METHYLSALICYLATE/MENTHOL - TOPICAL

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METHYLSALICYLATE/MENTHOL - TOPICAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (METH-ill-sal-ISS-ill-ate/MEN-thall)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): BenGay, Icy Hot

GENERIC NAME(S): methyl salicylate/menthol

Uses

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. Some products should not be used on children younger than 12 years without a doctor's advice. Check the label carefully before using on children between 2 and 12 years old. Do not use on children younger than 2 years.


How to use METHYLSALICYLATE/MENTHOL - TOPICAL

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. If you are using the lotion, spray, or foam, shake the bottle well before using. 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

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 right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blistering/swelling/severe redness at the application site, increased/unusual pain 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 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to menthol or methyl salicylate; or to aspirin or other salicylates (e.g., salsalate); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: asthma, injured/irritated skin in the affected area, growths in the nose (nasal polyps). During the first 6 months of pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and problems with normal labor/delivery. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: If you are using this product under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you use any of the following products: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin). This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.