camphor + capsicum oleoresin (capsicin) + menthol + methyl salicylate at a glance
Medicine type
Topical rubefacient and counter-irritant analgesic cream
Licensed uses
Muscular and rheumatic aches and pains, including stiffness, bruising, sprains and fibrositis
Application
For external use; massage into intact skin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards
Fire safety
Keep treated skin, clothing, bedding and dressings away from smoking and naked flames because contaminated fabric burns more easily
What is camphor + capsicum oleoresin (capsicin) + menthol + methyl salicylate used for?
This product is licensed for symptomatic relief of:
Muscular aches, pains and stiffness
Rheumatic aches and pains
Bruising and sprains
Fibrositis
How does camphor + capsicum oleoresin (capsicin) + menthol + methyl salicylate work?
Menthol produces a cooling sensation followed by local pain relief. Camphor and capsicum create skin sensations that modify the perception of deeper pain, while methyl salicylate has local salicylate and counter-irritant actions.
How to take camphor + capsicum oleoresin (capsicin) + menthol + methyl salicylate
Apply only to the affected area of intact skin and massage in slowly. Use sparingly on tender skin, do not cover immediately, avoid the eyes and sensitive areas, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards. Do not smoke or approach naked flames while using the cream; fabric that contacts it can remain more flammable even after washing.
For external use only
Do not apply to abrasions or irritated skin
Keep away from eyes and sensitive areas
Stop using it if irritation develops
camphor + capsicum oleoresin (capsicin) + menthol + methyl salicylate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Local burning, stinging or skin irritation
- Contact dermatitis or eczema
- Headache or flushing
- Local skin reaction caused by capsicum or excipients
Get urgent medical advice
- Hypersensitivity, including widespread hives
- Severe allergic reaction with facial, tongue or throat swelling or breathing difficulty
- Poisoning symptoms after swallowing or excessive application, such as vomiting, dizziness, ringing in the ears, confusion or seizures
camphor + capsicum oleoresin (capsicin) + menthol + methyl salicylate in pregnancy
Safety evidence during pregnancy is inadequate. Consider this product only when there is no safer alternative and after advice from a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber.
camphor + capsicum oleoresin (capsicin) + menthol + methyl salicylate while breastfeeding
Safety during breastfeeding is inadequately established. Use only when no safer alternative is suitable, after professional advice. Prevent the infant from touching treated skin or contaminated hands or fabric.
camphor + capsicum oleoresin (capsicin) + menthol + methyl salicylate interactions
Systemic interaction is less likely than with oral medicines, but topical salicylates can be absorbed.
Warfarin
Topical salicylates have been reported to increase warfarin's anticoagulant effect, while oral menthol has been reported to reduce it. Anticoagulation may therefore become less predictable.
Common questions about camphor + capsicum oleoresin (capsicin) + menthol + methyl salicylate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is this cream used for?
It is licensed for symptomatic relief of muscular and rheumatic aches and pains, including stiffness, bruising, sprains and fibrositis.
Is it the same as capsaicin cream?
No. It is a combination counter-irritant cream containing capsicum, camphor, menthol and methyl salicylate. It is not interchangeable with single-ingredient capsaicin products.
Can children use it?
The selected product must not be used in children younger than 6 years.
Can it be used on broken skin?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.