ketoprofen + capsaicin

Ketoprofen + capsaicin is a combination therapy consisting of a ketoprofen transdermal patch and topical capsaicin, primarily investigated for the self-management of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that acts by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes, thereby reducing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Capsaicin is a potent agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor; its therapeutic effect is derived from the initial stimulation followed by a long-lasting desensitization of nociceptive nerve fibers. This dual-action approach aims to provide both anti-inflammatory relief and neurogenic pain modulation. The combination was evaluated in a pilot study by Yonsei University as a self-applicable modality for managing upper trapezius myofascial pain, showing improvements in pain scores and cervical range of motion.

Other names

NSAID + capsaicinketoprofen patch + capsaicinNSAID patch + topical capsaicin