What is the most important information I should know about peppermint?
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 peppermint?
Peppermint is a plant also known as Brandy Mint, Extract of Mentha Piperita, Extract of Peppermint, Extrait de Feuilles de Menthe de Poivrée, Herba Menthae, Menta Piperita, Mentha arvensis, Mint, Mint Balm, Paparaminta, Peppermint Extract, Peppermint Leaf, Peppermint Leaf Extract, Peppermint Oil, Western Peppermint, and other names.
Peppermint has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating irritable bowel syndrome, breast feeding discomfort, heartburn, migraines, tension headache and to reduce spasms during endoscopy and colon exams.
Peppermint has also been used to treat nausea and recovery after surgery. However, research has shown that peppermint may not be effective in treating these conditions.
Other uses not proven with research have included dental plaque, bad breath, hot flashes, pain caused by shingles, itchy skin, toothaches, infections, muscle pain, and others.
It is not certain whether peppermint is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Peppermint should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Peppermint 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.
Peppermint may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking peppermint?
Before using peppermint, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use peppermint 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:
- diarrhea; or
- a condition in which the stomach does not produce acid.
Peppermint is considered likely safe to use during pregnancy in amounts normally found in food. However, it is not known if it can harm a baby in larger amounts. Do not use this product in large amounts, without medical advice if you are pregnant.
Peppermint is considered likely safe to use while breast-feeding if it is in amounts normally found in food. Do not use this product in large amounts, without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby..
How should I take peppermint?
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 peppermint, 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.
Do not use different formulations of peppermint (such as tablets, liquids, and others) at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.
Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with peppermint does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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 peppermint to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking peppermint?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of peppermint?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, mouth sores or headache.
Although not all side effects are known, peppermint is thought to be possibly safe for most people when taken in medicinal amounts or when applied to the skin.
Common side effects may include:
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 peppermint?
Other drugs may interact with peppermint, 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 peppermint without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:
- iron supplements;
- cyclosporine (neoral, Sandimmune);
- any antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
- medicine for seizures;
- medicines for heart conditions or high blood pressure; or
- medicines to decrease stomach acid.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with peppermint, 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.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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