Interactions with Cayenne

A case of cough induced by topical capsaicin cream (0.075%) has been reported in a patient taking an ACE inhibitor (Hakas 1990). A 53-year-old female patient applied capsaicin cream to her lower extremities for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes. She had been maintained on an ACE inhibitor for several years without experiencing cough as a side effect prior to the introduction of the capsaicin. The cough was temporally related to application of the capsaicin cream.

Aspirin

In a clinical trial involving 18 healthy volunteers, capsaicin reduced gastric mucosal damage induced by aspirin (Yeoh et al. 1995). Endoscdopic examination revealed that oral administration of 20 g of chili (equivalent to 9.65 mg capsaicin) 30 minutes prior to ingesting aspirin (600 mg) reduced gastric mucosal lesions.

Theophylline

Cayenne enhanced theophylline absorption and bioavailability when administered orally to rabbits (Bouraoui et al. 1988). High or regular use of cayenne may increase the risk of theophylline toxicity, although this has not been tested in humans.

References

Bouraoui A, Toumi A, Mustapha HB, et al. Effects of capsicum fruit on theophylline absorption and bioavailability in rabbits. Drug-Nutrient Interact. 1988;5:345-350.

Hakas JF. Topical capsaicin induces cough in a patient receiving ACE inhibitor. Ann Allergy. 1990;65:322.

Yeoh KG, et al. Chili protects against aspirin-induced gastroduodenal mucosal injury in humans. Dig Dis Sci. 1995;40:580-583.

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