pennyroyal

What is the most important information I should know about pennyroyal?

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is pennyroyal?

Pennyroyal is a plant also known as Dictame de Virginie, European Pennyroyal, Feuille de Menthe Pouliot, Frétillet, Hedeoma pulegioides, Herbe aux Puces, Herbe de Saint-Laurent, Lurk-In-The-Ditch, Melissa pulegioides, Mentha pulegium, Menthe Pouliot, Mosquito Plant, Piliolerial, Poleo, Pouliot Royal, Pudding Grass, Pulegium, Run-By-The-Ground, Squaw Balm, Squawmint, Stinking Balm, Tickweed, and other names.

Some uses not proven with research have included treatment of muscular spasms, intestinal gas, pneumonia, weakness, stomach pain, fluid retention, skin conditions, and others.

Pennyroyal is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Pennyroyal may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pennyroyal?

Before using pennyroyal, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use pennyroyal if you have certain medical conditions.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• high blood pressure;
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Pennyroyal is specially unsafe for children and can cause liver or nervous system damage and even death.

How should I take pennyroyal?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use pennyroyal, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra pennyroyal to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking pennyroyal?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

The repeated use of pennyroyal extract over a period of 2 weeks has been linked to death.

What are the possible side effects of pennyroyal?

• seizures;
• vision or hearing problems; or
• breathing difficulty.

Common side effects may include:

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
• burning of the throat; or
• fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect pennyroyal?

Other drugs may interact with pennyroyal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Do not take pennyroyal without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• medicine for high blood pressure; or
• iron supplements.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with pennyroyal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Where can I get more information?

Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.