, the minute concentrations of piperine and other compounds in breast milk after nursing mothers consume a curry dish are below the human taste threshold. (N Diaye 2021)
Adverse effects resulting from topical application of capsaicin are rare and mild. (Posadzki 2013)
Do not apply on the chest or thoroughly clean it off before breastfeeding.