methylsalicylate/menthol/camphor topical

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

methyl salicylate/menthol/camphor topical is a combination medication used to temporarily relieve pain associated with muscle aches, strains, and joint pain. It works by providing a cooling and numbing sensation to the affected area, which can help to alleviate pain and discomfort. 

The three active ingredients in this medication work in slightly different ways: 

methyl salicylate: methyl salicylate is a topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. It works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. 

menthol: menthol is a topical analgesic and cooling agent. It works by stimulating the cold receptors in the skin, which can provide a cooling and numbing sensation to the affected area. 

camphor: camphor is a topical analgesic and anti-itch agent. It works by stimulating the nerve endings in the skin, which can help to reduce the perception of pain and itchiness. 

Combining these three ingredients provides a broad spectrum of activity, effectively relieving pain associated with muscle aches, strains, and joint pain. The medication is applied topically to the affected area, and its effects are generally felt within minutes and can last for several hours. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Burning/ Stinging /tingling sensation of skin 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Allergy: Individuals who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication should not use it. 
• Children: This medication is not recommended for children under 12 years old. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Using methylsalicylate/menthol/camphor topical during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended without consulting a healthcare provider. 
• Skin conditions: The medication should not be used on broken or damaged skin, eczema, or psoriasis. 
• Sensitivity: Individuals with sensitive skin should use caution when using this medication. 
• Blood thinners: methyl salicylate can increase the risk of bleeding, so individuals taking blood thinners should use this medication with caution. 
• Asthma: camphor can exacerbate asthma symptoms, so individuals with asthma should use caution when using this medication.

Caution: 

• Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. 
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the medication to avoid accidental contact with sensitive areas. 
• Do not apply the medication to large areas of the body or use it for an extended period without consulting a healthcare provider. 
• Discontinue use and seek medical attention if you experience severe skin irritation or allergic reactions such as hives, rash, or difficulty breathing. 
• Avoid exposure to extreme heat, such as hot tubs or saunas, while using this medication, as it may increase absorption and cause adverse effects. 
• Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets, as it can be toxic if ingested. 
• Use caution when driving or operating machinery after applying the medication, as it may cause drowsiness or dizziness. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: Insufficient data available 

Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown 

Pregnancy category: C 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.   

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: 

• methyl salicylate/menthol/camphor topical is a combination medication with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The medication works by penetrating the skin and underlying tissues to reach the affected area, where it can reduce pain and inflammation. 
• methyl salicylate is a derivative of salicylic acid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. methyl salicylate is also a counterirritant, producing a cooling and warming sensation that can distract from underlying pain. 
• menthol is a naturally occurring substance that is commonly used in topical analgesics. It produces a cooling sensation that can help to reduce pain and inflammation. 
• camphor is a substance derived from the wood of the camphor tree. It is used in topical analgesics for its counterirritant and cooling properties, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation. 
• Overall, this medication’s combination of methyl salicylate, menthol, and camphor produces a synergistic effect that can effectively relieve pain and inflammation associated with muscle and joint conditions. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamics of methyl salicylate/menthol/camphor topical involve the interaction of its active ingredients with various receptors and channels in the body. 

• methyl salicylate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits the production of prostaglandins, which are mediators of pain and inflammation. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is responsible for the production of prostaglandins.  
• methyl salicylate also has a counterirritant effect, which produces a cooling and warming sensation that can distract from underlying pain. 
• menthol produces a cooling sensation by activating cold-sensitive receptors in the skin. This cooling effect can help to reduce pain and inflammation. 
• camphor is a counterirritant that produces a warming sensation by activating skin-sensitive receptors. This warming effect can also help to distract from underlying pain. 
• Combining these three active ingredients produces a synergistic effect that can effectively relieve pain and inflammation associated with muscle and joint conditions. The cooling and warming sensations produced by menthol and camphor can help to distract from underlying pain, while methyl salicylate inhibits the production of prostaglandins to reduce inflammation. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

methyl salicylate/menthol/camphor topical is applied to the skin and absorbed locally into the underlying tissues. The degree of absorption depends on various factors, such as the formulation, the concentration of active ingredients, and the skin’s condition. 

Distribution 

The active ingredients in the medication are distributed locally to the underlying tissues and produce their effects in the application area. The extent of distribution is limited due to the topical application of the medication. 

Metabolism 

methyl salicylate is metabolized in the liver by various enzymes, including glucuronidation and oxidation. menthol and camphor are metabolized by enzymes in the liver and excreted in the urine. 

Elimination and Excretion 

methyl salicylate is primarily excreted in the urine as metabolites, while menthol and camphor are excreted as metabolites and through exhalation. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

• Before applying the medication, clean the affected area with mild soap and water, and dry it thoroughly. 
• Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected area and massage it into the skin until it is absorbed. 
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the medication to avoid accidental contact with sensitive areas. 
• Do not apply the medication to open wounds or broken skin. 
• The frequency of application and the duration of treatment depend on the condition being treated and the medication formulation. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the package insert. 
• Store the medication at room temperature and away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. 
• Do not use the medication if it is expired or if the packaging is damaged. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: methylsalicylate/menthol/camphor topical 

Why do we use methylsalicylate/menthol/camphor topical? 

methyl salicylate/menthol/camphor topical is a combination medication commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with various muscle and joint conditions. Some common uses of this medication include: 

• Muscle aches and strains: The medication can relieve pain and inflammation associated with muscle aches, strains, and sprains. 
• Arthritis: The medication can relieve pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other types of arthritis. 
• Back pain: The medication can relieve pain and inflammation associated with back pain, including lower back pain. 
• Joint pain: The medication can relieve pain and inflammation associated with joint pain, including pain in the knees, hips, shoulders, and other joints. 
• Sports injuries: The medication can relieve pain and inflammation associated with sports injuries, such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and runner’s knee.