Generic Name: menthol topical
Brand Names: Bengay Cold Therapy, Icy Hot Naturals, Icy Hot Advanced Relief Patch, Salonsip Gel Patch, Aspercreme Heat Pain Relieving Gel, Aspercreme Max, Bengay Zero Degrees, Mentholatum Sports Pain Relief Cold, Gold Bond Foot Powder
Drug Class: Analgesics, Topical
What is menthol topical, and what is it used for?
Menthol is a medication topically applied for temporary relief from minor joint or muscle pain. Menthol is a substance found naturally in peppermint, also produced synthetically in laboratories for use as an ingredient in much of topical pain relief (analgesic) creams, gels, ointments, solutions, sprays, and skin patches. Menthol products are available over the counter (OTC).
Menthol reduces pain by counterirritation of nerve endings under the skin. Menthol initially stimulates the nerve endings, but continued exposure desensitizes the nerve endings and decreases pain sensitivity. Menthol works by stimulating transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8) receptor, a protein on nerve cells (neurons) that detects the sensation of cold.
Menthol topical is used for temporary analgesia in conditions that include:
Warnings
- Do not use menthol topical if you are hypersensitive to any of the components in the menthol product.
- Do not use in children below 12 years of age.
- Do not apply on wounds or damaged skin.
- Do not cover tightly with a bandage.
- Do not apply external heat, including a heat pad, after topical application.
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
- Stop using menthol and consult with your physician if
- Your condition worsens
- Symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and reoccur within a few days
- Redness of the skin occurs
- You develop skin irritation
What are the side effects of menthol topical?
Common side effects of menthol topical include:
- Application site reactions such as:
- Redness (erythema)
- Warmth
- Irritation
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Tingling
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:
- Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
- Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
- Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
QUESTION
Medically speaking, the term "myalgia" refers to what type of pain? See AnswerWhat are the dosages of menthol topical?
Topical Gel
- 2.5%
- 5%
- 7%
- 10%
- 16%
Topical Cream
- 7.5%
- 16%
Topical Solution
- 16%
Topical Spray
- 16%
Transdermal Patch
- 1.25%
- 5%
- 7.5%
- 16%
Topical Powder
- 1%
Adult:
Analgesia for Minor Muscle/Joint Pain
- Apply liberal amounts of cream/gel topically to the affected area and massage
- Apply patch to the affected area every 12 hours
Pediatric:
- Safety and efficacy not established
Overdose
- Topical application of menthol is unlikely to result in overdose.
- Menthol may rarely cause chemical burns, particularly in people sensitive to menthol. Inhalation or ingestion of menthol can have serious systemic effects including blood in urine, breathing difficulties, palpitations, dizziness, seizures, coma, and death.
- Treatment for menthol overdose is symptomatic and supportive care.
Health News
- 5,000+ Measles Cases Threaten Canada’s Elimination Status
- Home Exercises Ease Knee Arthritis Pain
- Puberty: The Signs, Stages & When to See a Doctor
- Medical Debt May Soon Return to Credit Reports
- Sitting For Long Periods? Sip Cocoa Or Munch Berries To Protect Heart Health, Experts Say
More Health News »
What drugs interact with menthol topical?
Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.
- Menthol topical has no listed severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.
The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.
It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Animal reproductive studies do not show evidence of fetal harm from topical menthol use during pregnancy, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
- Check with your healthcare provider before using menthol topical if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What else should I know about menthol topical?
- Use menthol topical exactly as per label directions.
- Menthol topical is for external use only.
- Menthol is inflammable, keep away from flame and fire.
- Store safely away from the reach of children.
- In case of inhalation or oral ingestion of menthol topical, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.
Summary
Menthol is a medication topically applied for temporary relief from minor joint or muscle pain. Menthol can be used to treat bursitis, arthritis, tendonitis, backache, muscle strains, muscle sprains, cramps, and bruises. Common side effects of menthol topical include redness (erythema), warmth, irritation, stinging or burning sensation, tingling, and hypersensitivity reactions. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Pain-Relief Tips for Bumps, Bruises, Sprains, and Strains in PicturesView this First Aid slideshow on Care and Pain Relief. See how to get pain relief if you've bumped your head, sprained your...
-
Arthritis: Supplements for Joint PainCan supplements help relieve joint pain and swelling? Find out how certain compounds may aid your stiff, tender joints.
-
RA Home RemediesPeople try all sorts of things to relieve rheumatoid arthritis pain. WebMD debunks some of the common ones and lets you know what...
-
Picture of Knee JointThe knee joint has three parts. See a picture of Knee Joint and learn more about the health topic.
-
Why Are My Joints So Stiff? What Can I Do?You use your joints to bend, touch, type, drive -- to do just about everything. Find out more from WebMD about what can make your...
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises: Joint-Friendly WorkoutsRegular exercise boosts fitness and helps reverse joint stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). WebMD demonstrates...
-
Exercises for Knee Osteoarthritis and Joint PainLearn about osteoarthritis and exercises that relieve knee osteoarthritis pain, stiffness and strengthen the knee joint and...
-
Arthritis: 16 Bad Habits That Cause Joint PainBeing overweight, wearing uncomfortable shoes, or carrying a heavy purse can make joint pain and arthritis symptoms worse. Some...
-
Tips for Healthy Joints: Exercise, Nutrition, & MoreDealing with joint pain and arthritis? Learn why weight matters--and why NOT to stretch before exercise. See these solutions for...
-
Arthritis: Causes and Treatment for Joint Stiffness and PainArthritis and injuries can leave your joints swollen, tender, and damaged. Discover treatments for morning stiffness, sore...
-
Bursitis: Treatments for Hip, Knee, Shoulder and MoreDiagnosed with bursitis? Learn about treatment and prevention for trochanteric bursitis, as well as hip, knee, shoulder and other...
Related Disease Conditions
-
How Long Does It Take for a Muscle Strain to Heal?A muscle strain occurs when muscle fibers are overstretched and tear. Learn more about muscle strains, how muscle strains happen, muscle strain symptoms, muscle strain diagnosis, and muscle strain treatment options. Receive information on how a sprain and strain differ.
-
Hip BursitisBursitis of the hip results when the fluid-filled sac (bursa) near the hip becomes inflamed due to localized soft tissue trauma or strain. Symptoms include stiffness and pain around the hip joint. If the hip bursa is not infected, hip bursitis can be treated with ice compresses, rest, and anti-inflammatory and pain medications.
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body.
-
Arthritis (Joint Inflammation)Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.
-
BursitisBursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac found in the joints that cushions them. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, most commonly caused by repetitive motion. Bursitis can be caused by a bacterial infection and should be treated with antibiotics, ice, and rest.
-
Sprains and StrainsAn injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive movements or a single stressful incident. Symptoms and signs include pain and swelling. Though treatment depends upon the extent and location of the injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are key elements of treatment.
-
Osteoarthritis vs. Osteoporosis Differences and SimilaritiesArthritis is defined as painful inflammation and joint stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis and the most common cause of chronic joint pain, affecting over 25 million Americans. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that involves the entire joint. Osteoporosis is not a type of arthritis. It is a disease that mainly is caused by a loss of bone tissue that is not limited to the joint areas. It is possible for one person to have both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The differences in the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis include; pain, stiffness, and joint swelling, joint deformity, crackle sounds when the joint is moving, and walking with a limp. Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" because it can progress for years without signs and symptoms before it is diagnosed, severe back pain, bone fractures, height loss, and difficulty or inability to walk. The differences in the causes of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are that osteoarthritis usually is caused by wear and tear on the joints. Osteoporosis usually is caused by one or more underlying problems, for example, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. Treatment for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are not the same. There is no cure for osteoarthritis or osteoporosis.
-
Temporomandibular Joint SyndromeTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a disorder that causes symptoms like pain, clicking, and popping of the jaw. TMJ is caused by injury to the temporomandibular joint. Stress, poor posture, jaw trauma, genetic predisposition, and inflammatory disorders are risk factors for the condition. A variety of self-care measures (application of ice, use of over-the-counter pain medication, massage, relaxation techniques) and medical treatment options (dental splint, Botox, prescription medications, surgery) are available to manage TMJ. The prognosis of TMJ is good with proper treatment.
-
Why Is My Thumb Joint So Painful?Causes of thumb joint pain include trigger thumb, thumb arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's tendonitis, and skier's thumb.
-
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint PainSacroiliac (SI) joint pain is a general term to reflect pain in the SI joints. Causes of SI joint pain include osteoarthritis, abnormal walking pattern, and disorders that can cause SI joint inflammation including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment includes oral medications, cortisone injections, and surgery.
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. ArthritisArthritis is a general term used to describe joint disease. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing chronic inflammation.
-
What Exercise Can I Do with Knee Bursitis?What is knee bursitis? Learn which exercises can help ease symptoms.
-
What Foods Cause Joint Pain?With arthritis, the constant pain and stiffness often lead the body to be in a state of stress or "inflammation." Foods that cause joint pain include heavily processed foods, red meat, foods high in sugar, fried foods, alcohol and foods rich in MSG, refined carbohydrates, gluten and purines.
-
Calcific BursitisCalcific bursitis is the calcification of the bursa caused by chronic inflammation of the bursa. Calcific bursitis most commonly occurs in the shoulder. Calcific bursitis treatment includes medication for inflammation, ice, immobilization, cortisone injections, and occasionally surgical removal of the inflamed bursa.
-
Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Be Caused by Stress?Rheumatoid arthritis can be caused by and result in stress, as well as other conditions such as gastrointestinal problems (IBD).
-
Is a Muscle Strain the Same as a Muscle Tear?What is the difference between a muscle strain and a muscle tear?
-
How Long Should a Sprained Thumb Hurt?Thumb sprains can take anywhere from 2-12 weeks to heal depending on the severity of the sprain. Learn about how sprains are graded, diagnosed, and treated.
-
How Long Should It Take for a Sprained Ankle to Heal?Depending on the severity of the sprain, a sprained ankle generally heals within 2 to 12 weeks of home management with proper treatment.
-
Knee BursitisBursitis of the knee results when any of the three fluid-filled sacs (bursae) become inflamed due to injury or strain. Symptoms and signs include pain, swelling, warmth, tenderness, and redness. Treatment of knee bursitis depends on whether infection is involved. If the knee bursa is not infected, knee bursitis may be treated with ice compresses, rest, and anti-inflammatory and pain medications.
-
Shoulder BursitisShoulder bursitis is inflammation of the shoulder bursa. Bursitis may be caused by injury, infection, or a rheumatic condition. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and pain with movement of the shoulder joint. Treatment may involve ice compresses, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications and depends on whether there is an infection.
-
What Is the Best Exercise for Shoulder Bursitis?Treatment for shoulder bursitis may involve adequate rest of the affected part, ice packs, pain medications, and physical therapy. Light-weight exercises improve the muscles surrounding the shoulder.
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Lupus: Differences and SimilaritiesRheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus are two varieties of autoimmune diseases that cause flare-ups. While RA attacks the immune system on the joints, lupus involves many other parts of the body besides the joints. Common RA symptoms involve warm, swollen, and painful joints; morning stiffness in the joints or stiffness after inactivity, joint deformity, fever, fatigue, etc. Lupus symptoms include Malar rash (butterfly-shaped rash involving the cheeks and bridge of the nose), fever, joint pain in the absence of joint deformity, etc.
-
Breastfeeding With Rheumatoid ArthritisYou can breastfeed your baby even if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, you must always consult your doctor before you start the process.
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. FibromyalgiaThough rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia have similar symptoms, RA is an autoimmune disease and fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome. RA symptoms include joint redness, swelling, and pain that lasts more than 6 weeks. Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread pain, tingling feet or hands, depression, and bowel irritability. Home remedies for both include stress reduction, exercise, and getting enough sleep.
-
Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid ArthritisOsteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are chronic joint disorders. RA is also an autoimmune disease. OA and RA symptoms and signs include joint pain, warmth, and tenderness. Over-the-counter pain relievers treat both diseases. There are several prescription medications that treat RA.
-
What Joints Does Palindromic Rheumatism Affect?Palindromic rheumatism typically involves the major, large joints of the hand, often the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints.
-
Will Joint Pain From Menopause Go Away?Whether joint pain from menopause will go away depends on whether the joint pain is purely due to hormonal changes seen in menopause or due to other associated factors.
-
What Are the Best Exercises for SI Joint Pain?When the ligaments in the sacroiliac joint become too lax or tight, it can cause pain. Here are the eight best exercises you can do for SI joint pain.
-
14 Early Signs of Arthritis in the LegsLeg arthritis affects the joints of the hips, knees, ankles or feet. The early signs and symptoms of arthritis in the legs include pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased range of motion, trouble walking, fever, bump-like swelling, and other symptoms.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Daily Health News Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/bengay-cold-therapy-icy-hot-naturals-menthol-topical-999672
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4830155/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4356057/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29524352/
https://www.poison.org/articles/what-happens-with-swallowing-or-inhaling-too-much-menthol--174
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=f833dd00-0c87-435f-a2e3-7b0d63e0ea1d&type=display
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-rare-cases-serious-burns-use-over-counter-topical-muscle-and-joint