Menthol: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Medicine Menthol?

What is Menthol for?

Menthol (menthol) is a chemical compound contained in peppermint leaves, better known as mint leaves. This compound is often used to give aroma and flavor to commercial products. Call it cosmetics, fragrances, food, drinks, cigarettes, to drugs.

As a medicinal mixture, this compound is usually used to treat a number of conditions such as:

• Mild sore throat
• Bad breath
• Flu
• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Mouth irritation
• Muscle and joint pain
• Sprain
• Bruises
• Cramps

Menthol comes in many forms. Starting from ointments, creams, gels, oral medicines, inhaled drugs, and so on. These compounds work by providing a cooling sensation, thereby helping to temporarily relieve pain.

Doctors may also use medications containing menthol for other purposes not mentioned in this article. Please consult a doctor for more detailed and complete information.

How is Menthol used?

Medicines with a mixture of menthol compounds are generally available in a number of forms. Starting from topical drugs, patch (patch), and oral medicines such as tablets or syrups.

Depending on the form, use this drug as directed by your doctor or written on the product packaging. Listen carefully to the information provided. If you don't really understand how to use it, don't hesitate to ask directly to a doctor or pharmacist.

Topical medicine

Topical drugs can only be used on the skin, aka for external use only. Do not apply or use this medication near the eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals. If this medication accidentally gets into any of these sensitive areas, immediately flush with plenty of water.

Wash your hands before and after using a topical containing menthol compounds. Apply the medicine thinly and evenly to the affected area of ​​the body no more than 4 times a day, or as directed by your doctor or as indicated on the packaging label.

Do not wrap, bandage, or use heating pads on the area where the topical medication is applied. This method can decrease the effectiveness of the drug or even increase the risk of side effects.

It is also not recommended that you use this medication on skin that is injured or irritated. Whether because of abrasions, scratches, or sunburn.

If you miss using the topical medication, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use as directed by your doctor or on the label.

Drinking medicine

The medicine in tablet form can be chewed or swallowed directly. Ask your doctor the best way to consume it.

Do not use a regular tablespoon when taking medication in the form of a syrup or drops. Instead, use a dropper or medicinal spoon that is usually available in the package. If both are not available, try asking the pharmacist or doctor directly for the exact dose.

Always check the product packaging before you use any type of medicine. Do not use the medicine if the liquid looks contaminated, changes color, or has foreign particles in it.

Drug patch (patch)

Patches are a type of medicine that is placed on the surface of the skin. Before applying the patch to your skin, make sure that your skin is clean and dry. Make sure you apply the patch properly. Avoid putting the patch on skin that is damaged or irritated. Wash your hands after applying the patch.

How is Menthol stored?

Menthol is a drug that should be stored at room temperature. Keep away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Menthol dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Menthol dosage for adults?

To deal with blocked respiratory tract and throat irritation, take this medication in the form of a lonzenge (candy) every 3 hours. Usually this drug can be combined with a mixture of eucalyptus oil or cetylpyridinium chloride.

Meanwhile, to treat muscle and joint pain, you can use this drug in the form of a cream or ointment. Menthol cream or ointment can be mixed with other ingredients such as camphor, clove oil, or methyl salisate.

Take enough medicine, then spread it over the affected part of the body and gently massage it. This medicine can be used 2-3 times a day.

Especially for oral drugs, the dosage may differ from one person to another. Because, drug doses are usually adjusted according to age, the patient's overall health condition, and their response to treatment.

Be sure to always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any type of medication. This is done to ensure that you are taking the drug according to the recommended dosage.

If needed, your doctor may change the dose of medication to make sure you are getting the right dose. Follow the prescription given by the doctor even if it changes several times.

Do not take more or less medication than prescribed. If your doctor asks you to stop taking it, stop taking it right away. Conversely, if your doctor hasn't asked you to stop taking your medication, follow the rules even if you feel well.

What is the dosage of Menthol for children?

There is no definite dosage requirement for children. As with adults, the dosage for children is adjusted according to their age, body weight, health condition, and their response to treatment.

This drug can be dangerous for children if used improperly. Therefore, consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosages is Menthol available?

Menthol is a drug that is available in various forms, such as topicals, oral medicines, and patches.

Menthol side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Menthol?

Basically all drugs have the potential to cause side effects. However, not everyone can feel these side effects.

Some of the most common and frequently complained of side effects after using drugs containing menthol compounds are:

• Sleepy
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vertigo
• Sleepy
• Indigestion, one of which is severe stomach pain
• Eye and skin irritation
• Warm and hot sensation
• Red rash
• Free and numb

In rare cases, these compounds can also cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. When this happens, you will experience:

• Skin rash
• Itchy rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Consciousness was almost lost

You also need to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Feelings like they might pass out
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Pale skin, shortness of breath, fast heart rate, head tilted, and difficulty concentrating
• Chest pain and wheezing or wheezinggiggle
• Drowsiness, confusion, mood swings, constant thirst, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
• Swelling of certain body parts, weight gain, shortness of breath, urinating less than usual or not at all
• Potassium levels in the blood are high, characterized by a slow heart rate, weak pulse, and muscle weakness

Not everyone experiences the side effects mentioned above. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Menthol Medication Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Menthol?

There are a number of things you need to know and do before using drugs that contain menthol are:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have any allergies to menthol or other ingredients. Ask your doctor and pharmacist about the list of ingredients it contains.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are currently or will regularly take certain drugs. Whether it's prescription, non-prescription drugs, to other natural medicines made from herbal ingredients.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have or have a history of chronic respiratory disorders, such as bronchitis and emphysema.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have a cough with phlegm.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have a sore throat accompanied by fever, red rash on the skin, nausea and vomiting.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are pregnant and breastfeeding.

For those of you who have a history of diabetes, you must be careful when consuming menthol drugs in the form of candy. Because, this type of drug usually contains sugar or phenylalanine. To prevent dangerous side effects, tell your doctor first before you take the mint type menthol medication.

Topical medications containing menthol should not be used on areas of the skin that have open wounds due to irritation or abrasions. Forcing yourself to use in these areas can increase the risk of side effects that may further damage your skin condition.

Menthol is also a drug that can cause drowsiness. Therefore, it is not recommended that you drive a car or operate large machinery until the medicinal effects have completely worn off.

In addition, it is also important for you to see a doctor immediately if while using this medicine, your condition does not improve or gets worse. In essence, don't hesitate to consult a doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms. The sooner it is treated, the better.

Is Menthol safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

There are no complete studies to determine women's risk when using this medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks before using this medicine.

Menthol Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Menthol?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. However, this article does not cover all possible drug interactions.

We recommend that you inform your doctor about any products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs) before using this medicine or using any other medicine.

Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without consulting your doctor.

Can food or alcohol interact with Menthol?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Alcohol can usually lower blood pressure and increase certain side effects of losartan.

Also, do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes while taking this medicine unless your doctor says it is okay.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Menthol?

The presence of other medical problems can affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially if you get injured, scratched, irritated, or have skin damage where the area hurts.

Menthol overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. Bring a medicine box, container, or label with you when you go to the hospital to help the doctor with any necessary information.

When someone has an overdose, various symptoms that may arise are:

• Too low blood pressure (hypotension) which makes the head dizzy
• Fainting
• Fast and irregular heartbeat
• Slower than normal heart rate

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your dosing schedule. Do not use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you continue to miss doses, consider setting an alarm or asking a family member to remind you.

Please consult with your doctor to discuss changes in your dosing schedule or a new schedule to make up for a missed dose, if you have missed too many doses recently.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.