Methyl Salicylate-Menthol
Pronounced
"METH-ill-sal-ISS-ill-ate/MEN-thall"
Common brand names:
Aspercreme
Uses
This product is used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints (such as arthritis, backache, sprains). Menthol and methyl salicylate are known as counterirritants. They work by causing the skin to feel cool and then warm. These feelings on the skin distract you from feeling the aches/pains deeper in your muscles, joints, and tendons.
Some products should not be used on children younger than 12 years without a doctor's advice. Check the label carefully before using on children between 2 and 12 years old. Do not use on children younger than 2 years.
How to Use This Medication
Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not apply near the eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals, and be careful not to touch those areas while the medication is on your hands. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water. Wash your hands well before inserting contact lenses.
If you are using the lotion, spray, or foam, shake the bottle well before using.
Apply a thin layer of medication to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times a day. Rub in gently and thoroughly. After applying the medication, wash your hands unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. If treating the hands, wait at least 30 minutes after applying the medication to wash your hands.
Do not apply this medication to skin that is injured or irritated (such as cut, scraped, sunburned). Do not bandage or tightly wrap the affected area. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects. You may cover the area loosely to protect clothing. Ask your pharmacist for more details.
Heat can increase the risk of side effects. Do not apply this medication immediately before, during, or after activities that increase skin temperature (such as bathing in hot water, swimming, sun bathing, heavy exercise) or in hot/humid weather. Wait until your skin has cooled before applying the medication. Do not use a sunlamp/tanning bed, hot water bottle, or heating pad on the treated area.
This product is available in different strengths and with different ingredients but with product names that sound similar. Read the label carefully to make sure you have the right product for you. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts for more than 7 days, if it gets worse, or if it keeps returning. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.
This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.
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Information expires December 2025.