methyl salicylate at a glance
Medicine class
Topical salicylate and rubefacient
Licensed uses
Hardening foot skin and helping prevent bed sores
How it is applied
Applied directly to intact skin with cotton wool
Important safety point
External use only; the solution is flammable and must be kept away from flames
What is methyl salicylate used for?
The selected product is licensed for use on intact skin. Pressure-ulcer prevention also requires measures such as risk assessment, regular repositioning and skin checks.
Helping prevent bed sores, also called pressure sores or pressure ulcers
Hardening the skin of the feet
How does methyl salicylate work?
Methyl salicylate acts as a rubefacient, widening small blood vessels and increasing local skin blood flow. It can penetrate the skin and is converted to salicylate in the body. Product information does not describe precisely how this produces its skin-hardening effect.
How to take methyl salicylate
This is a skin solution, not an oral medicine.
Apply only to intact external skin using cotton wool.
Do not apply to broken or damaged skin.
Avoid flames and other ignition sources during and after application because the alcohol-containing solution is flammable.
Keep the container out of children's sight and reach.
methyl salicylate side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using it and seek urgent assessment for severe breathing difficulty, collapse or another suspected serious allergic reaction.
- Swallowing the solution or excessive exposure can cause serious poisoning, including vomiting, confusion, visual disturbance, abnormal breathing, unconsciousness or seizures.
methyl salicylate in pregnancy
Product-specific safety evidence during pregnancy is unavailable, and product information advises caution. Ask a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber before use, particularly if repeated or extensive application is being considered.
methyl salicylate while breastfeeding
Product-specific evidence during breastfeeding is unavailable, so product information advises caution. Methyl salicylate can be absorbed through skin; seek professional advice before repeated or extensive use.
methyl salicylate interactions
Skin absorption means clinically relevant interactions are possible, particularly with extensive or repeated exposure.
Warfarin
Topical methyl salicylate has been reported to increase warfarin's anticoagulant effect and may raise bleeding risk.
Common questions about methyl salicylate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is methyl salicylate in Surgical Spirit BP used for?
The selected product is licensed to harden foot skin and help prevent bed sores. It is not licensed to treat an existing open pressure ulcer.
Is methyl salicylate the same as surgical spirit?
No. Methyl salicylate is one active component of Surgical Spirit BP; the product is mainly an alcohol-based skin solution containing additional ingredients.
Can Surgical Spirit BP 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.