Skip to main content

Camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate (topical)

Generic name: camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate (topical) [ KAM-for, MEN-thol, and-METH-il-sa-LIS-il-ate ]
Brand names: Asperflex Advance, Bengay Ultra Strength, FlexAll 454 Ultra Plus, Fordagel, MCM Instant Pain Relief, ... show all 12 brands
Dosage forms: topical cream (3%-5%-15%; 4%-10%-30%), topical film (3.1%-6%-10%; 96 mg-76.8 mg-57.6 mg), ... show all 4 dosage forms
Drug class: Topical rubefacient

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 27, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate?

Camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate topical (for the skin) is a combination product that is used for temporary relief of minor pain caused by arthritis, muscle cramps, sprains or strains, bruising, or backache.

Camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate 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.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning, stinging, irritation, pain, swelling, rash, 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.

Warnings

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

Before taking this medicine

You should not use camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate if you are allergic to it, or to salicylates such as aspirin, Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others.

The skin patch may contain latex and could be harmful if you have a latex allergy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the skin patch is safe to use.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine on a child.

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

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

How should I use camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. The cream or gel forms of this medicine are usually applied to the affected area 3 or 4 times per day.

Apply a camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate skin patch to clean, dry skin. Press the patch firmly into place and wear it for up to 8 hours. Do not wear for more than 3 days and do not wear more than one skin patch at a time unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not apply to open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, 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.

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

Camphor and menthol can cause a burning or cold 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.

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

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

acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Paracetamol, diclofenac, naproxen, Tylenol

What happens if I miss a dose?

Camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate is used when needed and does not have a daily dosing schedule. Do not use the product more often than directed on the label.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate 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 medicine.

What should I avoid while using this medicine?

Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid using other topical pain relief medications, unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate?

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.

Does camphor/menthol/methyl salicylate topical interact with my other drugs?

Enter other medications to view a detailed interaction report.

Further 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.

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