Stopain Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Stopain

Generic name: menthol topical [ MEN-thol-TOP-ik-al ]
Brand names: ActivICE, Aspercreme Heat Pain Relieving, BENGAY Pain Relieving, Biofreeze, Blue Gel, ... show all 11 brands Flexall, Gold Bond Medicated Maximum Strength Foot, Icy Hot Extra Strength, Max-Freeze, Mineral Ice, Stopain
Drug class: Topical rubefacient

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 27, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is Stopain?

Menthol is either manmade or made from the extracts of mint oil. Menthol provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin, which helps relieve pain in the tissues underneath the skin.

Stopain (for use on the skin) is used to provide temporary relief of minor arthritis pain, backache, muscles or joint pain, or painful bruises.

There are many brands and forms of menthol available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Stopain may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

## Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Stopain is safe to use if you have ever had an allergy to aspirin or salicylate medicine.

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

If you apply menthol to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with a nursing baby's mouth.

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

## How should I use Stopain?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds, broken skin, 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.

For your first use, apply only to a small skin area to test how your skin reacts to the medicine.

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

Menthol can cause a cold or burning 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.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if they get worse. Also call your doctor if your pain goes away and then comes back within a few days.

Store at room temperature. Keep the medicine tightly closed when not in use.

Detailed Stopain dosage information

## Related/similar drugs

Buprenex, aspirin, acetaminophen, tramadol, Tylenol, naproxen, oxycodone

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Stopain is when needed, you are not likely to miss a dose.

## What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of menthol 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 medication.

## What should I avoid while using Stopain?

If this medication gets in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse with water.

Avoid using other topical pain medications on the areas you treat with menthol.

## Stopain side effects

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

Stopain may cause serious side effects. Stop using Stopain and call your doctor at once if you have:

- severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation after using this medicine; or

- pain, swelling, 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.

Stopain side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect Stopain?

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 health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about Stopain (menthol topical)

- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: topical rubefacient
- En español

### Patient resources

- Patient Information

#### Other brands

Biofreeze, Aspercreme Pain Relieving Heat Gel, Halls Mentho-Lyptus Drops, Flexall, ... +26 more

### Related treatment guides

- Pain

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.02.