diethylamine salicylate at a glance
Medicine class
Topical salicylate analgesic with anti-inflammatory and counter-irritant properties.
How it is used
Applied externally to the painful area and massaged into intact skin until absorbed.
Avoid applying to
Broken, cut or abraded skin, the eyes or other sensitive areas.
Fire safety
Keep treated skin and contaminated clothing or bedding away from cigarettes and naked flames because fabric can burn more easily.
What is diethylamine salicylate used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for symptomatic relief of painful rheumatic and minor musculoskeletal conditions.
Rheumatic and soft-tissue pain, including fibrositis
Lower-back pain and sciatica
Bruises, strains and sprains
Inflammatory pain affecting muscles, ligaments or joints after injury or overuse
Stiffness after exercise
How does diethylamine salicylate work?
It acts at the application site as a topical pain reliever and counter-irritant and has the anti-inflammatory properties of salicylates. Small amounts of salicylate may enter the bloodstream through the skin.
How to take diethylamine salicylate
For external use only. Massage the cream into intact skin over the painful area until absorbed. Avoid the eyes and sensitive areas and wash your hands after applying it. Do not apply immediately after a hot bath if this increases skin discomfort.
Do not apply to broken, cut or abraded skin.
Stop using it if irritation is excessive or unwanted effects occur.
Keep treated fabric away from smoking materials and naked flames.
diethylamine salicylate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary redness
- Burning or local discomfort
- Skin rash or contact-type reaction
Get urgent medical advice
- A severe allergic reaction, particularly breathing difficulty
- Symptoms of salicylate toxicity after swallowing or extensive application, such as persistent vomiting, tinnitus, confusion, seizures or rapid breathing
diethylamine salicylate in pregnancy
Safety evidence in human pregnancy is inadequate. The selected UK products should not be used during pregnancy unless a clinician considers that no safer suitable alternative is available.
diethylamine salicylate while breastfeeding
The selected UK products are not recommended while breastfeeding. Discuss alternatives with a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber. Never leave topical products where an infant could contact or ingest them.
diethylamine salicylate interactions
Systemic exposure is usually limited, but clinically important interactions are described for topical salicylates.
Warfarin and other coumarin anticoagulants
Topical salicylates may enhance anticoagulant effects and increase bleeding risk, so use requires caution.
Methotrexate
Salicylates may delay methotrexate elimination, increasing its blood concentration and toxicity risk.
Common questions about diethylamine salicylate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be applied to broken skin?
No. Do not apply it to cut, abraded or otherwise broken skin.
Can I use it if aspirin triggers my asthma?
No. The selected products are contraindicated in people with aspirin, salicylate or NSAID hypersensitivity, particularly when associated with asthma.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.