Menthol + Methyl Salicylate

Menthol + Methyl Salicylate is a topical counterirritant analgesic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.
• Backache, sprains, strains, and bruises.
• Minor joint pain associated with arthritis.

For adults and adolescents, apply a thin layer of the cream to the painful area and gently rub in as directed on the product label or by a healthcare professional. Do not apply more often, over larger areas, or for longer than advised. Wash hands after use unless the hands are the treated area. Specific dosing and duration should be decided by the prescribing doctor or pharmacist, especially for children, elderly patients, or people with other medical conditions.

• Mild burning, cooling, warmth, stinging, redness, or irritation at the application site.
• Skin rash, itching, blistering, or swelling; stop use and seek advice if these occur.
• Serious allergic reactions are rare but may include swelling of the face or throat, severe dizziness, or breathing difficulty.
• Excessive use, use on broken skin, or covering with heat/occlusive dressings may increase absorption and rarely cause salicylate toxicity, with symptoms such as ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rapid breathing, confusion, or unusual sweating.

Use with caution in people with aspirin or NSAID allergy, asthma triggered by NSAIDs, sensitive skin, bleeding disorders, kidney disease, or those taking blood thinners. Do not apply to broken, infected, irritated, or damaged skin; avoid contact with eyes, mouth, genitals, and other mucous membranes. Do not use with heating pads, hot water bottles, tight bandages, or immediately before/after hot baths. Stop use if severe irritation occurs or if pain persists or worsens. Use under a registered doctor's or pharmacist's guidance.

• Warfarin and other anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines: methyl salicylate absorption may increase bleeding risk, especially with excessive or prolonged use.
• Aspirin, other salicylates, and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen: may increase salicylate-related adverse effects in susceptible patients.
• Other topical pain-relief products, medicated rubs, or irritant creams on the same area: may increase skin irritation or absorption.
• Heating pads, hot compresses, occlusive dressings, or tight bandaging: can increase absorption and risk of toxicity.
• No specific food interaction is usually expected with normal topical use.

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to menthol, methyl salicylate, aspirin, other salicylates, NSAIDs, or any ingredient of the cream.
• Use on broken, wounded, infected, or severely irritated skin.
• Use in or near the eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes.
• Use together with external heat sources or occlusive dressings over the treated area.
• Use in young children unless specifically advised by a doctor.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, use only if a doctor considers it necessary. Avoid applying to large areas, using for long periods, or using under heat or occlusion. Breastfeeding mothers should not apply it to the breast or nipple area, and should prevent the infant from contacting treated skin.

Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and moisture. Keep the tube tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze, and do not use after the expiry date.