Latin, Menthol (Gen., Mentholis)

Eng., Menthol. A secondary alcohol obtained from Oil of Peppermint or other mint oils.

Form

Colorless Crystals.

Odor And Taste

Odor of Peppermint. A warm, aromatic taste, followed by a sensation of cold when air is drawn into the mouth.

Solubility

Only slightly soluble in water. Freely soluble in alcohol and chloroform.

Incompatibles

Liquefies when triturated with camphor, hy-drated chloral, thymol, etc.

Average Dose

1 grain (0.06 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Antiseptic, stimulant, carminative, local sedative.

1 Hughes: Practice of Medicine.

Uses

In various ways it is employed in the treatment of bronchitis, coryza, neuralgia, pruritus, diarrhea, typhoid fever, etc.

Administration

Menthol is seldom prescribed as such for internal use. It is a constituent of many of the so-called"antiseptics."It is frequently used in ointments, liniments, inhalations, etc. Some combinations are shown in the following:

As an inhalation in rhinitis, sinus involvement, laryngitis, bronchitis, etc.:

M. tere bene.

Sig. Inhale frequently.

Or:

M.

Sig

Use teaspoonful to pitcher of hot water.

Written instructions should be left with patient as to frequency and duration of the inhalations. Usually they are employed for about ten minutes every three hours. With children they are sometimes best employed during sleep by making a tent out of a newspaper, as the drug would affect the eyes if they were open. Adults should be instructed to keep the eyes closed.

In the treatment of neuralgia:

M. et tere bene.

Sig

Paint over parts as directed.

In the treatment of pruritus:

M. tere bene.

Sig

Apply locally.

1 Hughes: Practice of Medicine.

2 Ashton: Practice of Gynecology.

In the treatment of pruritus:

M.

Sig

Apply locally.

In the treatment of herpes progenitalis:

M.

Sig

Apply locally.

In a liniment, as for myalgia, lumbago, strains, etc.:

M.

Sig

Apply with massage twice daily.