Colpermin peppermint oil capsules are antispasmodics that act on the gut to soothe the abdominal cramps of IBS and related disorders. These are one of a few types of antispasmodics that you can buy from a pharmacy without prescription and are preferred by many people because they are based on peppermint oil so seem more "natural" (though they have a huge list of ingredients).

==Why would I take it?==
I was recommended these by my GP as an add-on to regular medicine to treat severe abdominal cramps. They told me to alternate taking these with either mebeverine or buscopan, because either on their own was not strong enough and wore off before you were allowed the next dose. They are also recommended for other IBS symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.

==How many?==
You swallow one-two capsules three times a day (not immediately after food, not at the same time as indigestion remedies). Each tablet contains peppermint oil B.P 0.2ml.

==How much?==
These cost £6.12 for a pack of 20 from Boots at the moment. This is middlingly expensive compared to other antispasmodics available (Buscopan costs £3.89 for 20 tablets and Mebeverine costs £4.99 for 15).

==Is it natural?==
Inasmuch as it is processed plant, then I guess as far as medicines go that it's fairly natural if that is important to you. I don't subscribe to the notion that natural is automatically better. Belladonna is natural, but I wouldn't want to eat that! Just because something is natural doesn't mean it doesn't have any active ingredients - this product DOES contain drugs, but if you are happy because the drugs come from plants then this product will make you happy.

A word of warning though - these contain peanut oil, so watch out if you are allergic!

==Couldn't I just have peppermint tea?==
My personal view is that since I like peppermint tea, I'd rather have that most days. But these tablets are a lot stronger. Taking the tablets rather than the tea means you know exactly what dosage you are getting (although my doctor did tell me I didn't need to worry about overdosing on peppermint tea).

==Does it work?==
I find that it offers a little relief, but quite often if my gut has got into a really bad state, then I don't actually digest the capsules well enough for them to take effect properly (the same goes for all antispasmodics, not just this brand). In those instances, I find that simple peppermint tea works just as well.

I personally find that Mebeverine works a lot better on me than Colpermin, but my doctor said that many people had to try quite a few types before they found one that was the best for them.

==Does it have side effects?==
Because it is a muscle relaxant, peppermint can worsen acid reflux (because it relaxes the muscle opening the stomach).

==Should I see the doctor first?==
The leaflet has a huge list of reasons that you should see the doctor (practically everyone it seems!). E.g. if tummy issues last more than a couple of weeks, if you are over 40, or pregnant, or symptoms change.

==Ingredients==
The leaflet says this also contains gelatin, colloidal silica, E171,E132, Eudragit L, Eudragit S, triethyl citrate, ammonia, monostearin, polyethyleneglycol 4000, talc, purified water, beeswax, refined arachis (peanut) oil.

==Summary==
Offers relief from the pain of gut cramps. I prefer proper drugs over this brand but this is good for a "top up" dose when my regular medicine wears off.