methylsalicylate/menthol - topical, BenGay, Icy Hot, Mentholatum D
GENERIC NAME: METHYLSALICYLATE/MENTHOL - TOPICAL (METH-ill-sal-ISS-ill-ate/MEN-thall)
BRAND NAME(S): BenGay, Icy Hot, Mentholatum Deep Heat
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This product is used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints (e.g., arthritis, backache, sprains). Menthol and methyl salicylate are known as counterirritants. They work by causing the skin to feel cool and then warm. These feelings on the skin distract you from feeling the aches/pains deeper in your muscles, joints, and tendons.
HOW TO USE: Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not apply near the eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals, and be careful not to touch those areas while the medication is on your hands. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water. Wash your hands well before inserting contact lenses.Apply a thin layer of medication to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times a day. Rub in gently and thoroughly. After applying the medication, wash your hands unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. If treating the hands, wait at least 30 minutes after applying the medication to wash your hands.Do not apply this medication to skin that is injured or irritated (e.g., cut, scraped, sunburned). Do not bandage or tightly wrap the affected area. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects. You may cover the area loosely to protect clothing. Ask your pharmacist for more details.Heat can increase the risk of side effects. Do not apply this medication immediately before, during, or after activities that increase skin temperature (e.g., bathing in hot water, swimming, sun bathing, heavy exercise) or in hot/humid weather. Wait until your skin has cooled before applying the medication. Do not use a sunlamp/tanning bed, hot water bottle, or heating pad on the treated area.This product is available in different strengths and with different ingredients but with product names that sound similar. Read the label carefully to make sure you have the right product for you. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.Tell your doctor if your condition persists for more than 7 days, if it worsens, or if it keeps returning. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
SIDE EFFECTS: Redness, warmth, stinging, or burning on the application site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Stop using this medication and tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blistering/swelling/severe redness at the application site, nausea/vomiting, ringing in the ears.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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