Meta Information
ID:peppermint-oil
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/acid-suppressors
Target name:
Gastric Acid Suppressors (PPIs, H2 Blockers, Antacids)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Medications that reduce stomach acid can cause the enteric coating of peppermint oil capsules to dissolve prematurely in the stomach, leading to heartburn and reduced intestinal efficacy.
Actionable advice:
Separate doses of peppermint oil and acid-reducing medications by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0.5
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Taking enteric-coated peppermint oil with food can cause the capsule to break down in the stomach instead of the intestines, leading to heartburn and negating its intended effect.
Actionable advice:
Take peppermint oil on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after.
Target id:
/condition/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease
Target name:
GERD or Chronic Heartburn
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Peppermint oil can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve between the esophagus and stomach), which can worsen or trigger acid reflux and heartburn.
Actionable advice:
Avoid peppermint oil if you have GERD, especially non-enteric-coated formulations.
Target id:
/class/immunosuppressants
Target name:
Calcineurin Inhibitors (e.g., Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Peppermint oil can inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, significantly increasing blood levels of certain immunosuppressants like cyclosporine and raising the risk of toxicity.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking peppermint oil concurrently with calcineurin inhibitor medications.
Target id:
/condition/pediatric
Target name:
Infants and Young Children
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Menthol, the active component in peppermint, can cause severe breathing problems (laryngeal spasm) in infants and young children, especially when applied near the face or ingested.
Actionable advice:
Do not give peppermint oil to infants or young children.
Target id:
/condition/g6pd-deficiency
Target name:
G6PD Deficiency
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Menthol from peppermint oil has been reported to trigger acute hemolysis (the rapid destruction of red blood cells) in individuals with G6PD deficiency.
Actionable advice:
Avoid peppermint oil completely if you have G6PD deficiency.
Target id:
/condition/biliary-disorders
Target name:
Gallstones or Bile Duct Obstruction
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Peppermint oil can affect bile flow and is contraindicated in individuals with gallstones, inflammation of the bile duct (cholangitis), or obstruction.
Actionable advice:
Avoid peppermint oil if you have a history of gallstones or other bile duct disorders.
Target id:
/condition/hepatic-impairment
Target name:
Severe Liver Disease
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Peppermint oil is metabolized by the liver, and its use is not recommended in cases of severe liver damage or disease due to potential for accumulation and toxicity.
Actionable advice:
Avoid peppermint oil if you have severe liver impairment.
Target id:
/class/statins
Target name:
Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Peppermint oil may inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, which metabolizes many statins (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin), potentially increasing their levels and the risk of muscle-related side effects.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and monitor for muscle pain if combining with statin medications.
Target id:
/class/calcium-channel-blockers
Target name:
Calcium Channel Blockers
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
By inhibiting the CYP3A4 enzyme, peppermint oil can increase the concentration of some calcium channel blockers (e.g., felodipine), enhancing their blood pressure-lowering effect and risk of dizziness.
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood pressure closely if combining peppermint oil with calcium channel blockers.
Target id:
/class/iron-supplements
Target name:
Iron Supplements
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Compounds within peppermint can bind to non-heme iron in the digestive tract, which may reduce the absorption of iron supplements.
Actionable advice:
Separate doses of peppermint oil and iron supplements by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
There is insufficient safety data on the use of peppermint oil during pregnancy, and it has been traditionally used as an emmenagogue (to stimulate menstruation), posing a theoretical risk.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using peppermint oil supplements during pregnancy unless directed by a healthcare provider.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is not known if components of peppermint oil are excreted in breast milk or what effects they may have on a nursing infant; therefore, its use is not recommended.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using peppermint oil supplements while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-substrates
Target name:
CYP3A4 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Peppermint oil is a mild inhibitor of the CYP3A4 metabolic enzyme, which could theoretically increase the levels and side effects of numerous medications metabolized by this pathway.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution when taking any medication metabolized by CYP3A4; consult a pharmacist if unsure.
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Peppermint oil possesses mild calcium channel blocking properties and can have a blood pressure-lowering effect, which may be additive with antihypertensive drugs, increasing the risk of hypotension.
Actionable advice:
Monitor your blood pressure if you are taking blood pressure medication and start using peppermint oil.