Apercap Peppermint Oil Capsules

What are Apercap Peppermint Oil capsules?

Apercap Peppermint Oil capsules are gastro-resistant capsules used to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

They come in packets of 84 capsules and are suitable for people over the age of 18 to take. You can buy Apercap Peppermint Oil capsules over the counter. 

What are Apercap Peppermint Oil capsules used to treat?

These gastro-resistant capsules are used to relieve the symptoms that are associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Symptoms of irritable bowel include:

• Stomach pain
• Stomach cramps
• Trapped wind
• Bloating
• Bowel discomfort
• Constipation

Why is Apercap recommended for IBS treatment?

Peppermint oil has been clinically proven to effectively ease the symptoms brought on by this condition.

Research has found that peppermint oil is safe and effective at treating symptoms of IBS in adults.

How do Apercap capsules work?

Each Apercap Peppermint Oil capsule is specially coated, allowing it to pass through to the stomach in one piece. This lets the capsules reach the part of the gut they need to work on.

When they reach the gut, the peppermint oil is released, which relaxes the muscle spasms in the bowel wall that cause IBS. This eases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and allows you to get on with your day without discomfort.

Who can take Apercap Peppermint Oil capsules?

This medicine provides effective relief from the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but it may not be suitable for everyone to take.

Do not take Apercap if:

• You have achlorhydria
• You are allergic to menthol, peppermint oil or any of the ingredients contained in this medicine (please refer to the Ingredients tab for full details)
• You suffer from gallstones or any other bile-related disorder
• You have inflammation of the bile duct

Please speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Apercap Peppermint Oil capsules if:

• You suffer from a hiatal hernia
• You suffer from heartburn
• You are over 40 years old and have not suffered with these problems recently
• This is the first time you have suffered from irritable bowel syndrome symptoms (trapped wind, bloating, bowel discomfort and stomach pain)
• You feel sick or you have been sick
• You have unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding
• You have recently travelled abroad
• You have severe constipation
• You have a fever and a high temperature
• You have lost weight unexpectedly and for no explained reason
• You have had bouts of IBS in the past but your symptoms are different this time
• You find it uncomfortable or painful when you urinate
• You have lost your appetite for an unexplained reason
• You are suffering from rectal bleeding

This medicine is not recommended for children.

Can you buy Apercap over the counter?

Yes, you can buy Apercap over the counter from pharmacies and supermarkets.

Can you buy Apercap capsules online in the UK?

You can buy Apercap capsules from Medicine Direct after an online consultation with one of our registered doctors, who will approve the sale of this medicine after reviewing your answers. Place your order with our pharmacy by 2pm and we can offer you next day delivery.

Do not order medication online unless it is from a pharmacy that is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council, like Medicine Direct.

Apercap alternatives

There are many different treatments for IBS available to order from Medicine Direct.

Colpermin capsules also contain peppermint oil and work in the same way as Apercap. Again, you do not need a prescription to buy these capsules and they can be taken by people as young as 15 years old.

You can also order an antispasmodic medicine called Alverine Citrate. This medicine also works to relax the muscles in the stomach, helping to alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, you will need a prescription to buy this medicine, but you can still order it after completing an online questionnaire on our website.

Buscopan cramps and Buscopan IBS relief are available over the counter and are widely used to treat the symptoms of IBS.

Alternatively, we also sell Fybogel Mebeverine, which is a powdered medicine that is mixed with water and drank. The powder is orange-flavoured, so it has a pleasant taste to it and it can be used by people over 12 years of age. You should drink up to three of these sachets each day for IBS relief.

Dosage and Usage

Always take Apercap Peppermint Oil capsules as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Read the patient information leaflet thoroughly before you start taking them; ask your doctor or pharmacist for further direction if you are unsure of how to take them.

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE guidelines.

How to take Apercap Peppermint Oil capsules

Take one or two capsules three times a day.

Ideally, you should take Apercap capsules one hour before meals. Do not take them straight after eating.

Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew them; this will break the special coating and hinder them from reaching the correct part of your stomach to take effective action.

Side effects

Like all medicine, Apercap capsules have the risk of side effects, although not everyone will get them.

Possible undesired effects that you may experience while taking these capsules include:

• Slow heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anal itching
• Skin rash
• Headache
• Inflammation of part of the penis
• Pain or discomfort while urinating
• Blurred vision
• Trembling
• Feeling unsteady
• Passing urine or stools that smell like menthol

Please speak to your doctor if any of these side effects bother you or do not go away.

Always read the patient information leaflet for comprehensive information on side effects.

Warnings and drug interactions

Apercap capsules are unlikely to interfere with any other medicine you might be taking, but they can affect the clearance of some medicines from your body. For this reason, you should make sure your doctor or pharmacist is aware if you are currently taking any other medicine. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medication, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.

Do not take Apercap Peppermint Oil capsules alongside:

• Medicines used for indigestion (antacids)
• Any medicines used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers and acid reflux (histamine-2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors).

See the NICE website for more information on medicines that interact with Apercap peppermint oil capsules.

As some of the undesired effects of this medicine include blurred vision and feeling unsteady, you are advised not to drive, ride a bike or operate machinery if you experience any of these reactions until you feel better.

Drinking alcohol while you take Apercap can increase your chances of experiencing adverse effects. 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking these capsules if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Make sure they are aware if you are currently pregnant, trying to get pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

Learn more about taking peppermint oil during pregnancy.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Apercap is peppermint oil 0.2ml.

The medicine also contains the following inactive ingredients: Titanium dioxide powder (E171), chlorophyllin copper complex sodium (E141), propylene glycol, gelatin glycerol, purified water and aqua polish.