capsicum
Generic name: capsicum [ CAP-sih-kum ]
Drug class: Herbal products
What is capsicum?
The use of capsicum in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
Capsicum is also known as cayenne pepper, red pepper, African chilies, green pepper, tabasco pepper, paprika, pimiento, Mexican chilies, Louisiana pepper, and others.
Capsicum has been used internally as a gargle for throat irritation or infection, for stomach ailments, and to protect against hardening of the arteries and heart disease.
Capsicum has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of capsicum may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Capsicum may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about capsicum?
Do not take capsicum without first talking to your doctor if you are allergic to peppers (green, red, orange, yellow, chili, peppercorns, etc.). You may also be allergic to capsicum.
Do not get capsicum in the eyes. Severe burning, stinging, and eye irritation may occur. If capsicum gets in the eyes, seek medical attention.
Capsicum has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of capsicum may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Who should not take capsicum?
Do not take capsicum without first talking to your doctor if you are allergic to peppers (green, red, orange, yellow, chili, , peppercorns, etc.). You may also be allergic to capsicum.
Before taking capsicum, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Capsicum may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not take capsicum without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether capsicum will be harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not take capsicum without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether capsicum will be harmful to a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of capsicum by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take capsicum?
The use of capsicum in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take capsicum, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Take the pill forms of capsicum with a full glass of water.
To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of capsicum with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.
Topical forms of capsicum are intended for external use only.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of capsicum at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of capsicum.
Store capsicum as directed on the package. In general, capsicum should be protected from light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of capsicum. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a capsicum overdose are not known.
What should I avoid while taking capsicum?
Do not get capsicum in the eyes. Severe burning, stinging, and eye irritation may occur. If capsicum gets in the eyes, seek medical attention.
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking capsicum, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.
Capsicum side effects
Although rare, allergic reactions to capsicum may occur. Stop taking capsicum and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Other less serious side effects have also been reported infrequently. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you experience
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upset stomach;
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heartburn;
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diarrhea; or
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burning sensation in the mouth or throat or with skin contact.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect capsicum?
Interactions between capsicum and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking capsicum if you are taking any other medicines, vitamins, minerals, or supplements.
Related/similar drugs
More about capsicum
Professional resources
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Further information
- Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about capsicum.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.02. Revision Date: 2010-12-15, 5:01:39 PM.