Peppermint

Generic name: Peppermint
Drug class: Herbal products

Usage of 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.

Peppermint side effects

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 of peppermint may include:

heartburn

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.

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..

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Warnings

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 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.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.