menthol topical, dimethicone topical

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

menthol topical: 

• Actions: menthol gives a cooling sensation on the skin and mucous membranes. It activates specific receptors called TRPM8 receptors, which are involved in the perception of cold. This activation leads to a decrease in nerve sensitivity, providing a local analgesic (pain-relieving) effect and relieving itching and discomfort. 
• Spectrum: menthol topical is primarily used for its local effects on the skin and mucous membranes. It is commonly found in various topical products, such as creams, gels, lotions, and balms, used to relieve minor muscle and joint pain, sprains, strains, arthritis, and muscle spasms. It can also provide temporary relief from itching and skin irritation associated with insect bites, rashes, and minor burns. 

dimethicone Topical: 

• Actions: dimethicone is a silicone-based compound that acts as an emollient and skin protectant. It forms a barrier on the skin’s surface, which helps to trap moisture, protect the skin from external irritants, and provide a smooth, non-greasy texture to topical formulations. It helps in moisturizing and soothing the skin. 
• Spectrum: dimethicone topical is primarily used for its skin protection and moisturization properties. It is commonly found in various skincare products, such as lotions, creams, ointments, and barrier creams. dimethicone helps to prevent moisture loss from the skin, provides a protective barrier, and improves the texture of the skin. It is often used for conditions like dry skin, rough skin, and as a part of skincare routines. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

None

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

menthol topical and dimethicone topical do not typically carry black box warnings. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Hypersensitivity or allergy: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to menthol or any other ingredients in the product should avoid using menthol topical.

Caution: 

• Avoid contact with eyes: menthol topical should not be applied near or in the eyes.  
• Avoid application on broken or irritated skin: It is recommended to avoid applying menthol topical on irritated or broken skin, as it may cause further irritation or discomfort. 
• Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be hypersensitive or allergic to menthol. If experience any signs of an allergic reactions like rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, discontinue use and seek medical attention. 
• Skin irritation: In rare cases, dimethicone topical may cause skin irritation or redness. If you develop severe skin irritation or unexpected symptoms, discontinue use.

Comorbidities: 

• Sensitivity to cold: Individuals with a known sensitivity to cold or conditions such as Raynaud’s disease may experience increased sensitivity or discomfort when using menthol topical products, as menthol produces a cooling sensation. 
• Skin conditions: If you have any pre-existing skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis, it is advised to consult healthcare professional before using menthol topical products, as they may exacerbate these conditions in some individuals. 
• Allergies or sensitivities: If you have a known allergy or sensitivity to silicone or dimethicone, it is advisable to avoid using dimethicone topical products or consult with a healthcare professional before use. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: Pregnancy Category: A 

Lactation: Not distributed in human breast milk  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• <b>Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

menthol Topical: 

• Mechanism of action: menthol activates the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) receptors, which are involved in the perception of cold sensation. By activating these receptors, menthol produces a cooling and soothing effect on the skin or mucous membranes. It also acts as a local anesthetic by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals. 

dimethicone Topical: 

• Mechanism of action: dimethicone is a silicone-based compound that acts as an emollient and skin protectant. It forms a thin, protective barrier on skin’s surface, which helps to trap moisture, protect the skin from external irritants, and provide a smooth and non-greasy texture to topical formulations. dimethicone also has lubricating properties that help in reducing friction and improving skin texture. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

menthol Topical: 

• Cooling sensation: menthol activates the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) receptors, which are found in sensory nerve endings. This activation leads to a perception of cold and a cooling sensation on the skin or mucous membranes. 
• Local anesthetic effect: menthol has mild local anesthetic properties. It acts by inhibiting the pain signals transmission along the nerve fibers, thereby providing temporary relief from pain and discomfort. 
• Itch relief: menthol also has anti-itch properties and can help alleviate itching associated with insect bites, rashes, or minor skin irritations. 

dimethicone Topical: 

• Barrier function: dimethicone acts as a barrier on the skin’s surface, forming a protective layer. This barrier helps to trap moisture, prevent water loss from skin, and protects from external irritants and environmental factors. 
• Emollient properties: dimethicone has emollient properties, meaning it helps to soften and smooth the skin, providing a non-greasy and smooth texture to topical formulations. 
• Skin protection: By forming a protective barrier, dimethicone can help shield the skin from irritants, such as chemicals, allergens, or friction, reducing the risk of skin damage and irritation.

Pharmacokinetics: 

menthol Topical: 

• Absorption: menthol is minimally absorbed through the skin when applied topically. The extent of absorption depends on various factors such as the concentration of menthol, the formulation of the product, and the duration of application. menthol primarily acts locally on the skin or mucous membranes at the site of application. 
• Distribution: After absorption, menthol is distributed in the local tissues near the site of application. It does not exhibit significant systemic distribution or accumulate in body tissues. 
• Metabolism: menthol undergoes metabolism in the liver. It is primarily metabolized into glucuronide and sulfate conjugates through the process of glucuronidation and sulfation. 
• Excretion: The metabolites of menthol, glucuronide, and sulfate conjugates, are excreted through the urine. menthol has a short half-life, and its elimination from the body occurs within a few hours. 

dimethicone Topical: 

• Absorption: dimethicone is not significantly absorbed through the skin when applied topically. It remains on the surface of the skin, forming a protective barrier, without significant systemic absorption. 
• Distribution: Since dimethicone stays on the skin’s surface, it does not distribute significantly throughout the body. 
• Metabolism: dimethicone is not metabolized in the body. It is a chemically inert compound that does not undergo significant metabolic transformations. 
• Excretion: Since dimethicone is not absorbed systemically, it is not excreted from the body through normal elimination processes. Instead, it is typically removed by washing or wiping off the applied area. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Clean the affected area: Before applying menthol topical, clean, and dry the affected area. 
• Apply a thin layer: Take a small amount of the menthol topical product and apply it to the affected area using gentle rubbing or massaging motions. 
• Do not bandage tightly: Unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional, avoid applying a tight bandage or occlusive dressing over the area treated with menthol topical. 
• Wash hands after application: After applying menthol topical, wash hands thoroughly to remove any residue and prevent accidental contact with sensitive areas like the eyes. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: menthol topical, dimethicone topical 

Pronounced: (MEN-thawl TOP-ih-kul, dye-METH-ih-kohn TOP-ih-kul)  

Why do we use menthol topical, dimethicone topical? 

menthol topical and dimethicone topical are combination drugs used for transient relief from the pain, itching, and discomfort linked to skin conditions.