Clinical and Laboratory Observations
Enteric-coated, pH-dependent peppermint oil capsules for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in children☆,☆☆,★

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Abstract

In a randomized, double-blind controlled trial, 42 children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were given pH-dependent, enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules or placebo. After 2 weeks, 75% of those receiving peppermint oil had reduced severity of pain associated with IBS. Peppermint oil may be used as a therapeutic agent during the symptomatic phase of IBS. (J Pediatr 2001;138:125-8)

Section snippets

Patient Selection

The study initially enrolled 50 children previously diagnosed with IBS from 3 different study centers. All children met the Manning or Rome criteria for IBS.5 Specific inclusion criteria included frequency of symptoms and regular pain through the preceding 2 weeks. Additional presenting symptoms included headache, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, pallor, nausea, and poor appetite. Children were excluded if they: (1) were <8 years of age, (2) weighed <30 kg, (3) were receiving medication for

Results

We studied 42 patients; 8 patients of the original 50 withdrew from the study. Reasons for withdrawing included long travel distances to the clinic (2 patients), the use of antibiotics such as erythromycin (2 patients), and inability to swallow pills (4 patients). These children were between the ages of 8 and 10 years. We analyzed data on socioeconomic status and other demographic variables obtained from these 8 patients. No significant differences were found between the patients who withdrew

Discussion

In this investigation, a pH-dependent peppermint oil capsule reduced the pain children experienced during acute phases of IBS as measured by the symptom scales and the daily diary. Peppermint oil did not reduce other symptoms of IBS in this short-term study. The total score of the GSRS showed no differences between the groups (ie, all 15 questions analyzed together). The analysis showed that peppermint oil did not alter heartburn, gas, urgency of stools, belching, stool pattern, or stool

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    ☆

    †Dr Barbero died November 1, 1998.

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    Supported in part by a grant from Tillotts Pharma AG, Ziefen, Switzerland.

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    Reprint requests: Robert Kline, PhD, 2000 East Broadway, Suite 108, Columbia, MO 65201.

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