Peppermint oil (menthol)
Patient Counselling
Patient Counselling
Active ingredient in peppermint oil is menthol. It is used to relieve the symptoms of sore throat. It comes as lozenges and syrups and can be started as soon as the symptoms start <1>. The usual recommended dose is 1-2 lozenges (2-10 mg of menthol) as needed <1>.
Inform a patient that peppermint oil may cause flushing and headache, and may cause contact dermatitis if patient is allergic to it <2>. It has also shown to worsen the symptoms of heartburn and stomach ulcers <2>.
Also, advise patient to drink plenty of warm soothing fluid, gargle with warm salt-water rinses and get plenty of rest <3>.
If sore throat pertains for more than 2 days and/or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, and nausea or vomiting, consult a physician <3>.
Reference
1. Natural Standard Web Site. http://www.naturalstandard.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databases/. Accessed February March 3, 2013.
2. E-therapeutics Web site. https://www.e-therapeutics.ca/tc.showChapter.action. Accessed March 4, 2013.
3. Roy Hélène. Viral Rhinitis, Influenza, Sinusitis and Pharyngitis, Patient Self Care, Second Edition, Canadian Pharmacists Association, Ottawa, ON, 2010. pg 193-6.
Active ingredient in peppermint oil is menthol. It is used to relieve the symptoms of sore throat. It comes as lozenges and syrups and can be started as soon as the symptoms start <1>. The usual recommended dose is 1-2 lozenges (2-10 mg of menthol) as needed <1>.
Inform a patient that peppermint oil may cause flushing and headache, and may cause contact dermatitis if patient is allergic to it <2>. It has also shown to worsen the symptoms of heartburn and stomach ulcers <2>.
Also, advise patient to drink plenty of warm soothing fluid, gargle with warm salt-water rinses and get plenty of rest <3>.
If sore throat pertains for more than 2 days and/or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, and nausea or vomiting, consult a physician <3>.
Reference
1. Natural Standard Web Site. http://www.naturalstandard.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databases/. Accessed February March 3, 2013.
2. E-therapeutics Web site. https://www.e-therapeutics.ca/tc.showChapter.action. Accessed March 4, 2013.
3. Roy Hélène. Viral Rhinitis, Influenza, Sinusitis and Pharyngitis, Patient Self Care, Second Edition, Canadian Pharmacists Association, Ottawa, ON, 2010. pg 193-6.