BuscoMint Peppermint Oil 0.2ml Capsules (24)

Product Summary

Effective Relief of Abdominal Pain, Cramps, and Bloating, Especially in IBS

If you have abdominal pain, cramps, and bloating, Buscomint® can help you. Buscomint Peppermint oil capsules are an herbal medicinal product that is used to relieve the symptoms of abdominal pain, minor spasms of the gastrointestinal tract (cramps), and flatulence (bloating), especially in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Peppermint has been used for centuries as a natural antispasmodic for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments. Each Buscomint® capsule contains peppermint oil, making Buscomint® a herbal medicinal product.

How does Buscomint® work?

The peppermint oil capsules from Buscomint® are surrounded by a special coating that helps the peppermint oil travel past the stomach to the intestine, where it noticeably relaxes and calms the intestinal smooth muscles by blocking the influx of calcium into the muscle cells.

In this way, Buscomint® works against abdominal pain, and cramps in the gastrointestinal tract. The antifoaming effect of Buscomint also helps to reduce bloating and flatulence.

After swallowing the Buscomint® capsule, the release of the natural active ingredient, peppermint oil, is delayed by a coating of the capsule (enteric coating). The capsule travels down the digestive tract, and once it reaches the distal small bowel, peppermint oil is released and then begins to exert the local relaxation effects on the bowel muscles (antispasmodic action).(*)

In addition to the antispasmodic action, peppermint oil also appears to have the ability to secrete bile from the liver and antifoaming effects, which further aid in decreasing bloating, and thus help in effective relief from abdominal discomfort and pain, especially in IBS.

Key features

• Each capsule contains peppermint oil equivalent to 67 cups of peppermint tea!
• The gastro-resistant capsules ensure targeted relief in the gastrointestinal tract.

100% natural active ingredient, Buscomint® relaxes smooth abdominal muscles and provides multi-symptom 3 in 1 relief from:

• Abdominal pain
• Cramps
• Bloating

How to use

For children age 12+ (who weigh at least 40kg) and adults:

• Take ONE capsule 3 times a day. The capsules should be taken with liquid 30 minutes before a meal to avoid early release of the capsule content.
• Take until symptoms resolve, usually within 1-2 weeks. Talk to your doctor if you feel worse, or do not feel better after 2 weeks.
• If symptoms persist, the capsules can be continued for a period of up to 3 months per treatment course (under medical advice).
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

Not suitable for children under 12 years of age or adolescents who weigh less than 40 kg.

Always take Buscomint® exactly as described in the patient leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Buscomint® can be taken by adult and adolescent patients over 12 years of age and who weigh at least 40 kg.

Ingredients

Buscomint Peppermint oil, capsules contain:

• The active substance is peppermint oil.
• Each gastro-resistant soft capsule contains 0.2 ml (=181.6 mg) of Mentha x piperita L. aetheroleum (peppermint oil)
• The other ingredients are: Capsule shell: gelatin, glycerol, purified water, iron oxide yellow (E172), brilliant blue FCF (E133), medium chain triglycerides, sunflower lecithin

Warnings and Restrictions

Do not take Buscomint Peppermint oil capsules:

• If you are allergic to peppermint oil or menthol, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
• If you suffer from liver disease, infection of the bile duct, reduced gastric acid production, gallstones, or any other biliary disorders.
• If you weigh less than 40 kg (6 stone) body weight, because of safety concerns.
• Buscomint Peppermint oil capsules must not be used in children under 12 years of age and adolescents with less than 40 kg (6 stone) body weight because of safety concerns.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Buscomint Peppermint oil capsules:

• If you already suffer from heartburn (acid ingestion) or hiatus hernia (protrusion of the upper part of the stomach), symptoms can sometimes worsen after taking Buscomint Peppermint oil capsules. In this case, the treatment should be discontinued.
• The capsules should be swallowed whole i.e. not broken or chewed because the peppermint oil inside the capsules can cause local irritation of the mouth and gullet (oesophagus).

Check with your doctor or pharmacist immediately if unexplained abdominal pain persists or worsens or occurs together with symptoms like fever, jaundice, vomiting, changes in bowel movement frequency, severe constipation, unintended weight loss or blood in your stools.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

Pregnancy:

Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Without sufficient human data, taking Buscomint Peppermint oil capsules is not recommended during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

Clinical data have shown that 1,8 cineol, one constituent of Buscomint peppermint oil capsules, can be excreted into human breast milk. The use of Buscomint Peppermint oil capsules during lactation is not recommended.

Taking other medicines

Other medicines and Buscomint Peppermint oil capsules.

• No interaction studies have been performed.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking/using, have recently taken/used, or might take/use any other medicines, including any obtained without a prescription.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take these capsules if you are taking any of the following medicines:

Other medicinal products used to decrease stomach acid, like histamine-2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, or antacids, may cause the coating of the capsule to dissolve prematurely and should be avoided.

Storage

• Keep blisters in the outer carton in order to protect them from light.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, which is stated on the carton and the blister after EXP.
• The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children.

Pharmacists FAQs Answered

Can I take Buscomint® together with my standard IBS medicine?

Buscomint® can be combined with other IBS treatments, but use caution. Certain drugs that reduce stomach acid—antacids, PPIs, or H2 blockers - may interfere with the enteric coating of the capsule and cause the capsule to break down too soon. This would reduce effectiveness and increase the chance of irritating the stomach or throat. Always seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before taking more than one treatment.

How soon does Buscomint® work?

Relief should typically begin in 1–2 weeks on regular use, but some will notice improvement earlier. For optimum effect, take the capsules routinely as directed (with food) and give it time to develop its effectiveness. If symptoms persist after 2 weeks, or worsen, consult a health professional.

Can I take Buscomint® for bloating if I do not have IBS?

Yes. While Buscomint® is specifically beneficial for IBS symptoms, it will also help relieve bloating, cramps, and stomach pain not necessarily due to IBS. It may be used short-term for mild digestive upset, provided there are no underlying medical conditions.

Is Buscomint® safe to take during menstruation to help relieve cramps?

Buscomint is intended for gastrointestinal cramps, not menstrual cramps. While peppermint oil does have very mild muscle-relaxing properties, its effect is confined to the intestines. For menstrual cramps, a product specifically designed for use for that purpose may be more suitable.

Is Buscomint suitable for prolonged use?

Buscomint® can be used repeatedly for up to 3 months at a time by following professional advice. In case the symptoms need relief for more than that duration, you must consult your doctor to rule out other pathology or other therapy.

Can there be risk of dependency or tolerance?

No, Buscomint® is not addictive and does not lead to tolerance. It works by physically relaxing the intestinal muscles and not through the central nervous system, so dependency is not feasible.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take one as soon as you can remember, provided it is not nearly time for your next dose. Never take twice your dose to make up for a missed capsule. Taking a high amount of peppermint oil at once might make side effects like heartburn or nausea more probable.

Can Buscomint® capsules be chewed or opened?

No. The capsules should never be broken open, crushed, or chewed. The enteric coating is designed to release the peppermint oil only in the intestines. Breaking open the capsule could release the oil prematurely and cause irritation in the mouth, throat, or stomach.

Are there any dietary or lifestyle recommendations when taking Buscomint®?

Yes. To maximise effectiveness, take the following precautions:

Steer clear of heavy meals and fatty foods, which can cause symptoms to occur.

Consume slowly and masticate properly.

Reduce the intake of carbonated drinks and artificial sweeteners, which promote bloating.

Discuss stress management techniques like light exercise or relaxation, which will be beneficial for patients with IBS.

How is Buscomint® different from tea peppermint or other herbal teas?

Although peppermint tea helps ease mild digestive upset, Buscomint® contains much higher concentrations of peppermint oil—one capsule is equivalent to about 67 cups of peppermint tea. The enteric-coating also guarantees the active ingredient will arrive in the intestine in a therapeutic amount, providing focused, predictable relief from symptoms.

May Buscomint® produce side effects?

Yes, but side effects are normally mild and rare. Possible side effects are:

• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Nausea
• Anal or rectal burning (caused by undissolved peppermint oil)
• Allergic reactions (rash, breathlessness, itching)

If you experience any of these, especially if they are severe or prolonged, stop using and speak to a healthcare professional.

Who should use Buscomint® with caution?

People with:

• Gallstones or bile duct issues
• Low stomach acid
• Liver disease
• Hiatus hernia or frequent acid reflux
• A body weight of less than 40 kg (approximately 6 stone)

These conditions may increase the risk of side effects or reduce the efficacy of the product. Always read the patient leaflet and consult a pharmacist or doctor before use.