Dosing & Uses
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
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Stinging/burning/tingling sensation of skin
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)
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.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Anti-inflammatory, analgesia, local anesthesia
