Capsaicin
Medicinal Chemistry
Molecular Weight
305.41
Molecular Formula
C18H27NO3
IUPAC Name
(6E)-N-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)-8-methylnon-6-enamide
Pharmacognosy
Biological Source
Capsicum annuum
Active Constituents
Capsaicin
Pharmacology & Synthesis
Mechanism of Action
Agonist at transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors; depletes substance P.
Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
A: Topical absorption.
D: Localized.
M: Hepatic (if systemic).
E: Renal.
Pharmacodynamics
Initial burning followed by prolonged local analgesia.
Synthesis Pathway
Synthesized from phenylalanine and valine pathways.
Safety, Warnings & Interactions
Adverse Effects
Local burning, erythema, coughing (if inhaled).
Contraindications
Broken or irritated skin.
Drug Interactions
Rare systemically.
Pharmaceutics & Compendia
Dosage Forms
Topical creams, Patches
Official Compendia
USP