Paprika (Cayenne)

Capsici fructus, paprika.  
Capsici fructus acer, cayenne pepper.  

Paprika consists of the dried fruits of various capsaicin-rich Capsicum species [Fam.  Solanaceae], as well as its preparations in effective dosage.  

Cayenne pepper consists of the dried, ripe, usually removed from the calyx, fruits of Capsicum frutescens L., as well as its preparations in effective dosage.  

The drugs contain capsaicinoids.  

Uses

Painful muscle spasms in areas of shoulder, arm and spine of adults and school-age children.  

Contraindications

Application on injured skin, allergies to paprika preparations.  

Side Effects

In rare cases hypersensitivity reaction can occur (urticaria).  

None known.  

Note:No additional heat application.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

• In semi-liquid preparations containing 0.02 - 0.05 percent capsaicinoids,
• in liquid preparations containing 0.005 - 0.01 percent capsaicinoids,
• in poultices containing 10 - 40 µg capsaicinoids per cm².  

Preparations of paprika exclusively for external uses.  

Not longer than 2 days; 14 days must pass before a new application can be used in the same location.  

Longer use on the same area may cause damage to sensitive nerves.  

Warning:Paprika preparations irritate the mucous membranes even in very low concentrations and cause a painful burning sensation.  Contact of paprika preparations with mucous membranes, especially the eyes, must be avoided.  

Local hyperemic
Local nerve-damaging