Topical capsaicin-pharmacology and potential role in the treatment of temporomandibular pain

Abstract

Capsaicin is an over-the-counter topical analgesic marketed at 0.025% and 0.075% concentrations. It is currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the topical relief of pain due to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and various neuralgias. This paper will review the basic and clinical pharmacology of capsaicin, and discuss its potential role in the management of pain in the temporomandibular joint region.