Methyl salicylate is the main component of wintergreen oil, which is produced by distilling wintergreen leaves. Methyl salicylate has analgesic properties and is used in many over-the-counter analgesic creams or gels for topical use only.
Methyl salicylate
Methyl salicylate is used in high concentrations as a redness and analgesic agent in deeply heated liniments to treat joint and muscle pain. Randomized double-blind trials reported weak evidence of effectiveness, but stronger for acute than chronic pain, and this effectiveness may be entirely attributable to counterirritation. However, it is metabolized in the body to salicylates, including salicylic acid, a known nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Methyl salicylate 10%-menthol 3% patch
Use this medication only on the skin. Clean and dry the affected area. Peel off the backing of the patch and apply the patch to the affected area. Do not apply the patch to injured or irritated skin. Leave the patch on the affected area for up to 12 hours. Use this medication as directed by your doctor or follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
side effect
Redness, mild itching, or irritation may occur at the application site. If these effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people who use this drug do not experience serious side effects.
Stop using this product and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: blistering/swelling at the application site, increased/unusual pain at the application site, nausea/vomiting, ringing in the ears.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precaution
Before using this product, tell your physician or pharmacist if you are allergic to menthol or methyl salicylate; or to aspirin or other salicylates; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Ask your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma, nasal polyps.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use.
If you are having an MRI test, tell the tester if you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metal, which may cause severe burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor if you need to remove the patch before the test and apply a new patch after the test and how to do this correctly.
This medicine contains an aspirin-like product. Children and adolescents under 18 years of age should not use this product if they have chickenpox, influenza, or any undiagnosed illness or have recently been vaccinated. In these cases, using aspirin or aspirin-like products can increase the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious disorder.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This medication may harm your unborn baby and cause normal labor/delivery problems. Not recommended for use between 20 weeks of pregnancy and delivery. If your doctor decides that you need to use this medication between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, you should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. This medication should not be used after 30 weeks of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown whether this product passes into breast milk. Please consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
