Apercap Peppermint Oil Capsules

What are Apercap Pepperint Oil Capsules and what are they used for?

Apercap Peppermint Oil Capsules (0.2ml) are an antispadmotic treatment taken to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including:

• Bloating
• Bowel discomfort
• Trapped wind
• Pain

It is recommended that peppermint oil capsules only be taken when required. The capsule should be taken when the symptoms start to flare-up. Continue to take them until the symptoms resolve. Once your IBS has settled down, stop taking the capsules (this is typically within 1-2 weeks).

What is IBS?

Food is moved through the digestive tract by muscle contractions in the bowel. These muscles will contract and then relax in a regular fashion, helping food to transit through the intestines. Conditions such as IBS cause the muscles in the bowel to contract too often, which can often become painful.

How do Apercap Capsules work?

Each Apercap Capsule is specially coated, which allows the medicine to pass through the stomach intact. This allows Apercap Capsules to reach the part of the gut where they are needed. From here, the active ingredient, peppermint oil is released.

Peppermint oil is categorised as an antispadmodic, which acts as a smooth muscle relaxant. When absorbed into the bowel, it will cause the overacting muscles to relax and contract less frequently. This helps relieve the associated symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Alternatives to Apercap Capsules

Antispasmodics, like Apercap, don’t work for everyone. For some, alternatives antispasmodics may be more effective. Alternative treatments include:

• Buscopan IBS Relief
• Fybogel Mebeverine

If you are taking peppermint oil capsules without noticing an improvement in symptoms, it is worth trying an alternative treatment. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice about what alternatives are suitable for you.

Sources

• Apercap Capsules, Patient Information Leaflet: https://products.tevauk.com/mediafile/id/52754.pdf
• https://patient.info/medicine/...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...

Apercap Capsules warnings

Please read the following warnings carefully to ensure you choose a suitable product.

Do not take Apercap if any of the following apply:

• You are allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients contained in this medicine
• You suffer from inflammation of the bile duct
• You suffer from gallstones or any other bile related disorder.
• You suffer from achlorhydria

If any of the following apply, speak with your doctor or pharmacist prior to taking Apercap:

• This is your first instance of suffering from the symptoms of IBS (bloating, trapped wind, bowel discomfort, and pain)
• You are over 40 years old and haven’t suffered these problems recently or your symptoms have changed compared with previous bouts of IBS
• You feel sick or you have been sick
• You feel feverish and have a temperature
• You are experiencing severe constipation
• You suffer from heartburn
• You suffer from a hiatal hernia
• You experience pain or discomfort when passing urine
• You have experienced an unexplained loss of appetite
• You have experienced unexplained weight loss
• You are passing blood from your anus
• You are experiencing unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
• You have recently traveled abroad

Apercap should not be taken at the same time as:

• Indigestion remedies
• Medicines for stomach or intestinal ulcers
• Medicines used to treat acid reflux (histamine-2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors)
• Alcohol

Please take the time to read the product packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet contained within the product packaging prior to use. Always inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Apercap Capsules dosage

Adults over the age of 18 years including the elderly:

Take 1 capsule three times daily. If possible, take the dose approximately 1 hour before meals. Peppermint oil capsules should not be taken immediately after food.

Do not worry if you forget to take a dose. Simply take your next dose when it is due. Do not double-up your next dose to make up for a forgotten capsule.

Apercap Capsules ingredients

The active ingredient in each Apercap Capsule is: Peppermint Oil 0.2ml

Apercap also contains several inactive ingredients: Gelatin glycerol, Titanium dioxide powder (E171), Chlorophyllin copper complex sodium (E141), Aqua polish, Propylene glycol, Purified water.

Apercap Capsules side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects from taking peppermint oil capsules. However, if side effects do occur they can include:

• Allergic reaction
• Slow heartbeat
• Headache
• Trembling
• Unsteadiness
• Itching around the anus
• Skin rash
• Blurred vision
• Nausea & vomiting
• Urine and stools that smell like menthol
• Pain or discomfort when passing urine
• Inflammation of part of the penis

If you are concerned about any of these side effects, or if Apercap affects you in any other way, stop using it and speak with your doctor or pharmacist.