Myrtol

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Myrtol

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Myrtol

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Myrtol standardized (ELOM-080)
Form Enteric-coated soft gelatin capsules
Pharmacological Class Phytotherapeutic extract, Mucolytic, Secretolytic
Common Use Focus Respiratory secretion clearance
Origin Natural (essential oils distillate)

Defining Myrtol: Identity, Type, and Class

Myrtol standardized is a highly purified phytotherapeutic extract derived from essential oils, officially categorized as a mucolytic, secretolytic, and secretomotoric agent. This designation confirms the medicine’s primary function in helping to mobilize and thin tenacious mucus. This medicinal entity, also referred to as ELOM-080 in clinical literature, is a standardized herbal medical product designed for oral administration and is clinically recognized for its application in supportive respiratory care. The medicine is consistently manufactured as specialized enteric-coated soft gelatin capsules, a distinguishing feature ensuring the active liquid oil is delivered effectively to the small intestine, thus minimizing potential gastrointestinal irritation associated with essential oils.

Standardized Composition and Natural Origin

Myrtol is a verifiable natural product resulting from the rigorous, controlled multistep distillation procedure of essential oils sourced from plants such as eucalyptus, sweet orange, myrtle, and lemon. The specific active components in the extract are a complex blend of monoterpenes, chiefly consisting of 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), d-limonene, and alpha-pinene. The "standardized" nature ensures that every production batch of the essential oils distillate maintains a precise, verified ratio of these key compounds, providing a reliable and consistent pharmacological profile. The monoterpene components possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, suggesting a supportive benefit of both clearance and mucous membrane protection.

General Purpose: Supporting Respiratory Clearance

The general therapeutic purpose of Myrtol standardized is to support the efficient, natural self-cleaning process of the respiratory system by facilitating the elimination of thick, persistent phlegm. A typical use scenario involves its application when an individual is experiencing persistent congestion characterized by excessive or tenacious mucus buildup in the sinuses and bronchi. Myrtol functions by aiding in the reduction of mucus viscosity, while also exerting secretomotoric action, which helps to accelerate the movement and evacuation of secretions. This dual mechanism serves to clear congested airways, promoting the restoration of normal function in the mucous membranes.

Regulatory References

  1. Is Myrtol Standardized a New Alternative toward Antibiotics? (NIH PMC)

What side effects are possible with Myrtol?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Myrtol standardized, a preparation derived from essential oils, is generally considered well-tolerated in clinical studies for respiratory conditions. The documented side effects are typically mild to moderate in severity and primarily involve the gastrointestinal system.

Adverse Reactions and Frequency

Clinical trials have established a low overall incidence of adverse events, with a safety profile comparable to that of a placebo in many regards. The majority of documented adverse reactions fall into the System-Organ Class of Gastrointestinal disorders.

System-Organ Class Common Adverse Reactions
Gastrointestinal disorders Eructation (burping), nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, and abdominal pain

In very rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions may occur. These reactions can be clinically significant and require immediate medical attention. Documented signs of a potential severe reaction include the development of a skin rash, pruritus (itching), facial swelling, shortness of breath, or circulatory disturbances.

Safety Restrictions and Contraindications

Myrtol standardized is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to its components (such as eucalyptus oil, sweet orange oil, myrtle oil, or lemon oil) or any other ingredient in the product formulation.

In addition, it is typically advised not to use the product in patients with the following conditions:

  • Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Inflammation of the biliary tract.
  • Severe liver disease.

Caution is also advised for use in individuals with nasal polyps, chronic respiratory tract infections, bronchial asthma, or a tendency to allergic reactions, as the medication may, in rare instances, trigger an asthma attack or a severe allergic skin reaction. Contraindications may also specify restrictions for use in children under a certain age.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for Myrtol standardized describes the potential manifestations of overexposure based on the concentration of its essential oil components. Documented overdose presentations may include gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, and cramps, potentially accompanied by shortness of breath.

Severe systemic outcomes require immediate attention. High-dose ingestion carries a risk of life-threatening central nervous system (CNS) effects, including severe drowsiness, seizures, and in the most serious instances, coma. Furthermore, severe hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylactic shock or significant circulatory disturbances, are categorized as critical outcomes.

The regulatory documents mandate specific emergency actions. In cases of suspected overexposure, a doctor or poison control center must be contacted immediately. Urgent medical attention and contact with emergency services are required if any severe symptoms, such as seizure activity, loss of consciousness, or severe respiratory distress, are observed. Management is defined as symptomatic and supportive treatment, as no specific antidote is known for intoxication with the essential oil components of Myrtol. Procedures such as gastric lavage or administration of activated charcoal are officially described measures for substantial ingestion. Regulatory guidance also notes that particular attention to conscientious dosing is necessary for the pediatric population, including infants and small children, due to potential increased sensitivity.

Therapeutic Uses of Myrtol

Quick Facts: Therapeutic Domains

  • Aims to support the management of symptoms associated with acute and chronic bronchitis.
  • Intended for use in the context of rhinosinusitis and inflammations of the nasal sinuses.
  • May assist with the overall maintenance of clear airways and respiratory function.

Myrtol, often provided as a standardized essential oil distillate, is indicated for the supportive care of respiratory conditions. This therapy is commonly utilized in the management of symptoms linked to acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Its therapeutic application also extends to addressing acute and chronic rhinosinusitis, which involves inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses.

Treatment with Myrtol may contribute to the thinning of mucus and assist the body's natural processes for clearing the airways, thereby promoting a more comfortable respiratory status. The active components are associated with potential anti-inflammatory properties that can help mitigate certain inflammatory processes in the respiratory system.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Myrtol

The official regulatory documents define strict population eligibility for Myrtol standardized (ELOM-080) based on age, pre-existing conditions, and physiological status.

Eligibility Scope

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults, adolescents, and children aged 6 years and over are permitted to use the medicine under standard labeled conditions.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Infants and children under 6 years of age and patients with known hypersensitivity to the medicine or its components.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Contraindicated in patients with inflammatory diseases in the gastrointestinal or biliary tract area, and in patients with severe liver disease.
Eligibility-related restrictions Caution is advised for patients with pre-existing kidney stones or gallstones.

Eligibility Classifications

Classification Details as Defined in Official Documents
Populations for whom use is not recommended Use in pregnant and breastfeeding women is not recommended without a careful risk-benefit assessment by a doctor.
Eligibility severity classification Contraindicated (Absolute Prohibition); Conditional Use (Caution/Risk-Benefit Assessment).

Connection to the overall eligibility profile The regulatory profile establishes absolute prohibitions based on a minimum age threshold and specific inflammatory or hepatic conditions. Use is further conditional for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, thereby structuring the permitted and restricted patient groups according to regulatory standards.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Myrtol standardized (ELOM-080) has a narrowly focused interaction profile dominated by a specific drug-food pharmacokinetic interaction, as documented in its official regulatory prescribing information.

Category Official Regulatory Information
Interacting Substances Food/Meal
Mechanistic Basis Pharmacokinetic interaction (altered absorption profile)
Timing Restriction Mandatory administration on an empty stomach

This interaction is classified as clinically relevant because co-administration with a meal significantly alters the absorption profile of the key active component, eucalyptol (1,8-cineole). Taking the medicine with food leads to an increase in absorption extent ( C max and AUC) and a delay in the absorption rate ( T max).

The regulatory label enforces an Administration Timing Restriction, requiring the medicine to be taken on an empty stomach to ensure a consistent and controlled pharmacokinetic profile that aligns with the approved documentation. The official regulatory summaries do not list specific CYP enzyme-mediated interactions, drug transporter interactions, or formal contraindications with other prescription or non-prescription medicinal products.

Mechanism of Action

How Myrtol Works

Myrtol's mechanism of action is mediated by the systemic absorption and subsequent localization of its monoterpene constituents within the respiratory tract. The compound exhibits secretagogue activity through its influence on glandular cells and ion channels within the bronchial epithelium. This targeted interaction regulates epithelial fluid transport and modifies the rheological properties (viscosity and elasticity) and biophysical characteristics of exocrine secretions.

Simultaneously, the compound modulates the activity of ciliary motor proteins, which directly affects the movement rate of the epithelial ciliary layer. This action contributes to the clearance of mucoid accumulation in the respiratory tract. Downstream, the systemic presence of the monoterpenes affects the local environment by modulating the release and concentration of key inflammatory mediators within the respiratory mucosa. These collective pharmacodynamic effects result in the system-level modulation of the mucociliary apparatus.

Dosage and Administration Information

General Administration Guidelines for Myrtol

Myrtol (or the standardized distillate found in products such as GeloMyrtol and GeloMyrtol forte) is an enteric-coated soft capsule for oral administration. The following structured administration guidelines are established for this medicinal product.

Procedural Steps

  1. Preparation: The capsule must be swallowed whole (uncrushed and unchewed) to ensure the integrity of the enteric coating. The dose should be taken with a sufficient amount of cool liquid, such as a glass of water.
  2. Timing: Every dose is typically taken approximately 30 minutes before a meal.
  3. Frequency: The daily frequency depends on the condition type and the patient's age:
Population & Condition Standard Capsule (120 mg Strength) Forte Capsule (300 mg Strength)
Adults & Adolescents (ge 12 years), Acute 3-4 times daily 3-4 times daily
Adults & Adolescents (ge 12 years), Chronic 2 times daily 2-3 times daily
Children (6-11 years), Acute 3-4 times daily 1-3 times daily (if using forte strength)
Children (6-11 years), Chronic 2 times daily 1-2 times daily (if using forte strength)

Special Conditions

For chronic administration, a regimen exists to facilitate morning expectoration: an additional single capsule may be taken in the evening before bedtime.

If a dose is missed, a double dose should not be taken to compensate; the normal intake schedule should simply be continued.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Myrtol Standardized

Evidence for Use in Acute Bronchitis

Research exploring Myrtol standardized in the context of acute bronchitis has primarily used short-term, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The studies were designed to monitor and evaluate symptom change using validated tools like the Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS), which tracks outcomes related to physical discomfort. Studies monitored patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort to determine the total number of days until participants reached a predefined level of symptom improvement. These trials reported patterns observed in the studies related to the resolution of symptoms.

The evidence remains limited when considering recovery beyond the immediate illness. The research primarily focuses on short-term changes during the acute phase, and long-term outcomes related to functional recovery or the prevention of recurrence are not well characterized by the existing RCTs.


Evidence for Use in Chronic Bronchitis and Related Conditions

For conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations, such as chronic bronchitis, research has explored Myrtol standardized in long-term randomized trials extending over several months. These studies examined patients with the chronic bronchitis phenotype of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

The studies monitored outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance by tracking the frequency and total number of acute exacerbations (AECB) over the study duration. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to monitoring exacerbation frequency and the patients' ratings of their general state of health.

The data are still emerging and are primarily concentrated on the chronic bronchitis phenotype. The research focuses on tracking the frequency of acute episodes and monitoring symptom changes, with limited information available concerning objective long-term functional changes in the lungs.


What is Still Uncertain About Myrtol: Key Research Gaps

Long-term effects are not fully established, as many studies focus on the acute period or the six-month exacerbation window. Limited information exists regarding its effects on objective, functional measures of lung capacity (e.g., FEV1) over many years.

Furthermore, comparative evidence is lacking against all standard treatments currently used for these conditions. The research provides context but not individual predictions, and findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes. These research limitations mean that data for certain groups and certain long-term outcomes remain insufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Myrtol (FAQ)

Q: Why is Myrtol sometimes mentioned as an alternative to certain antibiotics?

Studies have investigated Myrtol standardized in comparison to some antibiotic treatments in the context of acute bronchitis. Furthermore, official information describes the compound’s ability to inhibit the growth of certain common bacteria in in vitro (laboratory) settings. These findings relate to its supportive role in respiratory health.

Q: What is the difference between Myrtol and similar-sounding essential oil supplements?

Official regulatory documentation defines Myrtol as a highly purified and standardized phytotherapeutic extract. The term 'standardized' confirms that the active components maintain a precise, verified ratio in every capsule, distinguishing it from many non-regulated essential oil supplements available commercially.

Q: Is a change in taste or a slight odor on the breath a known side effect of Myrtol?

Official safety information, listed in regulatory documents, includes taste alteration as a possible side effect. This is generally reported as a very rare occurrence. Regulatory guidance suggests reporting any persistent changes to a healthcare provider for evaluation.

Q: Does official safety information mention any possibility of allergic reaction to the capsule coating?

Regulatory contraindications are listed for known hypersensitivity not only to the active oil components but also to any other ingredient used in the formulation. Patients with known allergies to excipients like gelatin or sorbitol are typically advised in the regulatory profile to seek evaluation from a healthcare provider.

Q: Is it common for side effects to be mild and temporary when taking Myrtol?

Clinical trial overviews indicate that Myrtol standardized is generally considered well-tolerated. The majority of documented adverse events are described as mild to moderate in severity, and serious hypersensitivity reactions are noted as very rare.

Q: Are there known interactions between Myrtol and common over-the-counter cold remedies?

Official regulatory summaries do not list specific interactions with common over-the-counter cold remedies. The primary reported interaction noted in the official documentation is a pharmacokinetic interaction related to food intake.

Q: Does Myrtol interact with common pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?

Official regulatory summaries do not list specific interactions with common pain relievers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The documentation also notes the absence of specific drug interactions mediated by liver enzymes.

Q: What information is provided about potential interactions between Myrtol and hormonal birth control?

According to regulatory summaries, there are no specific contraindications or formal interactions listed for Myrtol standardized and hormonal birth control. The medicine's main timing restriction remains its interaction with food.

Q: What type of drug interaction information is available regarding chronic medications?

Official regulatory summaries do not list specific contraindications or formal interactions with chronic medications. The regulatory focus is placed on a mandatory timing restriction related to food intake to ensure a consistent absorption profile.

Q: How long does it typically take for Myrtol's intended effect to be noticeable?

Pharmacokinetic data indicates that the active components reach their maximum concentration in the blood around 2 hours after administration. Research studies, however, typically monitor patient-reported symptom improvements starting around one week of consistent treatment.

Q: What is the usual duration of use described for acute respiratory conditions?

Official documents generally describe the duration of use as not limited. Regulatory guidance includes a requirement to seek consultation with a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist for a prolonged period, worsen, or recur regularly.

Q: Does the research evidence primarily focus on cough or sinus relief?

Research evidence for Myrtol standardized focuses on conditions of both the lower respiratory tract, such as acute and chronic bronchitis, and the upper respiratory tract, which includes acute and chronic rhinosinusitis (sinus relief).

Q: Why do some people experience stomach discomfort if they take the capsule on an empty stomach?

Although the capsule is enteric-coated to ensure the active oil is delivered to the small intestine and minimize irritation, official safety information still lists abdominal pain and nausea as possible side effects. These effects may occur regardless of adherence to the empty stomach requirement.

Q: Is it normal to notice a minty or essential oil sensation after taking the capsule?

The regulatory safety information lists eructation, or burping, as a common side effect of Myrtol standardized. Because the medicine contains essential oils, eructation may naturally result in a noticeable taste or odor.

Q: What should a patient do if their symptoms do not improve after a certain period of time?

Regulatory guidance indicates that if symptoms persist for a long time, worsen, or last beyond a specified duration (often 10 days), consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is a required measure. This is an important factual consideration for ongoing care.

Q: Do clinical reviews indicate Myrtol has a high safety profile?

Clinical reviews generally indicate that Myrtol standardized is considered well-tolerated. Studies have shown its safety profile to be comparable to that of a placebo in many randomized clinical trials.

Q: What is the difference in composition between Myrtol and Myrtol forte (if applicable)?

Both the standard capsule and the forte capsule contain Myrtol standardized, which is defined by a fixed ratio of its active monoterpene components. The difference between the two formulations lies solely in the quantity (dosage) of the standardized distillate contained in each individual capsule.

Q: Can the enteric coating of the Myrtol capsule affect how the medicine is absorbed?

The enteric coating on the capsule is specifically designed to prevent the medicine from dissolving prematurely in the stomach acid. This design ensures that the active liquid oil is released into the small intestine, which allows for optimal and consistent systemic absorption.

How should Myrtol be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Myrtol?

This section explains the required storage and disposal procedures for Myrtol, as defined by official regulatory documentation to ensure product stability and safe disposal.


Storage and Handling

Requirement Official Instruction
Temperature Store at a temperature not exceeding 25 C.
Protection Keep in the original, tightly closed container and protect from light and air.
Stability Note Protection from air is required to prevent the preparation from darkening and thickening.
Safety Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Myrtol must be disposed of according to standard regulatory procedures.

  • The preferred method is a drug take-back program or mail-back envelope.
  • If a take-back program is unavailable, mix the medicine with an unappealing substance (such as dirt or coffee grounds), place it in a sealed container, and discard it in the household trash.
  • Do not flush the medicine down a toilet or drain unless specifically instructed to do so by an authorized source.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Equivalent of Myrtol found in:

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