Latin, Capsicum (Gen., Capsici)

Eng., Capsicum. Synonyms, Cayenne Pepper, African Pepper, Red Pepper. The dried ripe fruit of Capsicum frutescens.

Average Dose

1 grain (0.06 Gm.).

1 Stelwagon: Diseases of the Skin.

Official Preparations.

Emplastrum Capsici

Eng., Capsicum Plaster. Oleoresin of Capsicum spread in a thin coating over adhesive plaster.

Oleoresina Capsici

Eng., Oleoresin of Capsicum.

Average Dose

1/2 grain (0.03 Gm.).

Tinctura Capsici

Eng., Tincture of Capsicum. Represents 10 per cent. of the drug.

Average Dose

8 minims (0.5 mil).

Therapeutic Action

Rubefacient, vesicant, stimulant, stomachic.

Uses

Alcoholism, indigestion, certain forms of nephritis, etc.

Administration

Capsicum is not often prescribed. The most frequent employment is that of the powdered drug or the tincture with other agents:

In a laxative preparation for tuberculosis:

M. ft. cap. no. xxiv. Sig.-One at night.