Menthol inhalants

Users also have specific trends regarding how and with what they consume Ecstasy. Though generally taken orally in pill form, Boston users in their late teens and early twenties sometimes inject MDMA and ketamine intramuscularly, and Sioux Falls users increasingly crush and snort it. Ecstasy is also frequently taken in combination with or sequentially with alcohol, marijuana, or both. Other drugs are also taken with MDMA (LSD, GHB, ketamine, prescription pills, heroin, cough syrup, camphor/menthol inhalants, Viagra , and nitrous oxide). 

During an investigation of dyspnea, the effect of menthol inhalation on respiratory discomfort during loaded breathing was found to be inconsistent. Further tests found that the effect of menthol... 

During an investigation of dyspnea, the effect of menthol inhalation on respiratory discomfort during loaded breathing was found to be inconsistent. Further tests found that the effect of menthol was most important during the first few minutes of inhalation and in the presence of high loads (Peiffer et al., 2001). The therapeutic application of menthol in the alleviation of dyspnea has yet to be described. 

Menthol is a mild anesthetic and anti-irritant. It causes a cool sensation on the skin, by activating the peripheral cold receptors. It is used in cigarettes, and in topical creams for the relief of sore muscles. It also is used in cough drops, aftershave lotions, inhalers, and cooling gels. 

LuneU E, Molander L, Ekberg K, Wahren J (2000) Site of nicotine absorption from a vapour inhaler-comparison with cigarette smoking. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 55(10) 737-741 MacDougaU JM, Fandrick K, Zhang X, Serafln SV, Cashman JR (2003) Inhibition of human liver microsomal (S)-nicotine oxidation by (—)-menthol and analogues. Chem Res Toxicol 16(8) 988-993... 

While inhalation has been used for many years there are no randomised controlled trials performed on its use. Menthol and eucalyptus may help ease congestion and thus assist breathing, but there is limited evidence. Boiling water for inhalation should never be recommended due to the risks of burns. 

Alan Baxter lost his bronze medal in the winter Olympics in 2000 because he used an American Vick inhaler and not a British one.1,2 Note the position of the CH3 attached to the central carbon atom (Figure 2.18). The British Vick inhaler contains a mixture of menthol, camphor and methyl salicylate the American Vick inhaler also contains L-methamphetamine. This is used as a decongestant and has no performance-improving properties, whereas its optically active isomer D-methamphetamine (commonly known as speed ) is a prohibited drug and is a performance improver. However, the Olympic Committee does not distinguish between these two isomers in its detective work and chemical analysis. It therefore reported that his urine contained methamphetamine and did not report that it was the ineffective l form. The committee took the medal away from him. If they only had known their chemistry and all about optically active isomers. 

Today the OTC inhalers and sprays sold to unblock stuffy noses are not considered psychoactive. Some of the inhalers contain no drugs but only aromatic substances such as menthol. They may be pleasant to use but are not nearly as effective as chemicals that constrict blood vessels. The sprays and those inhalers that do contain drugs certainly work in the short run, but though the manufacturers claim otherwise, they are still stimulants and frequently cause dependence... 

Water aerosol with or without menthol and benzoin inhalation, or menthol and eucalyptus inhalation may provide comfort harmlessly. 

Peppermint oil contains a large percentage of menthol (30-55%). Any question that the laryngeal irritation may be related to the presence of menthol within peppermint oil is doubtful because a recent chronic rat inhalation study has shown that 5000 ppm of menthol had no substantial effect on the histopathological changes in the respiratory tract normally associated with inhalation of mainstream cigarette smoke. ... 

Menthol is largely used as a flavoring or olfactory agent in a variety of products, including cigarettes, liqueurs, cough drops, mouthwashes, toothpastes, and shampoos. Menthol has been used in different medications to relieve symptoms of asthma and rhinitis and is a constituent of cold remedies and ointments designed to be rubbed on to the chest or applied around and even into the nostrils. Applied to the skin, it acts as a rubefacient and counter-irritant, but substantial concentrations of volatile oil can be inhaled from the skin. 

Overdose of menthol, particularly over long periods, can occur with overuse of mentholated cigarettes. Inhalation can result in ataxia, confusion, euphoria, nystagmus, and diplopia (7). 

Almost all toxicological data for menthol relate to its use as a therapeutic agent rather than as an excipient. Inhalation or ingestion of large quantities can result in serious adverse reactions such as ataxia and CNS depression. Although menthol is essentially nonirritant there have been some reports of hypersensitivity following topical application. " In a Polish study approximately 1% of individuals were determined as being sensitive to menthol. ... 

An alternative would be to recommend a steam inhalation such as Menthol and Eucalyptus Inhalation BP and to advise drinking plenty of fluids. If the symptoms persist after five days she should be advised to go to see her GP. 

Sodium cromoglicate eye drops and nasal spray may be helpful, as cumulative experience suggests that it has no effect on fetal development. However, as the patient is already under medical supervision, she should be referred back to her general practitioner or obstetrician to prescribe them. To help with the nasal congestion, you could suggest that the patient tries steam inhalations, using menthol or other suitable inhalants. 

A long-established household remedy is the inhalation of menthol vapours. Practically, it is carried out in the following way Some menthol crystals are poured into a bowl containing very hot water. The menthol crystals are melted and the treated person inhales for some minutes a mixture of menthol and water vapour. A cloth over the head increases the theraputic effect. 

Brennecke, C. Aranyi, and J.D. Heck 13-Week inhalation toxicity of menthol cigarette smoke Food Chem. 

Morice AH, Marshall AE et al (1994) Effect of inhaled menthol on citric acid induced cough in normal subjects. Thorax 49 1024-1026... 

Morice AH, Marshall AE, Higgins KS, Grattan TJ (1994) Effect of inhaled menthol on citric acid induced cough in normal subjects. Thorax 49 1024-1026 Morice AH, Kastehk JA, Thompson R (2001) Cough challenge in the assessment of cough reflex. Br J Chn Pharmacol 52 365-375... 

Haidl P, Kemper P, Butnarasu SJ et al (2001) Does the inhalation off L-menthol solution in the premedication for fiberoptic bronchoscopy affect coughing and the sensation of dyspnoea Pneu-mologie 55 115-119... 

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