methylsalicylate/menthol topical (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Arthritis Formula Bengay, Bayer Muscle and Joint Cream, more...Bengay Original Ointment, Arthritis Hot, Deep Down Rub, Greaseless Bengay Pain Relieving Cream, Icy Hot Balm, Icy Hot Chill Stick, Icy Hot Cream, Maximum Strength Flexall 454, Mentholatum Deep Heating Rub Extra Strength, Mentholatum Sports Pain Relief Hot, Mentholatum Sports Pain Relief Warm, Salonpas Arthritis Pain, Salonpas Pain Relief Patch, Theragesic Cream, Tylenol PRECISE Pain Relieving Cream

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

methylsalicylate/menthol

topical cream

  • 12.8%/5.91%
  • 15%/1%
  • 15%/10%
  • 30%/8%
  • 30%/10%

topical lotion

  • 20%/6%

transdermal patch

  • 10%/3%
  • 10%/1.5%

aerosol foam

  • 10%/3%

aerosol spray

  • 10%/3%

balm topical

  • 29%/7.6%

stick topical

  • 30%/10%

Analgesia for Minor Muscle/Joint Pain

Balm/cream/stick/spray/foam: Apply liberal amount topically to affected area and massage

Patch (10%/1.5%): Apply 1 patch to affected area not to exceed three/four times daily; leave in place no more than 8 hr

Patch (10%/3%): Apply 1 patch to affected area and leave in place for up to 8-12hr; not to exceed 1 patch/application; may apply a second patch for up to 8-12 hr; not to exceed 2 patches/24 hr or 3 days of use

Dosage Forms & Strengths

methylsalicylate/menthol

topical cream

  • 12.8%/5.91%
  • 15%/1%
  • 15%/10%
  • 30%/8%
  • 30%/10%

topical lotion

  • 20%/6%

transdermal patch

  • 10%/3%
  • 10%/1.5%

aerosol foam

  • 10%/3%

aerosol spray

  • 10%/3%

balm topical

  • 29%/7.6%

stick topical

  • 30%/10%

Analgesia for Minor Muscle/Joint Pain

<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established

≥12 years

  • Balm/cream/stick/spray/foam: Apply liberal amount topically to affected area and massage
  • Patch (10%/1.5%): Apply 1 patch to affected area not to exceed three/four times daily; leave in place no more than 8 hr
  • Patch (10%/3%): Apply 1 patch to affected area and leave in place for up to 8-12hr; not to exceed 1 patch/application; may apply a second patch for up to 8-12 hr; not to exceed 2 patches/24 hr or 3 days of use
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Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Stinging/burning/tingling sensation of skin

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Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Cautions

For external use only

Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes

Do not bandage tightly

Stop use and ask healthcare professional if symptoms clear up and occur again within a few days, condition worsens or symptoms persist for >7 days, excessive skin irritation occurs

Not for application to wounds or damaged skin

Do not use heating pad or a child under 12 years of age with arthritis-like conditions

If redness over affected area present, ask a healthcare professional

Keep out of reach of children; if swallowed, get medical help or contact poison control center right away

Avoid using over large surface area or for prolonged duration, particularly in young children (risk of salicylism)

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Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy

Ask a health professional before use; it is especially important not to use methyl salicylate at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor; may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery

Lactation

Ask a healthcare professional

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

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Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Anti-inflammatory, analgesia, local anesthesia

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Images

Pricing & Images are not currently available for this monograph.
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Patient Handout

A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.