Methyl salicylate is a topical counter-irritant that makes the skin less sensitive to pain so it's used to help relieve minor aches and pains. It's available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product that's applied to the skin. Depending on the product, it could be safe to use in both children and adults. It comes as a patch, cream, lotion, ointment, and stick. Luckily methyl salicylate doesn't have many side effects, but it can sometimes cause a burning sensation after applying.
Minor aches and pains in the muscles and joints caused by:
Methyl salicylate is a topical analgesic. It relieves pain when applied to the skin by acting as a counter-irritant. This means that it activates pain sensors in the skin, which then causes them to be less sensitive to pain signals. Methyl salicylate also causes the widening of blood vessels in the skin. More blood flow to an area of the skin causes a warming sensation, which can help soothe pain.
| Common Brands | Herb Street Sore Muscle Relief, Coats Aloe Analgesic |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Topical analgesic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Methyl salicylate can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Rarely methyl salicylate can cause salicylate poisoning. This happens when your body absorbs too much of the medication, mostly through overusing or ingesting the product. Salicylate poisoning is a serious side effect that should be treated right away. Let your provider know if you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing, or dizziness.
Although rare, the methyl salicylate can cause serious skin burns. If this happens, it usually occurs within 24 hours of the first use. Sometimes they can be so severe that the event requires hospitalization. Stop using this medication if you experience pain, blistering, or swelling at the site of application and get medical help right away.
Bottle of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50g of 25% | 1 bottle | $108.38 | $108.38 |
Bottle of oil| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 118ml of 40% | 1 bottle | $109.71 | $109.71 |
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 patches of 10% | 3 cartons | $419.00 | $139.67 |
Tube of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120g of 25% | 1 tube | $134.00 | $134.00 |
Methyl salicylate is available in different dosage forms which might have different instructions for use. Read the package label to make sure you're using the medication correctly. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you're unsure about how to use it.
Minor aches and pains in the muscles and joints caused by:
Short-term relief of minor aches and pains in the muscles and joints caused by:
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Methyl Salicylate is related to aspirin which is an nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). But Methyl Salicylate is also considered to be a topical analgesic. This means that it mainly works to ease pain around the area where it's applied.
It's not known if using Methyl Salicylate is safe in pregnancy. Although it's not recommended in certain products, like the patch, since there is a general warning against using NSAIDs later in pregnancy. Talk to your provider before you start using this product to make sure it's safe for you and your baby.
Methyl Salicylate isn't exactly the same as aspirin, but it comes from the same chemical. This means that if you're allergic to aspirin, you might also be allergic to Methyl Salicylate. Ask your healthcare provider before using Methyl Salicylate if you're allergic to aspirin.
Methyl Salicylate might help relieve inflammation. This medication can lower the number of certain chemicals in the body that cause swelling and inflammation. This can lead to less inflammation in the area where it's applied, and help relieve pain from problems like arthritis or backaches.
No. Although both are typically applied to the skin to help with pain relief, Methyl Salicylate and menthol are different medications. There are some products available that contain both Methyl Salicylate and menthol, (e.g. SalonPas, Analgesic balm). Ask your provider about which product is best for you.
No, take the Methyl Salicylate patch off at least 1 hour before a shower or bath. This will help avoid skin irritation. And you shouldn't apply a patch right after showering or bathing because the patch won't stick as well.
If you're still having pain in the same area after 7 days of using Methyl Salicylate, you should talk to your provider. You should also contact your provider if your pain gets worse while using this medication. There might be something else causing your pain that your provider should check out.
