What is pennyroyal?
The use of pennyroyal in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Pennyroyal is also known as Mentha pulegium, pulegium, American pennyroyal,
run-by-the-ground, lurk-in-the-ditch, pudding grass, piliolerial, mosquito plant, squaw balm, and
squawmint tickweed.
Pennyroyal has been used for digestive disorders, liver and gallbladder disorders, gout, colds,
increased urination, as an insect repellant, to induce menstruation, and topically for skin diseases.
Since the use of pennyroyal oil has been associated with serious, even fatal, liver and kidney
damage, oral or topical use of pennyroyal oil is generally not recommended.
Pennyroyal has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of pennyroyal may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Pennyroyal may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pennyroyal?
Before taking pennyroyal, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you
have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Pennyroyal may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take pennyroyal without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. In large doses, pennyroyal has been reported to cause abortion.
Fatalities have resulted from the doses of oil required to exert an abortifacient effect.
Do not
take pennyroyal without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether pennyroyal will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of pennyroyal by children. Do not give
any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take pennyroyal?
The use of pennyroyal in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Since the use of pennyroyal oil has been associated with serious, even fatal, liver and kidney
damage, oral or topical use of pennyroyal oil is generally not recommended.
If you choose to take pennyroyal, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your
doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts and tinctures of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable
dose of the product.
To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of pennyroyal with a dropper or a
dose-measuring spoon or cup.
Some forms of pennyroyal can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., liquids, teas, and others) of pennyroyal at the same
time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations
together increases the risk of an overdose of pennyroyal.
Store pennyroyal as directed on the package. In general, pennyroyal should be protected from
light.
What happens if I miss a dose of pennyroyal?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of pennyroyal. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about pennyroyal?
Your pharmacist has information about pennyroyal written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of pennyroyal?
Although rare, allergic reactions to pennyroyal may occur. Stop taking pennyroyal and seek
emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including
difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Pennyroyal oil has been associated with cases of severe liver and kidney damage. Notify your
doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite,
yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, clay colored stools, or little or no urine. These symptoms may
be early signs of liver or kidney damage.
Pennyroyal oil has also been associated with the following side effects:
-
abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
-
lethargy, paralysis, and unconsciousness;
-
agitation and delirium;
-
seizures;
-
fever;
-
increased blood pressure and pulse rate; and
-
rash.
Stop taking pennyroyal and contact your doctor or health care provider
immediately if you develop any of the side effects listed above.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about pennyroyal?
Since the use of pennyroyal oil has been associated with serious, even fatal, liver and kidney
damage, oral or topical use of pennyroyal oil is generally not recommended.
Pennyroyal oil has been associated with cases of severe liver and kidney damage. Notify your
doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite,
yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, clay colored stools, or little or no urine. These symptoms may
be early signs of liver or kidney damage.
Do not
take pennyroyal without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. In large doses, pennyroyal has been reported to cause abortion.
Fatalities have resulted from the doses of oil required to exert an abortifacient effect.
Pennyroyal has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of pennyroyal may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking pennyroyal?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking pennyroyal, unless
otherwise directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect pennyroyal?
Interactions between pennyroyal and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or
herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care
professional before taking pennyroyal if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of pennyroyal?
