Peppermint - Actiq (Fentanyl Citrate, Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate) Interaction
Herbal: Peppermint
Also Known As: Mentha x piperita, Black Peppermint, Brandy Mint, Extract of Peppermint, Field Mint, Herba Menthae, Huile de Menthe Poivrée, Lamb Mint, M. Balsamea Willd Extract, Menta Pepperita, Menta Piperita, Mentha Balsamea, Mentha Oil, Mentha Piperita Extract, Mentha Piperita Oil
Drug: Fentanyl Citrate, Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate
Brand names:
Actiq
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 11, 2025
Interaction Details
Fentanyl Citrate, Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, peppermint might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that a single dose of peppermint oil 600 mg inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes and increases the AUC of felodipine, a CYP3A4 substrate. However, in vitro research suggests that peppermint oil only inhibits CYP3A4 at very high concentrations.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Dresser GK, Wacher V, Wong S, et al. Evaluation of peppermint oil and ascorbyl palmitate as inhibitors of cytochrome P4503A4 activity in vitro and in vivo. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2002;72:247-55.
- Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1
Peppermint Overview
Peppermint is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is known for its fragrant, minty aroma and distinctive, spear-shaped leaves.
Peppermint is commonly used in cooking and aromatherapy, as well as in a variety of personal care products. It has a refreshing, cool, and slightly sweet flavor.
In traditional medicine, peppermint is believed to have a number of health benefits. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, and it is sometimes used to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive problems, respiratory infections, and skin disorders.
Peppermint is also commonly used as a natural treatment for colds and flu due to its expectorant properties.
Some peppermint supplements are marketed specifically towards those suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) as evidence shows it can help reduce symptoms in some individuals.
Fentanyl Citrate, Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate Overview
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Fentanyl is used to treat breakthrough pain (sudden episodes of pain that occur despite round the clock treatment with pain medication) in cancer patients at least 18 years of age (or at least 16 years of age if using Actiq brand lozenges) who are taking regularly scheduled doses of another narcotic (opiate) pain medication, and who are tolerant (used to the effects of the medication) to narcotic pain medications. Fentanyl is in a class of medications called narcotic (opiate) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
Peppermint - More Interactions
Peppermint interacts with 774 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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