Peppermint oil - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Peppermint oil Medication Information

Get detailed information on Peppermint oil, including pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and instructions on how and when to take it and when to avoid it.

The updated prescription information on Peppermint oil provides an overview of possible side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage tips.

You'll also find brand names used in india and internationally, along with pricing details. For further clarification, consult your healthcare provider.

Generic Name : Peppermint oil Therapeutic Classification : Antiflatulents

Trade Names/Brand Names of Peppermint oil

India :

International :

Colpermin, Mintec, Carbellon

Overview of Peppermint oil

• Peppermint is a hybrid plant, cross obtained from watermint and spearmint.
• It is widely used in medical, cosmetic and culinary use.

Why is Peppermint oil Prescribed? (Indications)

Peppermint oil reduces spasms of the digestive tract. It is prescribed for various stomach and intestinal disorders. It is used to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) including abdominal cramps, pain and bloating (feeling of a full and tight abdomen).

It is also used as carminative to facilitate the expulsion of gas from the digestive tract. Peppermint oil has also been used topically to treat the common cold, tension headache, muscle aches, nerve pain and itching because of its cooling effect.

Peppermint oil is used traditionally in herbal tea, mouth freshener, to reduce stress and improve concentration or alertness.

When should Peppermint oil not be taken? (Contraindications)

• Patients allergic to menthol or peppermint oil should avoid taking peppermint oil supplements.
• Using peppermint oil in infants and children is not recommended as it may induce toxicity.
• It should not be used in patients with glucose-6-phosphate (G6PD) deficiency and gallbladder disease.

What is the dosage of Peppermint oil?

For relieving abdominal distension and pain in IBS:
• The recommended dose for adults and children above 15 years of age, 1- 2 capsules to be taken three times daily for two to three months.
• Not recommended for children below 15 years of age.

For Headache and muscle pain:
• The peppermint oil applied to the skin for its cooling effect but not more than 3 to 4 times a day.

For relieving nasal congestion:
• Add 3 - 4 drops of peppermint oil is added to 150 ml of hot water and inhaled three times daily.

How should Peppermint oil be taken?

• Peppermint oil is available as enteric-coated capsules, soft gelatin capsules and as herbal oil.
• The capsules to be taken by mouth swallowed whole with water before food.
• These capsules should not be crushed or chewed as peppermint oil irritates mouth or esophagus.

What are the side effects of Peppermint oil?

Skin and Mucous membranes: Mouth ulcers, heartburn, chemical burn, skin necrosis (cell or tissue death), bruising eye irritation
Central Nervous System: Headache, dizziness, and brain damage, seizures, and confusion with higher dose
Respiratory: Worsening of asthma and respiratory arrest.
Allergic reactions: Allergic reaction may include rashes, hives and contact dermatitis, swelling of face and throat, breathing difficulty.
Others: Decreased heart rate, muscle weakness, lack of muscle coordination, nausea.

What are the other precautions for Peppermint oil?

• Avoid excess dose.

What are the Drug Interactions of Peppermint oil?

• Antacids to be avoided with enteric-coated peppermint capsules as antacids damage the coating of the capsule causing the release of peppermint oil in the stomach very quickly.
• Peppermint oil may raise the blood levels of some drugs such as the calcium channel blockers felodipine, the cholesterol-lowering medication simvastatin and the immunosuppressant cyclosporine.
• The absorption of cancer healing drug, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) may be increased when peppermint oil is used on the skin with 5-FU.
• Peppermint oil may interact with blood pressure lowering drugs, calcium channel blockers and herbs and supplements.

What are the storage conditions for Peppermint oil?

• Store at room temperature.
• It should be protected from sunlight and extreme heat because heat can cause loss of potency due to the alteration of chemical composition and increased evaporation.