peppermint

section name header

Indications ⬇

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

REMS

Abdominal cramps.
Dyspepsia.
Headache.

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity.

Use Cautiously in:

Pregnancy and lactation when using medicinal amounts (above those amounts commonly found in foods).

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: contact dermatitis, flushing

GI: heartburn, nausea, stomatitis, vomiting

Neuro: headache

Misc: allergic reactions

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

antacids,H2 antagonists andproton pump inhibitors may cause premature dissolution of enteric-coated peppermint products.
May ↑cyclosporinelevels.

Natural-Natural Products:

None.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Enteric-coated capsules: 0.2 mL oil/capsule
Oil: 10%
Tea:

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): Dyspepsia: 1 mL of oil three times daily; Digestive disorders: 0.2–0.4 mL (1–2 enteric-coated capsules) three times daily; Tea: prepare with dried leaves/250 mL boiling water: 3–4 cups daily or 1.5–3 g peppermint oil/150 mL water: 1 cup three times daily.
(Adults ): Headache: 10% peppermint oil in ethanol solution apply to forehead and temples, repeat after 15 and 30 minutes.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

herba menthae, menta piperita, mint

Action ⬆ ⬇

Peppermint reduces slow wave frequency in the small intestine, slows peristalsis and directly relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle. When applied topically, it has a direct inhibitory effect on sensitized pain receptors and may act centrally to alter pain perception.

Therapeutic effects:

Decreased gastrointestinal spasm.
Decreased pain sensation.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: antispasmodics, analgesics

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown

Distribution: Unknown

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown

Half-Life: Unknown

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	unknown	unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Instruct patient to take peppermint as directed.
Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Pronunciation ⬆

PEP-er-mint