levomenthol at a glance
Medicine class
Topical cooling agent and counter-irritant
Licensed uses
Headache relief or symptomatic relief of nasal congestion, depending on the product
Administration
Applied to the forehead as a stick or in and around the nose as a specifically formulated ointment
What is levomenthol used for?
The selected UK products are licensed for different symptoms:
A cutaneous forehead stick for headache relief.
A nasal ointment for symptomatic relief of congestion associated with colds, catarrh and hay fever.
How does levomenthol work?
Levomenthol activates cold-sensitive TRPM8 channels in sensory nerves, producing cooling or tingling. On the forehead, this counter-irritant sensation is followed by a local pain-relieving effect. In the nose, inhaled vapour creates a cooling sensation that provides symptomatic relief from congestion.
levomenthol preparations and strengths
Ointment
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 0.3%
How to take levomenthol
Use only the formulation and application site stated on the packaging.
For the cutaneous stick, apply gently across the forehead, avoiding the eyes. Retract the stick and replace both caps afterwards; do not share it.
For the nasal ointment, blow the nose first, apply carefully in and around the nostrils as directed, then inhale through the nose. Wash your hands afterwards.
Do not swallow either product. Rinse thoroughly with water after eye or mouth contact and seek medical help if irritation persists.
Keep the forehead stick away from heat. Do not use it if it has softened, changed shape or become flaky.
levomenthol side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using it and seek advice for marked or persistent skin irritation or suspected contact dermatitis.
- Call 999 for rapidly developing swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty, faintness or collapse.
levomenthol in pregnancy
Product information does not identify a known pregnancy hazard when these topical products are used as directed, but formal safety evidence is limited. A severe headache during pregnancy—especially with visual disturbance, vomiting, rib pain or sudden swelling—needs urgent assessment by maternity services, a GP or NHS 111.
levomenthol while breastfeeding
The selected product information permits use while breastfeeding and reports no known problems, although dedicated safety studies are lacking. Ask a pharmacist, health visitor or prescriber if you have concerns.
levomenthol interactions
No interactions with other medicines are stated for either selected topical product.
Common questions about levomenthol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is levomenthol used for in the UK?
Its licensed use depends on the product: selected topical formulations relieve headache or symptoms of nasal congestion.
Does levomenthol actually unblock the nose?
It creates a cooling sensation in the nasal passages that makes congestion feel relieved. It does not treat the underlying cold or allergy.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.