camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate (topical)

Pronunciation: KAM for, MEN thol, and METH il sa LIS il ate (TOP ik al)

Brand: Bengay Ultra Strength, FlexAll 454 Ultra Plus, Pomada Dragon Pain Relief, Salonpas Pain Relieving Patch, Tiger Balm Active Muscle Rub

What is the most important information I should know about this medicine?

Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed.

What is camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate?

Camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate topical (for the skin) is a combination product that is used for temporary relief of minor pain caused by arthritis, muscle cramps, sprains or strains, bruising, or backache.

Camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using this medicine?

You should not use camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate if you are allergic to salicylates such as aspirin, Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have redness over the areas where you have minor pain.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine on a child younger than 12 years old.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you apply this medicine to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

How should I use this medicine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. The cream or gel forms of this medicine are usually applied to the affected area 3 or 4 times per day. The skin patch may be worn for up to 8 hours.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.

Apply a camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate skin patch to clean, dry skin. Press the patch firmly into place and wear it for up to 8 hours.

Do not cover treated skin with a tight bandage or heating pad.

Camphor and menthol can cause a burning or cold sensation, which is usually mild and should lessen over time with continued use. If this sensation causes significant discomfort, wash the skin with soap and water.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if:

  • your symptoms do not improve after 7 days;
  • your symptoms clear up and then return;
  • you have minor pain with redness over the area; or
  • your condition gets worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Protect skin patches from direct sunlight.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate is used when needed, it does not have a dosing schedule. Do not use the product more often than directed on the label.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this product is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the product.

What should I avoid while using this medicine?

Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid using other topical pain relief medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning, stinging, irritation, pain, swelling, rash, or blistering where the medicine was applied.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect this medicine?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate topical.

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