MENTHOL AND METHYL SALICYLATE

This combination drug is used to relieve painful symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism, backache, headache, toothache, chest pain, abdominal pain, stomachache, sprain, muscular strain, stiffness, bursitis, tendinitis, insect bites and bruises.

Menthol dilates the blood vessels causing a sensation of coldness, followed by an analgesic effect. Menthol also functions as a penetration enhancer, enhancing the penetration of drugs when applied on the skin, to promote a faster onset of action.

Methyl salicylate is a salicylic acid derivative. Salicylates inhibit cyclooxygenase, thereby reducing the formation of prostaglandins, and cause platelet dysfunction

Methyl salicylate is used topically as a counter-irritant. It is absorbed through the skin and is used for the pain relief in rheumatic conditions and muscle or join pain.

Uses

This product is used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints such as arthritis, backache and sprains. Menthol and methyl salicylate are often called counterirritants. They work by inflicting the skin to be cool when it is warm. These feelings on the skin distract you from feeling the aches/pains deeper on your muscles, joints, and tendons.

Some products should not be used on children younger than 12 years with no physician’s recommendation. Check the label cautiously before using on children between 2 and 12 years old. Don’t use on children who are younger than 2 years.

Warnings

Do not use if you had previous hypersensitivity to menthol and methyl salicylates. Signs and symptoms of a life-threatening reaction include:

Wheezing
Chest tightness
Fever
Itching
Bad cough
Blue skin color
Fits
Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
Severe skin irritation
Any rash
No improvement in condition or feeling worse

Side Effects

Side effects may include the following:

Redness
Warmth
Stinging
Burning on the application site
Blistering/swelling/severe redness at the application site
Increased/unusual pain at the application site
Nausea/vomiting
Ringing in the ears
Rash
Itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
Severe dizziness
Difficulty in breathing

Precautions

For external use only. In conditions arising from more serious underlying causes, consult a doctor.

Before using this product, inform your healthcare professional or pharmacist if you are allergic to menthol or methyl salicylate; or to aspirin or other salicylates (e.g., salsalate); or when have some allergy symptoms. This product may have inactive ingredients, which is able to give rise to allergies or different problems.

If in case you have any of these problems, seek advice from your health care professional or pharmacist before using this product: asthma, injured/irritated skin in the affected area, growths within the nostrils (nasal polyps).

For the first 6 months of pregnancy, this medicine must be used only when wanted. It isn’t encouraged for use in the last three months of being pregnant as a result of possible harm to the unborn baby and issues with labor and delivery.

Before using this product, inform your physician or pharmacist in case you use blood thinners (e.g., warfarin).

Overdose & Brands

This medicine is aharmful if swallowed. If anyone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as difficulty of breathing, seek emergency treatment

Available Brands:

Begesic, Bengay Greaseless, Bengay Ultra, BSI Medicated Spray/BSI Medicated Plaster