Medication guide
Menthol + Methyl Salicylate + Camphor
- Generic name
- Menthol + Methyl Salicylate + Camphor
- Common brand names
- Bengay, Icy Hot, Tiger Balm
- Medication class
- Counterirritant/analgesic topical combination
Overview
Its medication class is Counterirritant/analgesic topical combination. Common uses include Muscle and joint discomfort. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Topical application to intact skin.
- Time of day
- Apply at symptom onset; often 2–4 times daily.
- With food/water
- No food involved; apply on clean, dry area after cleansing.
- Preparation
- Thin layer to affected skin only; avoid eyes, mouth, and open wounds.
- Safe dose
- Use smallest effective area and quantity.
- Max dose
- Stay within package coverage and frequency limits.
- Frequency
- As labeled, typically every 3–6 hours; avoid layering multiple analgesic topicals.
- Other recommendations
- Wash hands after use and avoid external heat/occlusive wraps unless instructed.
Common uses
- Muscle and joint discomfort
Common side effects
- Burning
- stinging
- redness
- rash
- blistering
- dry or peeling skin
- and headaches with accidental excess use
Important warnings
- Avoid over-application, multiple adjacent products, sun-exposed large skin areas, or use under heat lamps/padding. Do not use in children under label limits. Avoid if using flu/teething products and in known salicylate-sensitive patients. Excess use can cause systemic salicylate effects; seek urgent care for agitation, fever, vomiting, confusion, fast heartbeat, or skin sloughing.
General interactions information
Avoid other salicylate-containing topicals simultaneously to limit systemic salicylate exposure.
Sources / references
- Bengay camphor, menthol and methyl salicylate cream — product label
DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
Editorial record
Recorded content review date:
A named medical reviewer and their credentials have not yet been documented for this guide.
Editorial standards and corrections