methylsalicylate/menthol topical (Arthritis Formula Bengay, Bayer Muscle and Joint Cream, Bengay Original Ointment, Arthritis Hot, Deep Down Rub, Greaseless Bengay Pain Relieving Cream, Icy Hot Balm, Icy Hot Chill Stick, Icy Hot Cream, Maximum Strength Flexall 454, Mentholatum Deep Heating Rub Extra Strength, Mentholatum Sports Pain Relief Hot, Mentholatum Sports Pain Relief Warm, Salonpas Arthritis Pain, Salonpas Pain Relief Patch, Theragesic Cream, Tylenol PRECISE Pain Relieving Cream)

Dosing and uses of Arthritis Formula Bengay, Bayer Muscle and Joint Cream (methylsalicylate/menthol topical)

• Adult
• Pediatric

 

Adult dosage forms and strengths

methylsalicylate/menthoL

topical cream

• 12.8%/5.91%
• 15%/1%
• 15%/10%
• 30%/8%
• 30%/10%

topical lotion

• 20%/6%

transdermal patch

• 10%/3%
• 10%/1.5%

aerosol foam

• 10%/3%

aerosol spray

• 10%/3%

balm topicaL

• 29%/7.6%

stick topicaL

• 30%/10%

 

Analgesia for Minor Muscle/Joint Pain

Balm/cream/stick/spray/foam: Apply liberal amount topically to affected area and massage

Patch (10%/1.5%): Apply 1 patch to affected area not to exceed three/four times daily; leave in place no more than 8 hr

Patch (10%/3%): Apply 1 patch to affected area and leave in place for up to 8-12hr; not to exceed 1 patch/application; may apply a second patch for up to 8-12 hr; not to exceed 2 patches/24 hr or 3 days of use

 

Pediatric dosage forms and strengths

methylsalicylate/menthoL

topical cream

• 12.8%/5.91%
• 15%/1%
• 15%/10%
• 30%/8%
• 30%/10%

topical lotion

• 20%/6%

transdermal patch

• 10%/3%
• 10%/1.5%

aerosol foam

• 10%/3%

aerosol spray

• 10%/3%

balm topicaL

• 29%/7.6%

stick topicaL

• 30%/10%

 

Analgesia for Minor Muscle/Joint Pain

<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established

≥12 years

• Balm/cream/stick/spray/foam: Apply liberal amount topically to affected area and massage
• Patch (10%/1.5%): Apply 1 patch to affected area not to exceed three/four times daily; leave in place no more than 8 hr
• Patch (10%/3%): Apply 1 patch to affected area and leave in place for up to 8-12hr; not to exceed 1 patch/application; may apply a second patch for up to 8-12 hr; not to exceed 2 patches/24 hr or 3 days of use

 

Arthritis Formula Bengay, Bayer Muscle and Joint Cream (methylsalicylate/menthol topical) adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

Stinging/burning/tingling sensation of skin

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

 

Cautions

Topical use only

Avoid eyes

Avoid using over large surface area or for prolonged duration, particularly in young children (risk of salicylism)

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: C

Lactation: unknown

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Arthritis Formula Bengay, Bayer Muscle and Joint Cream (methylsalicylate/menthol topical)

Mechanism of action

Anti-inflammatory, analgesia, local anesthesia