Related to this topic: Patient+ | Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options: Printer friendly version of this leaflet (html)     Other options:  AddThis Social Bookmark Button (what's this?)

Peppermint oil

  • Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking if you are allergic to menthol, peanuts or soya.
  • Important: If there are new symptoms, worsening of the condition or failure to improve over two weeks of treatment, consult your doctor if you have not already done so.

About peppermint oil

Type of medicine Antispasmodic
Used for Relief of cramps or spasms of the stomach or intestines
Also called Colpermin
Mintec
Available as Capsules

Peppermint oil works by acting on the smooth muscle in the gut to cause it to relax. This reduces painful cramps and muscle spasms. It is particularly useful in treating these symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and similar conditions.

Before taking peppermint oil

Before taking peppermint oil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are allergic to menthol.
  • If you suffer from paralytic ileus (a condition where the intestine is paralysed).
  • If you are allergic to peanuts or soya (Colpermin contains peanut oil).
  • If this is the first time you have experienced these symptoms (for confirmation of IBS).
  • If you are aged 40 years or over and it is some time since the last attack or your symptoms have changed.
  • If blood has been passed from the bowel.
  • If you have a feeling of sickness, vomiting, loss of appetite or loss of weight.
  • If you have been feeling tired, have severe constipation or a fever.
  • If you have recently travelled abroad.
  • If you have had abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge.
  • If you have experienced difficulty or pain in passing urine.
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

Important: If there are new symptoms, worsening of the condition or failure to improve after two weeks of treatment, consult your doctor if you have not already done so.

How to take peppermint oil

  • Take peppermint oil exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take peppermint oil at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • Swallow each peppermint oil capsule whole, not crushed or chewed, with water.
  • Take peppermint oil capsules half to one hour before each meal.
  • If you miss a dose of peppermint oil, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue taking at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as peppermint oil. Take these at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of peppermint oil.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.

Can peppermint oil cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Heartburn Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if this continues or becomes troublesome
Itching around the anus Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if this continues or becomes troublesome

Very occasionally people can have an allergic reaction to peppermint oil. Signs of an allergic reaction are rash, headache, shaking, unsteadiness and a slow heart rate. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store peppermint oil

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1188		 DocRef:
dils3819		 Last Updated:
1 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
31 Jan 2009		 Version:
22

Patient Experience


















Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site









Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site

PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

^ Top of Page