camphor/menthol topical (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Icy Hot Arthritis Lotion

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosing Forms & Strengths

camphor/menthol topical

topical lotion

  • 4%/16%

Minor Pain

Temporarily relieves minor pain associated with arthritis, mild backache, muscle strains, sprains, bruises, muscle cramps

Apply topically to affected area up to 3-4 times daily; massage into painful area until thoroughly absorbed into skin

Administration

Wash hands with soap with cool water after use

Dosage Forms & Strengths

camphor/menthol topical

topical lotion

  • 4%/16%

Minor Pain

Temporarily relieves minor pain associated with arthritis, mild backache, muscle strains, sprains, bruises, muscle cramps

<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established

≥12 years: Apply topically to affected area up to 3-4 times daily; massage into painful area until thoroughly absorbed into skin

Administration

Wash hands with soap with cool water after use

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Warnings

Contraindications

None

Cautions

For external use only

Do not bandage tightly or use with a heating pad

A transient burning sensation may occur upon application but generally disappears within several days

If severe burning sensation occurs, discontinue use immediately

Do not expose area treated with product to heat or direct sunlight

Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes

Do not use on wounds, or damaged, broken, or irritated skin

Discontinue if condition worsens, redness is present, or irritation develops, or symptoms do not improve within 7 days

Flammable, keep away from fire or flame

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Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: A

Lactation: Not distributed in human breast milk

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

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

Camphor: Topical analgesic

Menthol: Elicits mild local anesthetic effect

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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.