Menthol and methyl salicylate (Topical application)

Menthol and methyl salicylate combination topical is used to help relieve minor pain caused by arthritis, simple backache, bruises, cramps, muscle strains, or sprains. This medicine acts as a topical analgesic.

This medicine is available without a prescription.

If your or your child's symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if they get worse, talk to your doctor.

Contact your doctor immediately if you or your child experience a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to weigh the risks against the benefits. Consider the following for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies have not been done on how menthol and methyl salicylate topical affects children younger than 12 years old. Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Geriatric

There is no information available on how menthol and methyl salicylate topical affects older adults.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while in other cases, two medicines may be used together even if there is a chance of interaction. If you are using this medicine, it is very important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions are highlighted for their potential significance and may not include all possible interactions.

Using this medicine with the following medicine is usually not recommended, but it may be necessary in some cases. If both are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or how often you use one or both.

• Warfarin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around mealtime or with certain foods due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical conditions may impact the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Allergy to aspirin or salicylates—Use with caution. May worsen this condition.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may require medical attention.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may have ways to help prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Talk to your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Blistering, burning, itching, pain, redness, or swelling of the skin where the medicine is applied

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, consult your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Benalg
• Thera-Gesic

In Canada

• Analgesic Balm
• Bengay Original
• Buckley's Pain Relief Rub

Chemical Class: Salicylate, Non-Aspirin

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause unwanted side effects or skin irritation.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Do not apply to wounds, or broken, damaged, or irritated skin. Rinse it off right away if it does get on these areas.

Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

To use:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area of the skin. Rub it in gently.
• Do not bandage tightly, or apply heat (eg, heating pads) or a medicated patch to the treated skin area. Do not expose the treated skin area to direct sunlight.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage forms (balm, cream, and stick):For relief of minor pains: Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area of the skin not more than 4 times a day. Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.