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Overview: IBgard is a dietary supplement that is commonly used for various digestive issues. It contains peppermint oil, which may help relax the muscles in your stomach and gut. However, its benefits for most digestive issues are not well defined. Common side effects include dry mouth, heartburn, nausea, or stomach pain. Serious side effects are rare, but they may include allergic reactions. Different IBgard products may have different ingredients. Read the label to find out which ingredients are present in your product. Before taking IBgard, tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is IBgard used for?

IBgard is commonly used for digestive issues, such as cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and urgency. But its benefits for these uses are not well defined.

IBgard may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed IBgard for safety and effectiveness, and it is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

See also: Peppermint Oil

How does IBgard work (mechanism of action)?

IBgard contains peppermint oil, which is made from the leaves of a plant called Mentha x piperita. Some IBgard products may also contain other ingredients, such as vitamins and minerals. 

Peppermint oil is an essential oil. It is made by heating up the peppermint leaves until certain chemicals, called volatile aromatic compounds, are released. These volatile aromatic compounds are made into peppermint oil. 

The peppermint oil in IBgard contains menthol, which can help relax the muscles in your stomach and gut. It can also reduce swelling (inflammation) in your gut. This can help you digest food better and may also reduce stomach discomfort caused by cramping, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. Peppermint oil seems to help reduce symptoms in some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But it is not clear if IBgard helps reduce stomach discomfort in other people.

How is IBgard supplied (dosage forms)?

IBgard is a dietary supplement that may be available in various forms, such as a capsule that is swallowed. The ingredients in IBgard products may vary. Always check the label to see what ingredients your product has.

How should I store IBgard?

Storage requirements for IBgard are not provided with the product packaging. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of IBgard?

The most common side effects of IBgard are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dry mouth
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain

There may be other side effects of IBgard that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of IBgard?

While less common, the most serious side effects of IBgard are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. IBgard may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking IBgard and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use IBgard?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take IBgard.

  • IBgard
  • Mentha x piperita
  • Menthol
  • Pepogest
  • Peppermint
  • Peppermint oil
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in IBgard.

What should I know about IBgard before using it?

IBgard is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

There may be multiple forms of IBgard, and they may have different ingredients or be taken in different ways. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider. 

Keep IBgard out of the reach of children.

IBgard is a capsule that dissolves while it is in your stomach. The capsule contains tiny beads of peppermint oil that do not dissolve inside the stomach. Instead, they dissolve in the intestines. This can help protect your throat and stomach from peppermint oil, which can be irritating. It also increases the amount of peppermint oil that reaches your intestine. This may help reduce its side effects and increase its effects in your gut. The capsules should be swallowed whole, or they may be opened and the contents mixed with a nondairy food item. Do not chew the capsules.

IBgard should be taken 30-90 minutes before a meal with a full glass of water. If you forget to take IBgard before a meal, you can take it during the meal or after a meal instead.

The FDA has not tested IBgard products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using IBgard?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if IBgard is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. IBgard may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking IBgard, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how IBgard could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. IBgard passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about IBgard?

For more information about IBgard, you can visit the supplement maker’s website at www.yourgard.com or call them at 855-488-4273.

Interactions

Does IBgard interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between IBgard and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect IBgard.

Does IBgard interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

IBgard may alter the blood levels of some medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

The interactions between IBgard and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, research on drug interactions with IBgard is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking IBgard with any medicines.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much IBgard?

If you or someone else has used too much IBgard, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of IBgard?

IBgard is meant to be taken only when needed. Follow the instructions on the product label or take it as recommended by your health care provider. Do not take double or extra doses.