Last update June 6, 2025

Capsaicin

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

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.

Alternatives

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.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Capsaicin is also known as


Capsaicin in other languages or writings:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Capsaicin in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 50-90 (oral). ≈ 0 (dermal) %
Molecular weight 305 daltons
pKa 9.93 -
Tmax 0.75 hours
1.64 hours

References

  1. N Diaye K, Debong M, Behr J, Dirndorfer S, Duggan T, Beusch A, Schlagbauer V, Dawid C, Loos HM, Buettner A, Lang R, Hofmann T. Dietary Piperine is Transferred into the Milk of Nursing Mothers. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2021 Dec;65(23):e2100508. Abstract
  2. Posadzki P, Watson LK, Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clin Med (Lond). 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  3. AEMPS. Capsaicina Ficha técnica. 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  4. EMA. Capsicum annuum European Union herbal monograph. 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  5. Babbar S, Marier JF, Mouksassi MS, Beliveau M, Vanhove GF, Chanda S, Bley K. Pharmacokinetic analysis of capsaicin after topical administration of a high-concentration capsaicin patch to patients with peripheral neuropathic pain. Ther Drug Monit. 2009 Abstract

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