menthol topical (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Bengay Cold Therapy, Icy Hot Naturals, more...Icy Hot Advanced Relief Patch, Salonsip Gel Patch, Aspercreme Heat Pain Relieving Gel, Aspercreme Max, Bengay Zero Degrees, Mentholatum Sports Pain Relief Cold, Gold Bond Foot Powder

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

topical gel

  • 2.5%
  • 5%
  • 7%
  • 10%
  • 16%

topical cream

  • 7.5%
  • 16%

topical solution

  • 16%

topical spray

  • 16%

transdermal patch

  • 1.25%
  • 5%
  • 7.5%
  • 16%

topical powder

  • 1%

Analgesia for Minor Muscle/Joint Pain

Apply liberal amounts of cream/gel topically to affected area and massage

Apply patch to affected area q12hr

Safety and efficacy not established

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Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Hypersensitivity reaction

Stinging/burning/tingling sensation of skin

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Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Application to wounds or damaged skin

<12 years if arthritis-like condition present

Cautions

Topical use only

For external use only

Not for use with a heating pad

Flammable; keep away from fire or flame

Ask healthcare professional if redness over affected area present

Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes

Do not bandage tightly

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

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

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Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy

Ask healthcare professional

Lactation

Ask 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

Produces counterirritation; stimulates TRPM8 receptors

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Images

No images available for this drug.
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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.