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methyl salicylate

Generic
Used for Pain
Used for Pain

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 2, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Methyl salicylate?

What is Methyl salicylate used for?

Minor aches and pains in the muscles and joints caused by:

  • Arthritis

  • Backache

  • Strains

  • Sprains

  • Bruises

  • Damaged nerves

How Methyl salicylate works

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.

Are you looking for information on Salonpas Pain Relieving Patch (camphor / menthol / methyl salicylate) or Analgesic Balm (menthol / methyl salicylate) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsHerb Street Sore Muscle Relief, Coats Aloe Analgesic
Drug ClassTopical analgesic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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$384.49(save 74.19%)
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$99.23
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What are the side effects of Methyl salicylate?

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.

Common Side Effects

  • Burning sensation

Other Side Effects

  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious skin burns: pain, swelling, blistering of the skin
  • Salicylate poisoning: nausea, vomiting, fast breathing, dizziness, confusion, headache

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

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):

  • Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Methyl salicylate

thumbs-up

Pros

Available OTC as a lower-cost generic

Can be applied directly to the painful area

Comes as a patch, cream, ointment, lotion, and stick

Generally well tolerated with few side effects

thumbs-down

Cons

Can't be applied to irritated or damaged skin

Can't be used in people who are allergic to aspirin or salicylates

Possibly cause salicylate poisoning if using too much of the product

The patch won't stick well to damp skin

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Methyl salicylate

pharmacist

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a methyl salicylate product.

    • Only apply methyl salicylate to healthy skin. Don't apply it to wounds or irritated or damaged skin.

      • Don't cover methyl salicylate with a tight bandage or a heating pad. This can cause you to absorb more of the medication which can put you at risk for more side effects like serious burns.

        • Stop using methyl salicylate if your pain gets worse or if you get a rash, itchiness, or serious skin irritation. This might mean that you're sensitive to the product. If your pain gets worse, you could also have a more serious condition that should be checked by your provider.

          • You might feel a slight burning sensation after applying a methyl salicylate product. This sensation usually goes away after a few days of using the medication regularly. But if it continues or gets worse, let your provider know.

            More tips for methyl salicylate patch:

            • Before applying a methyl salicylate patch, clean and dry the area of the skin completely. The patch won't stick well to damp skin. Remove the backing from the patch and apply the sticky side of the patch directly to the affected area.

              • Throw the methyl salicylate patch away after a single use. Fold it in half, sticky sides together. This will keep someone from accidentally touching the medication side of the patch and getting it on their skin. Discarded patches can be dangerous if a child or pet chews or eats them because used patches still contain some medication.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Methyl salicylate

                Is methyl salicylate an NSAID?
                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.
                Is methyl salicylate safe during pregnancy?
                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.
                Is methyl salicylate the same as aspirin?
                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.
                Does methyl salicylate reduce inflammation?
                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.
                Is methyl salicylate the same as menthol?
                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.
                Can I shower or bathe with a methyl salicylate patch on?
                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.
                How long can I use methyl salicylate?
                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.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Methyl salicylate?

                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.

                risk-warning

                Salicylate poisoning

                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.

                risk-warning

                Risk of serious skin burns

                • Risk factors: Covering the application area | Applying heat to the application area

                  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.

                  More on Methyl salicylate warnings

                  Aspirin: Salicylate Toxicity: older man reviewing medication-1169160487

                  Salicylate Toxicity: What to Know About This Potential OTC Medication Overdose

                  Written by Kevin Le, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS
                  dosage

                  Methyl salicylate dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 bottle of 50g of 25% of Methyl salicylate is $100.15 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 73.95% off the average retail price of $384.49.
                  bottle of cream
                  Bottle of cream
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  50g of 25%1 bottle$100.15$100.15
                  bottle of oil
                  Bottle of oil
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  118ml of 40%1 bottle$99.23$99.23
                  carton
                  Carton
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  10 patches of 10%3 cartons$448.85$149.62
                  tube of cream
                  Tube of cream
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  120g of 25%1 tube$140.12$140.12

                  Typical dosing for Methyl salicylate

                  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.

                  Patch:

                  • Adults ages 18 years and older: Apply one patch to the affected area for up to 8 hours to 12 hours. If needed, a second patch can applied for up to another 8 to 12 hours

                  • Children under 18 years old: Ask your child's provider, but generally not recommended.

                  Ointment, lotion, and stick:

                  • Adults and children ages 12 years and older: Apply to the affected area up to 3 to 4 times a day.

                  • Children under 12 years old: Ask your child's provider.

                  Cream:

                  • Adults and children ages 2 years and older: Apply to the affected area up to 3 to 4 times a day.

                  • Children under 2 years old: Ask your child's provider.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Methyl salicylate cost?

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                  Methyl salicylate (generic)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $99.23

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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Methyl salicylate?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Methyl salicylate. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Methyl salicylate
                  Used for:

                  Minor aches and pains in the muscles and joints caused by:

                  • Arthritis

                  • Backache

                  • Strains

                  • Sprains

                  • Bruises

                  • Damaged nerves

                  $99.23 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Camphor/menthol /methyl salicylate
                  Used for:

                  • Arthritis

                  • Simple backache

                  • Strains

                  • Sprains

                  • Bruises

                  $9.30 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Menthol
                  Used for:

                  • Arthritis

                  • Backache

                  • Strains

                  • Sprains

                  • Bruises

                  • Cramps

                  • Bursitis (inflamed bursa)

                  • Tendonitis (inflamed tendon)

                  $19.61 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Alexso, Inc. (2022). Methyl salicylate cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Anderson, A., et al. (2017). Salicylate poisoning potential of topical pain relief agents: From age old remedies to engineered smart patches. Medicines.

                  Balassa Laboratories Inc. (2023). Herb Street Sore Muscle Relief- methyl salicylate stick [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  View All References (7)

                  Barkin, R. L. (2013). The pharmacology of topical analgesics. Postgraduate Medicine.

                  Germa Products, LLC. (2023). Germa Manteca Ubre Plus (Red)- methyl salicylate 10% ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Matthews, P., et al. (2009). Topical rubefacients for acute and chronic pain in adults. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

                  Pharmacure, Inc. (2023). Methyl salicylate patch [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Tychasis Corporation. (2023). Coats aloe analgesic- methyl salicylate lotion [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). FDA drug safety communication: Rare cases of serious burns with the use of over-the-counter topical muscle and joint pain relievers.

                  U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA recommends avoiding use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later because they can result in low amniotic fluid.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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