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Vicks Vapo Freeze
Generic name: camphor and menthol topical
Brand names: Alevex Pain Relieving, Alevex Pain Relieving Roll-On, Anti-Itch Steroid Free, Arctic Relief, Avedana Pain Relieving Roll On, Fast Freeze, Fast Freeze Roll-On, Freeze It, Freeze It Roll-On, IcyHot Advanced, IcyHot Pro Dry, IcyHot Pro No Mess, IcyHot Pro Pain Relief, Mentholatum Ointment, Rhuli Gel, Sarna, Soltice Quick Rub, Theraflu Vapor Stick, Tiger Balm, Tiger Balm Extra Strength
What is Vicks Vapo Freeze?
Vicks Vapo Freeze (for the skin) is a combination product that helps relieve itching, minor muscle pain, or joint pain. You can also use this product as a chest rub to ease symptoms of the common cold.
Vicks Vapo Freeze may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
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Warnings
Follow all instructions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed.
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Before taking this medicine
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to use Vicks Vapo Freeze if you have sensitive skin.
Do not use this medicine on a baby or child without your doctor's advice.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you breastfeed, avoid applying this medicine to your nipple area.
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Vicks Vapo Freeze side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Vicks Vapo Freeze can cause serious side effects. Stop using Vicks Vapo Freeze and call your doctor right away if you experience:
- severe burning, stinging, or irritation where the medicine was applied; or
- breathing problems after using this medicine on the chest.
Less serious side effects may happen more often, 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 can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use Vicks Vapo Freeze?
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
For your first use, apply only to a small skin area to test how your skin reacts to the medicine.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not apply to open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.
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.
Do not cover treated skin with a tight bandage or heating pad.
Do not apply this medicine within 1 hour before or 30 minutes after you take a bath or shower.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, or a skin rash. Also call your doctor if you still have pain, or if the pain goes away and then comes back within a few days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Protect from direct sunlight. Store away from open flame or high heat. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Camphor and menthol is used as needed and does not have a daily dosing schedule. Do not use the product more often than what is directed on the label.
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What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of Vicks Vapo Freeze is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.
Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If contact happens, rinse with water.
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What other drugs will affect Vicks Vapo Freeze?
Medicine that you put on your skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you take. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Make sure to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are currently using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Related medicines
Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.