eucalyptus oil + menthol + thyme oil at a glance
Medicine type
Topical inhalation-vapour ointment
Licensed use
Relief of upper respiratory tract congestion
Administration
Applied externally to the upper chest and throat, or placed on a tissue kept safely out of reach
Young infants
Professional advice is recommended before use below 3 months of age
What is eucalyptus oil + menthol + thyme oil used for?
Licensed for symptomatic relief of upper respiratory tract congestion.
Temporary relief of a blocked or congested nose and upper airway
How does eucalyptus oil + menthol + thyme oil work?
Body heat releases aromatic vapours from the ointment. These are breathed in to relieve upper-airway congestion. The product information does not describe a systemic pharmacological action.
How to take eucalyptus oil + menthol + thyme oil
For external use. Apply to the upper chest and throat, or place on a tissue or handkerchief within clothing. Keep treated tissues out of a young child’s reach. Never apply menthol-containing ointment inside an infant’s nostrils.
Avoid transferring ointment from your fingers to the eyes.
Keep the container and treated tissues out of children’s reach.
Store below 25°C and do not freeze.
eucalyptus oil + menthol + thyme oil side effects
Common or expected effects
- Skin hypersensitivity or contact dermatitis can occur; no effects are identified as common in the current product information.
Get urgent medical advice
- Swallowing the ointment can cause vomiting or diarrhoea and, in severe poisoning, dizziness, confusion, muscle twitching, seizures or breathing difficulty.
eucalyptus oil + menthol + thyme oil in pregnancy
The product-specific information has no pregnancy statement. Commercially available inhaled decongestants containing eucalyptus or menthol lack specific pregnancy studies but are thought unlikely to cause harm when used as directed. Seek professional advice if uncertain.
eucalyptus oil + menthol + thyme oil while breastfeeding
Product-specific breastfeeding information is unavailable. Ask a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber for advice, and do not apply the ointment where a baby could touch or lick it, or transfer it to the eyes or nose.
eucalyptus oil + menthol + thyme oil interactions
No significant interactions with other medicines have been reported in the product information.
Common questions about eucalyptus oil + menthol + thyme oil
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be put inside the nostrils?
Menthol-containing ointment must not be applied to an infant’s nostrils.
Can babies use it?
The product may be used without professional supervision from 3 months of age. Below that age, advice from a GP, pharmacist or health visitor is recommended.
What should I do if it is swallowed?
Seek immediate medical advice and do not induce vomiting. Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty, unconsciousness or a seizure.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.