Meta Information
ID:capsaicin
Name:
Schema Version:2.4_uniform_evidence_2026_06_18
Created
2026-05-21T22:30:00Z
Model
phase-a-upgrade-claude-sonnet-4.6
Interactions
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking capsaicin on an empty stomach can cause significant gastric irritation, burning, and discomfort. Consuming it with food, especially a meal containing fat, buffers the stomach lining and improves tolerance.
Actionable advice:
Capsaicin supplements should be taken with a meal to prevent stomach upset.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
QUTENZA patch contains 8% capsaicin
Label source:
FDA label: Capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/condition/peptic-ulcer-disease
Target name:
Peptic Ulcer Disease or Severe GERD
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Capsaicin is a strong irritant to the gastrointestinal mucosa and can significantly worsen the pain, inflammation, and damage associated with peptic ulcers or severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Actionable advice:
Capsaicin supplements should be avoided completely with active peptic ulcer disease or severe GERD.
Validation status:
unvalidatable
Evidence tier:
tier_e
Evidence basis:
unvalidatable
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Scientific literature support not found
Exact phrase from label:
Label source:
FDA label: Capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/procedure/surgery
Target name:
Upcoming Surgery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Capsaicin may have antiplatelet effects that can inhibit blood clotting and increase the risk of excessive bleeding during and after a surgical procedure.
Actionable advice:
Capsaicin supplements should be stopped at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
application of QUTENZA
Label source:
FDA label: Capsaicin (Qutenza)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Capsaicin may inhibit platelet aggregation, potentially creating an additive effect with blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin) that increases the overall risk of bleeding and bruising.
Actionable advice:
It is important to talk to a doctor before using capsaicin while taking any blood-thinning medications.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
transient increases in blood pressure occurred during or shortly after exposure to QUTENZA
Label source:
FDA label: Capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Capsaicin can have a dual effect on blood pressure, sometimes causing an acute increase upon ingestion before a potential long-term lowering effect. This can interfere with the management of blood pressure and may enhance the effects of antihypertensive drugs, increasing the risk of hypotension.
Actionable advice:
Blood pressure should be monitored closely when starting capsaicin while taking medication for hypertension.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Transient increases in blood pressure may occur
Label source:
FDA label: Capsaicin (Qutenza)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/ace-inhibitors
Target name:
ACE Inhibitors
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Both capsaicin (via TRPV1 receptor activation) and ACE inhibitors are known to cause a persistent dry cough as a side effect. Using them together can significantly increase the likelihood and severity of this cough.
Actionable advice:
It is worth being aware that taking capsaicin with an ACE inhibitor may significantly worsen cough.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Patients with unstable or poorly controlled hypertension, or a recent history of cardiovascular or
Label source:
FDA label: Capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Capsaicin may improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels. When combined with diabetes medications (e.g., metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas), this can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Blood glucose levels are best monitored carefully if capsaicin is combined with diabetes medication.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Taking capsicum along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/acid-suppressors
Target name:
Gastric Acid Suppressors
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Acid-reducing medications (like PPIs or H2 blockers) can cause the protective enteric coating on capsaicin capsules to dissolve prematurely in the stomach instead of the intestine, leading to intense burning and irritation.
Actionable advice:
Capsaicin doses and acid-suppressing medications should be separated by at least 2 hours.
Validation status:
unvalidatable
Evidence tier:
tier_e
Evidence basis:
unvalidatable
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Scientific literature support not found
Exact phrase from label:
Label source:
FDA label: Capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/dietary/hot-foods-beverages
Target name:
Hot Beverages
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0.5
Hours after target:
0.5
Description:
Consuming hot liquids with or near the time of taking an enteric-coated capsaicin capsule can cause the coating to dissolve too early in the esophagus or stomach, resulting in severe burning and discomfort.
Actionable advice:
Hot beverages are best avoided for 30 minutes before and after taking capsaicin.
Validation status:
unvalidatable
Evidence tier:
tier_e
Evidence basis:
unvalidatable
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Scientific literature support not found
Exact phrase from label:
Label source:
FDA label: Capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/intervention/theophylline
Target name:
Theophylline
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
High-dose capsaicin has been shown to increase the absorption and bioavailability of theophylline, a medication for respiratory diseases, potentially leading to toxic levels in the blood.
Actionable advice:
High-dose capsaicin supplements are best avoided when taking theophylline.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
Capsicum can increase how much theophylline the body can absorb.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
The safety of high-dose capsaicin supplements during pregnancy has not been established. Due to a lack of data, it is not recommended.
Actionable advice:
Capsaicin supplements are best avoided during pregnancy.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
8.1 Pregnancy
Label source:
FDA label: Capsaicin (Qutenza)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
It is unknown if capsaicin or its metabolites pass into breast milk in significant amounts or what effect they might have on a nursing infant. Therefore, supplementation should be avoided.
Actionable advice:
Capsaicin supplements are best avoided while breastfeeding.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
8.2 Lactation
Label source:
FDA label: Capsaicin (Qutenza)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/herbal-anticoagulants
Target name:
Herbal Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Capsaicin's potential antiplatelet effects may be additive with other supplements that thin the blood, such as ginkgo, high-dose garlic, ginger, and fish oil, theoretically increasing bleeding risk.
Actionable advice:
Caution may help when combining capsaicin with other supplements known to affect blood clotting.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
transient increases in blood pressure occurred during or shortly after exposure to QUTENZA
Label source:
FDA label: Capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/intervention/ginger
Target name:
Ginger
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Ginger possesses gastroprotective properties that may help mitigate the stomach irritation sometimes caused by capsaicin, while also sharing complementary anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking capsaicin with ginger to potentially reduce GI side effects and enhance benefits.
Validation status:
unvalidatable
Evidence tier:
tier_e
Evidence basis:
unvalidatable
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Scientific literature support not found
Exact phrase from label:
Label source:
FDA label: Capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/condition/hepatic-impairment
Target name:
Hepatic Impairment
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Capsaicin is metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver. Its clearance may be altered in individuals with significant liver dysfunction, although this is largely theoretical.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with caution in those diagnosed with significant liver disease.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
QUTENZA patch contains 8% capsaicin
Label source:
FDA label: Capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza)
Action type:
informational_none