Peppermint Oil
Indications
Peppermint Oil is used for:
Irritable bowel syndrome, GI tract spasm
Adult Dose
Oral
Irritable bowel syndrome; Gastrointestinal tract spasm
Adult: Peppermint oil: 0.2 ml tid, increased to 0.4 ml tid if necessary, for up to 3 mth.
Child Dose
Renal Dose
Administration
Contra Indications
Pregnancy; cholecystitis; hepatic damage; children.
Precautions
Hiatal hernia, Pregnancy, lactation.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
Exacerbation of adverse effects if taken with alcohol; enteric-coated preparations containing peppermint oil should not be taken immediately with antacids.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Peppermint Oil :
Irritation; erythematous skin rash; headache; bradycardia; muscle tremors and ataxia; heartburn; exacerbation of asthma with wheezing and dypnoea; contact dermatitis, urticaria.
Mechanism of Action
The main constituents of peppermint oil are menthol (29%-48%), menthone (20%-31%) and methyl acetate (3%-10%). It relieves flatulence and colic by relaxation of GI tract smooth muscles.