Brands, Medical Use, Clinical Data
Drug Category
Dosage Forms
- Cream
- Drops
- Gel
- Globules
- Jelly
- Liquid
- Lozenge
- Ointment
- Patch
- Powder
- Spray
- Stick
Brands / Synonyms
Description
Menthol is a covalent organic compound made synthetically or obtained from peppermint or other mint oils. It is a waxy, crystalline substance, clear or white in color, which is solid at room temperature and melts slightly above. The main form of menthol occurring in nature is (-)-menthol, which is assigned the (1R,2S,5R) configuration. Menthol has local anesthetic and counterirritant qualities, and it is widely used to relieve minor throat irritation.
Indications
Used to treat occasional minor irritation, pain, sore mouth, and sore throat as well as cough associated with a cold or inhaled irritants.
Pharmacology
Menthol is a covalent organic compound made synthetically or obtained from peppermint or other mint oils. Menthol's ability to chemically trigger cold-sensitive receptors in the skin is responsible for the well known cooling sensation that it provokes when inhalated, eaten, or applied to the skin. It should be noted that menthol does not cause an actual drop in temperature.
Mechanism of Action
Menthol is classified as a calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers are a class of drugs with effects on many excitable cells of the body, like the muscle of the heart, smooth muscles of the vessels or neuron cells. Calcium channel blockers work by blocking voltage-sensitive calcium channels in the heart and in the blood vessels. This prevents calcium levels from increasing as much in the cells when stimulated, leading to less contraction.
Absorption
Not Available
Toxicity
Menthol, DL: ORAL (LD50): Acute: 2900 mg/kg [Rat], 3100 mg/kg [Mouse]. DERMAL (LD50): Acute: 5001 mg/kg [Rabbit].
Biotrnasformation / Drug Metabolism
Not Available
Contraindications
Not Available
Drug Interactions
Not Available
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