Cayenne 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by NOW
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Cayenne 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Cayenne 500 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for nerve pain (neuropathy), muscle and joint pain (arthritis), back pain.Based on those ingredients, 239 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cayenne Pepper. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Cayenne 500 mg by NOW
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cayenne 500 mg by NOW — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cayenne 500 mg by NOW
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains a single active ingredient: cayenne pepper at 500 mg per capsule. Cayenne is the fruit of a hot chili plant and delivers a compound called capsaicin, which is what gives it its bite and its medicinal effects.
The capsule itself is made from hypromellose, an inert ingredient that helps hold the powder together.
Does it work?
Not established
Cayenne has the strongest evidence for postherpetic neuralgia—pain that lingers after shingles—and diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage from diabetes), where it's rated likely effective. It's rated possibly effective for cluster headache, back pain, and nausea after surgery.
Keep in mind that most of this evidence comes from topical (skin-applied) forms of capsaicin; oral supplement evidence is more limited. Talk with your pharmacist about whether the oral form is the right choice for what you're trying to address.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Orally, cayenne at typical food amounts or supplements up to 200 mg daily is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild—belching, bloating, burning sensation, diarrhea, nausea, gas, and sweating.
Upper abdominal discomfort and anal burning can also occur. Rare serious effects have been reported in case reports but are uncommon.
During pregnancy, cayenne from food is likely safe, and the supplement itself is possibly safe—but concentrated medicinal doses haven't been well studied, so check with your doctor first. During breastfeeding, food amounts are fine, but safety of concentrated supplements isn't well established.
Additionally, population research has suggested a link between moderate-to-high cayenne intake and gastric cancer risk, though it's unclear what amount crosses that threshold and whether contamination of products may play a role.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this cayenne supplement, check your medications against these types: blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (moderate risk of increased bleeding), diabetes medications (moderate risk of low blood sugar), theophylline, and ciprofloxacin—all moderate interactions. Also mention ACE inhibitors (blood pressure drugs), which have a minor interaction.
Use the search tool on this page to verify your specific drugs.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Cayenne may help with nerve pain from shingles or diabetes, and possibly with cluster headache or surgery-related nausea. If you take blood thinners, diabetes drugs, theophylline, or ciprofloxacin, you need to check with your pharmacist first—cayenne can affect how these work.
Generally well tolerated at food and low supplement doses, but concentrated supplements in pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with your doctor.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 25, 2021.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Cayenne 500 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | NOW |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 733739046253 |
| Net contents | 100 Veg Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Mar 25, 2021 |
| DSLD ID | 245879 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Cayenne 500 mg by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Usage: Take 1 capsule 2 to 4 times daily, preferably after eating.
Formula
Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) has been used as a food and by traditional herbalists for thousands of years. The hot and spicy taste of cayenne pepper is primarily due to a component known as capsaicin. Modern scientific studies have indicated that consumption of Cayenne may help to support cardiovascular and digestive functions.
Triangle K (Kosher)
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Precautions
Caution: For adults only.
Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Keep out of reach of children.
Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Formulation
Herbal Support Supports Healthy Digestion Supports Blood Vessels
Vegetarian/Vegan
Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.
Natural color variation may occur in this product.
Seals/Symbols
Non-GMO
Triangle K (Kosher)
GMP Quality Assured
FDA Statement of Identity
A Dietary Supplement
General Statements
Botanicals/Herbs Family owned since 1968.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place after opening.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Cayenne 500 mg by NOW label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Cayenne 500 mg by NOW
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.
Cayenne Pepper
Interacts with239 drugs
Capsicum (chili pepper) contains capsaicin, which is best known and best studied as a topical treatment for certain types of pain. Topical capsaicin p...
Cayenne Pepper monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Cayenne 500 mg by NOW Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
NOW Cayenne 500 mg contains cayenne pepper, which does interact with several medication types.
The most serious concern is with blood thinners (anticoagulants) and antiplatelet drugs like warfarin and aspirin—cayenne may increase bleeding risk. Population research has found an association between cayenne use and increased bleeding in patients taking warfarin, and in-vitro studies suggest it might boost the effects of antiplatelet medications.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Cayenne also has moderate interactions with diabetes medications, theophylline (a respiratory drug), and ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic). It may lower blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with diabetes drugs, raise theophylline levels and side effects, and increase ciprofloxacin levels significantly.
There's also a minor interaction with ACE inhibitors (blood pressure drugs), where topical cayenne may worsen the dry cough these drugs can cause.
Although some of these interactions are noted as theoretical, they're backed by at least preliminary research or case reports. Altogether, these interactions span 239 individual medications.
Before you start cayenne, run your exact medications through the checker on this page.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Cayenne 500 mg?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Cayenne 500 mg interact with 239 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Cayenne 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Cayenne Pepper
AbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Abciximab interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Abrocitinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking capsicum with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Acarbose interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Acenocoumarol interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Aspirin Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAspirin, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking capsicum with aspirin might reduce the bioavailability of aspirin.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
How Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interactionAcetohexamideDymelor
How Acetohexamide interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking capsicum with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Acetohexamide interactionAcetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
How Acetylsalicylic Acid interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Aspirin Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Acetylsalicylic Acid interactionAlbiglutideTanzeum
How Albiglutide interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking capsicum with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Albiglutide interactionAlogliptinNesina
How Alogliptin interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking capsicum with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Alogliptin interactionAlogliptin, MetforminKazano
How Alogliptin, Metformin interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking capsicum with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Alogliptin, Metformin interactionAlogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
How Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking capsicum with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionAlteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase
How Alteplase, Tpa interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Alteplase, Tpa interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Aspirin Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAspirin, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking capsicum with aspirin might reduce the bioavailability of aspirin.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAnacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid
How Anacaulase-bcdb interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Anacaulase-bcdb interactionAnagrelideAgrylin
How Anagrelide interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Anagrelide interactionAnisindioneMiradon
How Anisindione interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Anisindione interactionAntidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi
How Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking capsicum with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interactionAntithrombin IiiThrombate III
How Antithrombin Iii interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Antithrombin Iii interactionApixabanEliquis
How Apixaban interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Apixaban interactionArgatrobanArgatroban
How Argatroban interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Argatroban interactionAspirinAngettes 75, ASA, Asaphen, Aspirin, Caprin, Cartia +8 more
How Aspirin interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Aspirin Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Aspirin interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAspirin, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking capsicum with aspirin might reduce the bioavailability of aspirin.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAspirin, ButalbitalAxotal
How Aspirin, Butalbital interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Aspirin Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Aspirin, Butalbital interactionAspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAspirin, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking capsicum with aspirin might reduce the bioavailability of aspirin.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Aspirin Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, PhenacetinMarnal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAspirin, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking capsicum with aspirin might reduce the bioavailability of aspirin.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interactionAspirin, CaffeineAnacin
How Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Cayenne 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Cayenne PepperAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Aspirin Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Cayenne Pepper + Aspirin, Caffeine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Cayenne 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Cayenne Pepper
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, capsicum may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that capsicum might increase the effects of antiplatelet drugs. Also, population research shows that capsicum is associated with an increased risk of self-reported bleeding in patients taking warfarin. However, clinical research shows that taking a single dose of capsaicin (Asian Herbex Ltd.), the active ingredient in capsicum, 400-800 mcg orally in combination with aspirin 500 mg does not decrease platelet aggregation when compared with taking aspirin 500 mg alone. Also, there was no notable effect on measures of platelet aggregation with capsaicin. It is unclear whether capsaicin must be used in more than a single dose to affect platelet aggregation.
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, taking capsicum with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Preliminary clinical research shows that consuming capsicum 5 grams along with a glucose drink attenuates the rise in plasma glucose after 30 minutes by 21%, decreases the 2-hour postprandial area under the curve of plasma glucose by 11%, and increases the 2-hour postprandial area under the curve of plasma insulin by 58% in healthy individuals when compared with placebo. Other clinical research shows that taking capsicum 5 mg daily for 28 days significantly reduces postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels, but not fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, in patients with gestational diabetes.
Aspirin
Theoretically, taking capsicum with aspirin might reduce the bioavailability of aspirin.
Animal research shows that acute or chronic intake of capsicum pepper reduces oral aspirin bioavailability. This has not been shown in humans.
Theophylline
Theoretically, taking capsicum with theophylline might increase the levels and adverse effects of theophylline.
In animal research, oral administration of capsicum reduced excretion of theophylline. However, capsicum does not seem to affect the pharmacokinetics of theophylline when administered intravenously.
Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)
Theoretically, using topical capsaicin may increase the risk of ACE inhibitor-induced cough.
There is one case report of a topically applied capsaicin cream contributing to the cough reflex in a patient using an ACEI. However, it is unclear if this interaction is clinically significant.
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Theoretically, taking capsicum with ciprofloxacin might increase levels and adverse effects of ciprofloxacin.
Animal research shows that concomitant use of capsaicin, the active constituent of capsicum, and ciprofloxacin increases the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by up to 70%.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Cayenne 500 mg, from the product label.
NOW
See all NOW products- Name
- NOW Foods
- Street Address
- 395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
- City
- Bloomingdale
- State
- IL
- ZipCode
- 60108
- Web Address
- nowfoods.com
Cayenne 500 mg by NOW: Common Questions
Does Cayenne 500 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Will this help my nerve pain from diabetes?
Can I take this while I'm pregnant?
What are the side effects I might notice?
Can I take this with my diabetes medication?
Does this have any fillers?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Cayenne 500 mg is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Cayenne 500 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Cayenne 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 89 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Capsicum 89 references
- Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
- Cooper RL, Cooper MM. Red pepper-induced dermatitis in breast-fed infants. Dermatol 1996;93:61-2. PubMed
- Millqvist E. Cough provocation with capsaicin is an objective way to test sensory hyperreactivity in patients with asthma-like symptoms. Allergy 2000;55:546-50. DOI
- Locock RA. Capsicum. Can Pharm J 1985;118:517-9.
- Mason L, Moore RA, Derry S, et al. Systematic review of topical capsaicin for the treatment of chronic pain. BMJ 2004;328:991. PubMed
- Schmulson MJ, Valdovinos MA, Milke P. Chili pepper and rectal hyperalgesia in irritable bowel syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol 2003;98:1214-5. PubMed
- Surh YJ, Lee SS. Capsaicin in hot chili pepper: carcinogen, co-carcinogen or anticarcinogen? Food Chem Toxicol 1996;34:313-6. PubMed
- Bouraoui A, Brazier JL, Zouaghi H, Rousseau M. Theophylline pharmacokinetics and metabolism in rabbits following single and repeated administration of Capsicum fruit. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 1995;20:173-8.
- Hogaboam CM, Wallace JL. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by capsaicin. An effect unrelated to actions on sensory afferent neurons. Eur J Pharmacol 1991;202:129-31. PubMed
- Wang JP, Hsu MF, Teng CM. Antiplatelet effect of capsaicin. Thromb Res 1984;36:497-507. PubMed
- Williams SR, Clark RF, Dunford JV. Contact dermatitis associated with capsaicin: Hunan hand syndrome. Ann Emerg Med 1995;25:713-5. PubMed
- Zollman TM, Bragg RM, Harrison DA. Clinical effects of oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray) on the human cornea and conjunctiva. Ophthalmology 2000;107:2186-9. PubMed
- Bortolotti M, Coccia G, Grossi G, Miglioli M. The treatment of functional dyspepsia with red pepper. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2002;16:1075-82. PubMed
- Hakas JF Jr. Topical capsaicin induces cough in patient receiving ACE inhibitor. Ann Allergy 1990;65:322-3.
- Rapoport AM, Bigal ME, Tepper SJ, Sheftell FD. Intranasal medications for the treatment of migraine and cluster headache. CNS Drugs 2004;18:671-85. PubMed
- Stjarne P, Rinder J, Heden-Blomquist E, et al. Capsaicin desensitization of the nasal mucosa reduces symptoms upon allergen challenge in patients with allergic rhinitis. Acta Otolaryngol 1998;118:235-9. PubMed
- Levy RL. Intranasal capsaicin for acute abortive treatment of migraine without aura. Headache 1995;35:277.
- Fusco BM, Marabini S, Maggi CA, et al. Preventative effect of repeated nasal applications of capsaicin in cluster headache. Pain 1994;59:321-5. PubMed
- Sicuteri F, Fusco BM, Marabini S, et al. Beneficial effect of capsaicin application to the nasal mucosa in cluster headache. Clin J Pain 1989;5:49-53. PubMed
- Marabini S, Ciabatti PG, Polli G, et al. Beneficial effects of intranasal applications of capsaicin in patients with vasomotor rhinitis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 1991;248:191-4. PubMed
- Frerick H, Keitel W, Kuhn U, et al. Topical treatment of chronic low back pain with a capsicum plaster. Pain 2003;106:59-64. PubMed
- Keitel W, Frerick H, Kuhn U, et al. Capsicum pain plaster in chronic non-specific low back pain. Arzneimittelforschung 2001;51:896-903. PubMed
- Shalansky S, Lynd L, Richardson K, et al. Risk of warfarin-related bleeding events and supratherapeutic international normalized ratios associated with complementary and alternative medicine: a longitudinal analysis. Pharmacotherapy. 2007;27:1237-47. PubMed
- Sumano-López H, Gutiérrez-Olvera L, Aguilera-Jiménez R, et al. Administration of ciprofloxacin and capsaicin in rats to achieve higher maximal serum concentrations. Arzneimittelforschung. 2007;57(5):286-90. PubMed
- Wanwimolruk S, Nyika S, Kepple M, et al. Effects of capsaicin on the pharmacokinetics of antipyrine, theophylline and quinine in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1993;45(7):618-21. PubMed
- Cruz L, Castañeda-Hernández G, Navarrete A. Ingestion of chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum) reduces salicylate bioavailability after oral asprin administration in the rat. Can J Physiol Pharmacol.
- Rodriguez-Stanley, S., Collings, K. L., Robinson, M., Owen, W., and Miner, P. B., Jr. The effects of capsaicin on reflux, gastric emptying and dyspepsia. Aliment.Pharmacol.Ther. 2000;14(1):129-134. PubMed
- Brown, L., Takeuchi, D., and Challoner, K. Corneal abrasions associated with pepper spray exposure. Am.J.Emerg.Med. 2000;18(3):271-272. PubMed
- Vesaluoma, M., Muller, L., Gallar, J., Lambiase, A., Moilanen, J., Hack, T., Belmonte, C., and Tervo, T. Effects of oleoresin capsicum pepper spray on human corneal morphology and sensitivity. Invest Ophthalmol.Vis.Sci. 2000;41(8):2138-2147.
- Stam, C., Bonnet, M. S., and van Haselen, R. A. The efficacy and safety of a homeopathic gel in the treatment of acute low back pain: a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind comparative clinical trial. Br Homeopath J 2001;90(1):21-28. PubMed
- Olajos, E. J. and Salem, H. Riot control agents: pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry and chemistry. J.Appl.Toxicol. 2001;21(5):355-391. PubMed
- Fett, D. D. Botanical briefs: Capsicum peppers. Cutis 2003;72(1):21-23.
- McCarthy, G. M. and McCarty, D. J. Effect of topical capsaicin in the therapy of painful osteoarthritis of the hands. J.Rheumatol. 1992;19(4):604-607.
- Chaiyata, P., Puttadechakum, S., and Komindr, S. Effect of chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) ingestion on plasma glucose response and metabolic rate in Thai women. J.Med.Assoc.Thai. 2003;86(9):854-860.
- Petruzzi, M., Lauritano, D., De Benedittis, M., Baldoni, M., and Serpico, R. Systemic capsaicin for burning mouth syndrome: short-term results of a pilot study. J.Oral Pathol.Med. 2004;33(2):111-114. PubMed
- Misra, M. N., Pullani, A. J., and Mohamed, Z. U. Prevention of PONV by acustimulation with capsicum plaster is comparable to ondansetron after middle ear surgery: [La prevention des NVPO par acustimulation avec un emplatre de Capsicum est comparable a ce PubMed
- Milke, P., Diaz, A., Valdovinos, M. A., and Moran, S. Gastroesophageal reflux in healthy subjects induced by two different species of chilli (Capsicum annum). Dig.Dis. 2006;24(1-2):184-188.
- de Jong, N. W., van der Steen, J. J., Smeekens, C. C., Blacquiere, T., Mulder, P. G., van Wijk, R. G., and de Groot, H. Honeybee interference as a novel aid to reduce pollen exposure and nasal symptoms among greenhouse workers allergic to sweet bell pepp
- Final report on the safety assessment of capsicum annuum extract, capsicum annuum fruit extract, capsicum annuum resin, capsicum annuum fruit powder, capsicum frutescens fruit, capsicum frutescens fruit extract, capsicum frutescens resin, and capsaicin.
- Tandan, R., Lewis, G. A., Krusinski, P. B., Badger, G. B., and Fries, T. J. Topical capsaicin in painful diabetic neuropathy. Controlled study with long-term follow-up. Diabetes Care 1992;15(1):8-14. PubMed
- Gupta, P. J. Red hot chilli consumption is harmful in patients operated for anal fissure - a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Dig.Surg. 2007;24(5):354-357. PubMed
- Patane, S., Marte, F., Di Bella, G., Cerrito, M., and Coglitore, S. Capsaicin, arterial hypertensive crisis and acute myocardial infarction associated with high levels of thyroid stimulating hormone. Int.J Cardiol. 5-1-2009;134(1):130-132. PubMed
- Gupta, P. J. Consumption of red-hot chili pepper increases symptoms in patients with acute anal fissures. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, crossover trial. Arq Gastroenterol. 2008;45(2):124-127. PubMed
- Gupta, P. J. Consumption of red-hot chili pepper increases symptoms in patients with acute anal fissures. Ann.Ital.Chir 2008;79(5):347-351.
- Patane, S., Marte, F., La Rosa, F. C., and La, Rocca R. Capsaicin and arterial hypertensive crisis. Int J Cardiol. 10-8-2010;144(2):e26-e27. PubMed
- Chaiyasit, K., Khovidhunkit, W., and Wittayalertpanya, S. Pharmacokinetic and the effect of capsaicin in Capsicum frutescens on decreasing plasma glucose level. J Med.Assoc.Thai. 2009;92(1):108-113.
- Blanc, P., Liu, D., Juarez, C., and Boushey, H. A. Cough in hot pepper workers. Chest 1991;99(1):27-32. PubMed
- Akcay, A. B., Ozcan, T., Seyis, S., and Acele, A. Coronary vasospasm and acute myocardial infarction induced by a topical capsaicin patch. Turk.Kardiyol.Dern.Ars 2009;37(7):497-500.
- van Boxel, O. S., ter Linde, J. J., Siersema, P. D., and Smout, A. J. Role of chemical stimulation of the duodenum in dyspeptic symptom generation. Am J Gastroenterol. 2010;105(4):803-811. PubMed
- Niemcunowicz-Janica, A., Ptaszynska-Sarosiek, I., and Wardaszka, Z. [Sudden death caused by an oleoresin capsicum spray]. Arch.Med.Sadowej.Kryminol. 2009;59(3):252-254.
- Reuter, J., Merfort, I., and Schempp, C. M. Botanicals in dermatology: an evidence-based review. Am J Clin Dermatol 2010;11(4):247-267. PubMed
- McCormack, P. L. Capsaicin dermal patch: in non-diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Drugs 10-1-2010;70(14):1831-1842. PubMed
- Bortolotti, M. and Porta, S. Effect of red pepper on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: preliminary study. Dig.Dis.Sci 2011;56(11):3288-3295. PubMed
- Webster, L. R., Peppin, J. F., Murphy, F. T., Lu, B., Tobias, J. K., and Vanhove, G. F. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of NGX-4010, capsaicin 8% patch, in an open-label study of patients with peripheral neuropathic pain. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2011 PubMed
- Gerber, S., Frueh, B. E., and Tappeiner, C. Conjunctival proliferation after a mild pepper spray injury in a young child. Cornea 2011;30(9):1042-1044. PubMed
- Lim, L. G., Tay, H., and Ho, K. Y. Curry induces acid reflux and symptoms in gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dig.Dis.Sci 2011;56(12):3546-3550. PubMed
- Ludy, M. J., Moore, G. E., and Mattes, R. D. The effects of capsaicin and capsiate on energy balance: critical review and meta-analyses of studies in humans. Chem Senses 2012;37(2):103-121. PubMed
- Sayin, M. R., Karabag, T., Dogan, S. M., Akpinar, I., and Aydin, M. A case of acute myocardial infarction due to the use of cayenne pepper pills. Wien.Klin.Wochenschr. 2012;124(7-8):285-287. PubMed
- Bley, K., Boorman, G., Mohammad, B., McKenzie, D., and Babbar, S. A comprehensive review of the carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic potential of capsaicin. Toxicol.Pathol. 2012;40(6):847-873. PubMed
- Derry, S. and Moore, R. A. Topical capsaicin (low concentration) for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;9:CD010111. PubMed
- Tominack, R. L. and Spyker, D. A. Capsicum and capsaicin--a review: case report of the use of hot peppers in child abuse. J.Toxicol.Clin.Toxicol. 1987;25(7):591-601. PubMed
- Schuurs, A. H., Abraham-Inpijn, L., van Straalen, J. P., and Sastrowijoto, S. H. An unusual case of black teeth. Oral Surg.Oral Med.Oral Pathol. 1987;64(4):427-431. PubMed
- Kumar, N., Vij, J. C., Sarin, S. K., and Anand, B. S. Do chillies influence healing of duodenal ulcer? Br.Med.J.(Clin.Res.Ed) 6-16-1984;288(6433):1803-1804. PubMed
- Steffee, C. H., Lantz, P. E., Flannagan, L. M., Thompson, R. L., and Jason, D. R. Oleoresin capsicum (pepper) spray and "in-custody deaths". Am.J.Forensic Med.Pathol. 1995;16(3):185-192. PubMed
- Knight, T. E. and Hayashi, T. Solar (brachioradial) pruritus--response to capsaicin cream. Int.J.Dermatol. 1994;33(3):206-209. DOI
- Watson, W. A., Stremel, K. R., and Westdorp, E. J. Oleoresin capsicum (Cap-Stun) toxicity from aerosol exposure. Ann.Pharmacother. 1996;30(7-8):733-735. PubMed
- Busker, R. W. and van Helden, H. P. Toxicologic evaluation of pepper spray as a possible weapon for the Dutch police force: risk assessment and efficacy. Am.J.Forensic Med.Pathol. 1998;19(4):309-316. PubMed
- Sausenthaler, S., Koletzko, S., Schaaf, B., Lehmann, I., Borte, M., Herbarth, O., von Berg, A., Wichmann, H. E., and Heinrich, J. Maternal diet during pregnancy in relation to eczema and allergic sensitization in the offspring at 2 y of age. Am J Clin Nu PubMed
- Bleuel I, Zinkernagel M, Tschopp M, Tappeiner C. Association of bilateral acute anterior uveitis with a capsaicin patch. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2013;21(5):394-5. PubMed
- Casanueva B, Rodero B, Quintial C, Llorca J, González-Gay MA. Short-term efficacy of topical capsaicin therapy in severely affected fibromyalgia patients. Rheumatol Int 2013;33(10):2665-70. PubMed
- Copeland S, Nugent K. Persistent respiratory symptoms following prolonged capsaicin exposure. Int J Occup Environ Med. 2013;4(4):211-5.
- García-Menaya JM, Cordobés -Durán C, Bobadilla-González P, et al. Anaphylactic reaction to bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) in a patient with a latex-fruit syndrome. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2014;42(3):263-5. PubMed
- Kim DH, Yoon KB, Park S, et al. Comparison of NSAID patch given as monotherapy and NSAID patch in combination with transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, a heating pad, or topical capsaicin in the treatment of patients with myofascial pain syndrome o
- Kulkantrakorn K, Lorsuwansiri C, Meesawatsom P. 0.025% capsaicin gel for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial. Pain Pract. 2013;13(6):497-503. PubMed
- Pabalan N, Jarjanazi H, Ozcelik H. The impact of capsaicin intake on risk of developing gastric cancers: a meta-analysis. J Gastrointest Cancer. 2014;45(3):334-41. PubMed
- Sandor B, Papp J, Mozsik G, et al. Orally given gastroprotective capsaicin does not modify aspirin-induced platelet aggregation in healthy male volunteers (human phase I examination). Acta Physiol Hung. 2014 Dec;101(4):429-37. PubMed
- Van Nooten F, Treur M, Pantiri K, Stoker M, Charokopou M. Capsaicin 8% patch versus oral neuropathic pain medications for the treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic literature review and network meta-analysis. Clin Ther. 2017 Ap PubMed
- Simpson DM, Robinson-Papp J, Van J, et al. Capsaicin 8% patch in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Pain. 2017 Jan;18(1):42-53. PubMed
- Campbell CM, Diamond E, Schmidt WK, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of injected capsaicin for pain in Morton's neuroma. Pain. 2016 Jun;157(6):1297-304. PubMed
- Jorgensen MR, Pedersen AM. Analgesic effect of topical oral capsaicin gel in burning mouth syndrome. Acta Odontol Scand. 2017 Mar;75(2):130-6.
- Yuan LJ, Qin Y, Wang L, et al. Capsaicin-containing chili improved postprandial hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and fasting lipid disorders in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and lowered the incidence of large-for-gestational-age newborns. Clin PubMed
- Dean DJ, Sabagha N, Rose K, et al. A pilot trial of topical capsaicin cream for treatment of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Acad Emerg Med. 2020;27(11):1166-1172. PubMed
- Jang HH, Lee J, Lee SH, Lee YM. Effects of Capsicum annuum supplementation on the components of metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):20912. PubMed
- Joseph MSc A, John PhD F, Thomas MSc JV, Sivadasan SDP, Maliakel PhD B, Mohan PhD R, I M K. Influence of a novel food-grade formulation of red chili extract (Capsicum annum) on overweight subjects: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. J D
- Kocak AO, Dogruyol S, Akbas I, et al. Comparison of topical capsaicin and topical piroxicam in the treatment of acute trauma-induced pain: A randomized double-blind trial. Am J Emerg Med. 2020;38(9):1767-1771. PubMed
- Lassen CL, Meyer K, Bredthauer A, Klier TW. Facial and oral cross-contamination of a 3-year-old child with high concentration capsaicin: A case report. A A Pract. 2020;14(9):e01258. PubMed
- Predel HG, Ebel-Bitoun C, Peil B, Weiser TW, Lange R. Efficacy and safety of diclofenac?+?capsaicin gel in patients with acute back/neck pain: A multicenter randomized controlled study. Pain Ther. 2020;9(1):279-296. PubMed
- Umigai N, Kozai Y, Saito T, Takara T. Effects of paprika carotenoid supplementation on bone turnover in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison study. Food Nutr Res. 2020;64. PubMed
- Trin K, Perino J, Allouchery M, Géniaux H, Miremont G, Salvo F. Second-degree burn induced by high-concentration topical capsaicin with mobility sequelae: A case report. Pain Pract 2023;23(2):216-219. PubMed
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC