Capsicum

Capsicum is an herbal supplement used for treatment of post-herpetic pain (shingles), circulatory problems (peripheral), clotting disorders, diarrhea, digestion problems, fibromyalgia (topical), heart disease (prevention), neuralgias (topical), neuropathies (topical), pain syndromes (topical), prurigo nodularis, migraine (intranasal).

• Capsicum is effective for pain relief.
• Capsicum is available under the following different brand names: African chilies, Ausanil, capsaicin, cayenne, chili pepper, green chili pepper, Louisiana long pepper, Mexican chilies, paprika, pimento, red pepper, and tabasco pepper.

Topical

• Apply 0.025%-0.075% three to four times daily; minimum 4 weeks
• Make take up to 14 days for full analgesic effect
• Avoid using near eyes or on sensitive skin
• Wash hands after applying

Oral

• Fruit: 30-120 orally three times daily
• Tincture: 0.6-2 ml/dose orally
• Oleoresin: 0.6-2 mg/dose orally

Intranasal

• Migraine (Ausanil): spray 1-2 times into nostril

Prurigo Nodularis

• Apply 0.025%-0.3% topically 4-6 times/day

Dosing Consideraations – Should be Given as Follows:

• None

Side effects of capsicum include:

• bleeding
• local burning sensation
• skin irritation
• cough
• flushing
• stomach flu
• abdominal irritation
• liver damage
• tearing
• mucous membrane irritation
• eye irritation
• kidney damage
• runny nose
• sweating
• hives (topical use)

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Capsicum has no known severe interactions with other drugs.
• Capsicum has no known serious interactions with other drugs.
• Capsicum has no known moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Mild interactions of capsicum include:
  • benazepril
  • captopril
  • enalapril
  • fosinopril
  • imidapril
  • lisinopril
  • moexipril
  • perinodopril
  • quinapril
  • ramipril
  • trandolapril

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns, or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

• This medication contains Capsicum. Do not take African chilies, Ausanil, capsaicin, cayenne, chili pepper, green chili pepper, Louisiana long pepper, Mexican chilies, paprika, pimento, red pepper, or tabasco pepper if you are allergic to Capsicum or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately

Contraindications

• Damaged skin (topical use), hypersensitivity to peppers, infectious gastrointestinal (GI) conditions (oral use), inflammatory GI conditions (oral use), and open wounds (topical use)

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Capsicum?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Capsicum?"

Cautions

• Concurrent sedative medications
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth, after topical application until it is washed off
• Do not apply external heat after topical capsaicin application

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Consult with your physician regarding the use of capsicum during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.