Menthol topical

Generic name: Menthol Topical
Drug class: Topical rubefacient

Usage of Menthol topical

Menthol topical (for use on the skin) is used to treat adults and children at least 2 years old to provide temporary relief of muscle or joint pain caused by strains, sprains, arthritis, bruising, or backaches.

Menthol topical powder is used to treat pain and itching caused by minor cuts, sunburn, insect bites, minor burns, scrapes, or other skin irritations.

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

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

Menthol 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.

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

pain, swelling, burning, redness, irritation, or blistering after using menthol topical; or

joint pain lasting longer than 10 days.

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.

Before taking Menthol topical

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if menthol topical is safe to use if you have ever had an allergy or if you have sensitive skin.

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

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

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How to use Menthol 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. Do not use on open wounds, damaged skin, broken skin, or irritated skin.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine. Use a mild soap to clean the skin area to be treated.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or use a heating pad unless your doctor tells you to.

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.

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

Store tightly closed at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat. Protect from direct sunlight and keep away from open flame or high heat.

Warnings

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

What other drugs will affect Menthol 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.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

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