PEPPERMINt OIL
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Based on a review of the literature, if patient has been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and is suffering from gas and cramps, peppermint oil is a reasonable over the counter option to consider. In patients who have not been diagnosed with IBS, this medication has no proven benefit. The trials supporting the use of peppermint oil are generally small but fairly well designed. All the trials reviewed supported the use of this product in abdominal pain. For gas, the literature was conflicting. Some trials showed benefit in reducing gas and others showed no difference when compared to placebo. At prescribed doses, peppermint oil is generally considered safe.
References
1. Capello G, et al. Peppermint oil (Mintoil©) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A prospective double blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Digestive and Liver Diseases, 2007; 39:530-536.
2. Bachynsky J, et al. Patient Self Care: Helping Patients Make Therapeutic Choices 2nd Edition. Canadian Pharmacists Association, Ottawa; 2012.
3. Hawthorn M, et al. The actions of peppermint oil and menthol on calcium channel dependent processes in intestinal, neuronal, and cardiac preparations. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 1988; 2: 101-118.
4. Monograph: Peppermint Oil. Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. Cambridge Mass. Retrieved July 2 from www.naturalstandard.com.
5. Krinsky D, et al. Handbook of Non-prescription drugs: an interactive approach to self care 17th edition. American Pharmacists Association, Washington, DC; 2012.
6. Merat S, et al. The Effect of Enteric Coated, Delayed Release Peppermint Oil on Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Digestive Disease Sciences, 2010; 55: 1385-1390.
7. Kline R, et al. Enteric-coated, pH-dependent peppermint oil capsules for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in children. Journal of Pediatrics, 2001; 138:1-7.
.
Based on a review of the literature, if patient has been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and is suffering from gas and cramps, peppermint oil is a reasonable over the counter option to consider. In patients who have not been diagnosed with IBS, this medication has no proven benefit. The trials supporting the use of peppermint oil are generally small but fairly well designed. All the trials reviewed supported the use of this product in abdominal pain. For gas, the literature was conflicting. Some trials showed benefit in reducing gas and others showed no difference when compared to placebo. At prescribed doses, peppermint oil is generally considered safe.
References
1. Capello G, et al. Peppermint oil (Mintoil©) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A prospective double blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Digestive and Liver Diseases, 2007; 39:530-536.
2. Bachynsky J, et al. Patient Self Care: Helping Patients Make Therapeutic Choices 2nd Edition. Canadian Pharmacists Association, Ottawa; 2012.
3. Hawthorn M, et al. The actions of peppermint oil and menthol on calcium channel dependent processes in intestinal, neuronal, and cardiac preparations. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 1988; 2: 101-118.
4. Monograph: Peppermint Oil. Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. Cambridge Mass. Retrieved July 2 from www.naturalstandard.com.
5. Krinsky D, et al. Handbook of Non-prescription drugs: an interactive approach to self care 17th edition. American Pharmacists Association, Washington, DC; 2012.
6. Merat S, et al. The Effect of Enteric Coated, Delayed Release Peppermint Oil on Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Digestive Disease Sciences, 2010; 55: 1385-1390.
7. Kline R, et al. Enteric-coated, pH-dependent peppermint oil capsules for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in children. Journal of Pediatrics, 2001; 138:1-7.
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