Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Antispasmodic (Natural — Calcium Channel Blocker in Intestinal Smooth Muscle)

Peppermint Oil

Brand names: Colpermin, Mintec

Peppermint oil is a herbal antispasmodic, supplied in enteric-coated capsules, used to relieve abdominal pain and bloating in irritable bowel syndrome.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Its principal constituent, menthol, blocks calcium channels in intestinal smooth muscle, producing relaxation and reducing spasm.

Prescribing in practice

  • Capsules are enteric-coated to release in the small bowel, so they must be swallowed whole and not broken or chewed, otherwise oesophageal irritation and heartburn may occur.
  • It is recommended by NICE as an option for the symptomatic relief of pain and spasm in irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Use cautiously in gastro-oesophageal reflux, as it may relax the lower oesophageal sphincter and worsen symptoms.

Monitoring

No routine laboratory monitoring is required; review symptomatic response and tolerability at follow-up.

Counselling the patient

  • Swallow the capsule whole with water and do not chew it.
  • Take it before meals, and report persistent heartburn or perianal irritation.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE recommends antispasmodics including peppermint oil as a first-line option for symptom control in irritable bowel syndrome.

Reference: NICE CG61 Irritable Bowel Syndrome; SPC Colpermin; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Pathways