Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a plant also called Dictame de Virginie, European Pennyroyal, Feuille de Menthe Pouliot, Frétillet, Hedeoma pulegioides, Herbe aux Puces, Herbe de Saint-Laurent, Lurk-In-The-Ditch, Melissa pulegioides, Mentha pulegium, Menthe Pouliot, Mosquito Plant, Piliolerial, Poleo, Pouliot Royal, Pudding Grass, Pulegium, Run-By-The-Ground, Squaw Balm, Squawmint, Stinking Balm, Tickweed, and other names.

Some uses that have not been proven through research include treating muscular spasms, intestinal gas, pneumonia, weakness, stomach pain, fluid retention, skin conditions, and others.

It is not certain whether pennyroyal is effective in treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved the medicinal use of this product. Pennyroyal should not be used instead of medication prescribed by your doctor.

Pennyroyal is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal products, and some supplements on the market have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Pennyroyal may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You might also want to consult a practitioner who is trained in herbal/health supplements.

If you decide to use pennyroyal, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms of pennyroyal (like tablets, liquids, and others) at the same time, unless a healthcare professional specifically tells you to do so. Using different forms together raises the risk of an overdose.

Contact your doctor if the condition you are treating with pennyroyal does not get better, or if it worsens while using this product.

Keep it stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Follow all directions on the product label and package.

Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before using pennyroyal, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use pennyroyal if you have certain medical conditions.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• high blood pressure;
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

Pennyroyal is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. There is some evidence that pennyroyal in high doses can cause abortion. It can also cause kidney and liver damage to the mother and be fatal. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

Pennyroyal is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Pennyroyal is especially unsafe for children and can cause liver or nervous system damage and even death.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using pennyroyal and call your healthcare provider right away if you have:

• seizures;
• vision or hearing problems; or
• breathing difficulty.

Common side effects of pennyroyal may include:

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
• burning of the throat; or
• fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra pennyroyal to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Using pennyroyal extract repeatedly for 2 weeks has been associated with death.

Other drugs may interact with pennyroyal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform each of your health care providers about all medicines you currently use and any medicine you begin or stop using.

Do not take pennyroyal without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• medicine for high blood pressure; or
• iron supplements.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with pennyroyal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are included in this product guide.