Methyl salicylate topical Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

Skip to main content
Print
Save

# Methyl salicylate topical

Generic name: methyl salicylate topical [ METH-il-sa-LISS-il-ate-TOP-ik-al ]
Brand names: BENGAY Arthritis, Boroleum, Castiva Cooling, Eucalyptamint, Exocaine Plus, ... show all 53 brands Gordogesic, Heet Triple Action, Icy Hot, Salonpas Pain Patch, Satogesic, Thera-Gesic, Absorbine Jr., Wintergreen Oil, BENGAY Ultra, Analgesic Balm, Menthol C, Arthricare Cream, BENGAY Original, Salonpas Pain Gel, Salonpas Pain Spray, Banalg, Heet Analgesic Liniment, Mentholatum Pain Patch, Mentholatum Pain Gel, Penetran Pain Relieving, Satogesic Pad, Satogesic Hot Gel, Deep Down Pain Relief, Nephro-Derm, Cooling Gel, Absorbine Jr. Extra Strength, Ben Gay, Vaporizing Cold Rub, Flex-All 454, Pain Stick Arthritis Formula, Pain Stick Sports Formula, Minit Rub, Thera-P Blue, Analgesic Balm Greaseless, BENGAY Vanishing Scent, Banalg Hospital Strength, Panalgesic Gold, Therapeutic Pain Relief, Cold and Hot Pain Relief, Thera-Gesic Extra Plus, PainZone, duraflex comfort, Salonpas Pain Relief Patch, Salonpas Arthritis Pain, Precise Pain Relieving, Ultra Strength Muscle Rub, Aloe Vera Liniment, Coats Aloe Analgesic Liniment
Dosage forms: topical cream (-); topical film (-); topical gel (-); topical liquid (-); topical lotion (-); topical oil (-); topical ointment (-); topical spray (-); topical stick (-)
Drug class: Topical rubefacient

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 15, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is methyl salicylate topical?

Methyl salicylate topical (for the skin) is used for temporary relief of minor aches and pains caused by strains, sprains, arthritis, bruising, nerve pain, simple backache, or pain in the lower spine.

Methyl salicylate topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed.

## Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if methyl salicylate topical is safe to use if you have ever had an allergy (especially to aspirin or other salicylates).

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

If you breastfeed, avoid applying this medicine to your nipple area.

Do not use this medicine on a child without medical advice.

## How should I use methyl salicylate topical?

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.

Apply only to clean and dry skin. Avoid applying over large areas of skin.

Do not apply to an open wound or to skin that is blistered, sunburned, windburned, otherwise irritated.

Only certain forms of this medicine are for use in young children. Follow all directions when using this medicine on a child.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the painful area and rub in gently.

Apply the skin patch over the area of pain and press the edges firmly. Remove the patch and apply a new one as directed.

Shake the spray well just before each use.

Wash your hands with soap and water after applying this medicine or handling a skin patch. To keep from getting this medicine on your fingers, apply it using a rubber glove, finger cot, cotton ball, or clean tissue.

If using the medicine to treat an area of your hands or fingers, wait at least 30 minutes before washing your hands.

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

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if your pain does not improve after 7 days, or if your symptoms get worse or get better and then come back in a few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Methyl salicylate topical is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

## What should I avoid while using methyl salicylate topical?

Avoid getting methyl salicylate topical in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Also avoid getting the medicine in your nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina.

Also avoid getting the medicine on contact lenses, dentures, and other items that come in contact with sensitive areas of your body.

Avoid using other medications on the same treatment areas without medical advice.

## Methyl salicylate topical 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.

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

- redness or swelling of the treated area;

- increased pain; or

- severe burning or skin irritation such as a rash, itching, pain, or blistering.

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.

Methyl salicylate topical side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect methyl salicylate topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use, but many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Methyl salicylate topical drug interactions (more detail)

## 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 methyl salicylate topical

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (137)
- Side effects
- Drug class: topical rubefacient

### Patient resources

- Patient Information

#### Other brands

Salonpas Pain Patch, Eucalyptamint, Boroleum, Castiva Cooling, ... +5 more

### Related treatment guides

- Muscle Pain
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis

## 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: 3.02.