Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is an essential oil derived from Mentha piperita. Its primary active ingredient, L-menthol, acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, promoting smooth muscle relaxation in the gastrointestinal tract to alleviate spasms, pain, and gas.
Dosage by Body Weight
For adults, the typical oral dose is 1 to 2 enteric-coated capsules (0.2 mL to 0.4 mL each) taken three times daily, 30 to 60 minutes before meals. Capsules must be swallowed whole with a cold drink; do not chew or break them, as this can cause rapid release and severe heartburn.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Laryngeal spasm, dyspnea, and respiratory collapse can occur in infants. Do not apply to the face or nose of infants.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Menthol-containing products pose severe risks of respiratory depression in infants.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Avoid use
- Tracking Notes
- Oral capsules cannot be safely swallowed by children in this weight range and must not be chewed.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Avoid use
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy in young children have not been established. High risk of choking on capsules.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Only use under strict pediatric supervision. Capsules must be swallowed whole; chewing destroys the enteric coating.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Laryngeal spasm, dyspnea, and respiratory collapse can occur in infants. Do not apply to the face or nose of infants. |
| 5-7 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Menthol-containing products pose severe risks of respiratory depression in infants. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | Avoid use | Oral capsules cannot be safely swallowed by children in this weight range and must not be chewed. |
| 11-15 kg | Not recommended | Avoid use | Safety and efficacy in young children have not been established. High risk of choking on capsules. |
| 16-20 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Only use under strict pediatric supervision. Capsules must be swallowed whole; chewing destroys the enteric coating. |
Formulation
Purpose
Relief of abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, and muscle spasms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); also used topically for minor muscle aches and tension headaches.
Generic Name
Peppermint oilBranded Drug Names
Peppermint Oil is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.