Menthol

Menthol Brand Names

Absorbine Jr | A-R Extreme | Arthritis Wonder | Aspercreme | Bengay Cold Therapy | BenGay Pain Relieving | BenGay Ultra Strength | BenGay Vanishing Scent | Bengay Zero Degrees | BiOFREEZE | BIOFREEZE Cold Therapy Pain Relieving | Blue Gel | Cold & Hot Pain Relief Therapy | FLEXALL | Gold Bond | Icy Hot | Luden’s | Medicated Topical Body | Mineral Ice | PERFORM Pain Relieving | Therapy Ice | Vicks VapoDrop

What is Menthol

Menthol is a monocyclic terpenoid alcohol obtained from various mint oils or prepared synthetically.

The compound has a peppermint-like odor and is the primary active agent in peppermint oil.

Menthol is used on the skin as a single agent and within various combination products for external analgesia.

It may also be used in oral lozenges for the treatment of cough or pharyngitis.

Menthol has been marketed for over-the-counter use; as such, the FDA has not formally evaluated the safety and efficacy of the drug

Indications

  • mild pain

For the temporary relief of mild pain associated with arthritis, simple backache, muscle strains, sprains, or bruises

Topical dosage (2.5%, 3.1%, 4%, 4.4%, 5%, 7%, 10%, and 16% gel)

Adults, Adolescents, and Children 12 years or older:

Apply to affected area as needed up to 3 to 4 times daily.

Topical dosage (2% and 3.5% gel)

Adults, Adolescents, and Children 2 years or older:

Apply to affected area as needed up to 3 to 4 times daily.

Topical dosage (greater than 4% liquid)

Adults, Adolescents, and Children 12 years or older:

Apply to affected area as needed up to 3 to 4 times daily.

Topical dosage (up to 4% liquid, Absorbine Jr)

Adults, Adolescents, and Children 2 years or older:

Apply to affected area as needed up to 3 to 4 times daily.

Topical dosage (patch)

Adults, Adolescents, and Children 12 years or older:

Apply to affected area as needed up to 4 times daily.

Topical dosage (cream)

Adults and Adolescents:

Apply to the affected area as needed up to 3 to 4 times daily.

Side Effects

  1. apnea
  2. contact dermatitis
  3. elevated hepatic enzymes
  4. erythema
  5. erythema multiforme
  6. interstitial nephritis
  7. paresthesias
  8. pruritus
  9. skin irritation
  10. skin necrosis
  11. sneezing

Monitoring Parameters

  • laboratory monitoring not necessary

Contraindications

  • breast-feeding
  • children
  • heating pad
  • infants
  • infection
  • inflammation
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • neonates
  • occlusive dressing
  • ocular exposure
  • potential for overdose or poisoning
  • pregnancy
  • skin abrasion
  • sunlight (UV) exposure

Interactions

There are no drug interactions associated with Menthol products.

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