Can You Overdose on Aspirin? What to Know About Salicylate Toxicity
Did you know you can overdose on aspirin? Read about aspirin overdose symptoms, treatment, and prevention — and toxicity from other salicylates.
trolamine salicylate
Used for Pain
Used for Pain
Trolamine salicylate is a topical analgesic that helps relieve minor aches and pains from certain conditions, like muscle sprains and arthritis. This medication is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's similar to aspirin. Trolamine salicylate can be used by people ages 12 years and older. It's applied directly to the affected areas, typically up to 4 times a day. This medication comes in different forms, such as cream, spray, and foam. Trolamine salicylate might cause skin irritation as a side effect. It's available over the counter (OTC) as brand name and lower-cost generic medications.
What is Trolamine salicylate?
What is Trolamine salicylate used for?
Temporary relief of minor pains caused by:
- Arthritis
- Backache
- Strains
- Sprains
- Bruises
- Cramps
How Trolamine salicylate works
Trolamine salicylate is a topical analgesic (pain reliever). It works by blocking a specific protein from releasing chemicals that causes pain and inflammation. In doing so, trolamine salicylate can help ease pain in the muscles and joints.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Aspercreme Original, Blue-Emu Pain Relief Micro-Foam, Blue-Emu Continuous Pain Relief Spray |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Topical analgesic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
More on Trolamine salicylate essentials
Side effects of Trolamine 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
- Dryness or redness at the application site
The following Trolamine salicylate side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
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
Get your GoodRx coupon
$9.03
GoodRx discount
$8.11
Pros and cons of Trolamine salicylate
Pros
- Can be applied directly to the painful area
- Comes as a cream, foam, and spray
- Doesn't have an odor
- Available over-the-counter
Cons
- Might need to apply up to 4 times daily
- Can't be applied to irritated or damaged skin
- Not for people allergic to aspirin or salicylates
- Can't use with other topical analgesics
Pharmacist tips for Trolamine salicylate
- Apply trolamine salicylate generously and rub it in well to make sure all of the medication is absorbed into the affected area.
- Don't apply trolamine salicylate to wounds, irritated skin, or damaged skin. Avoid getting the medication in or around your eyes or mouth. Also, don't apply it to your genital area.
- You can repeat an application of trolamine salicylate as soon as it's necessary, but make sure not to use it more than 4 times per day. Using it more often than recommended can raise your risk for side effects.
- Don't cover trolamine 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 skin irritation.
- Stop using trolamine salicylate if your pain gets worse or if you notice skin redness or irritation. This might mean that you're sensitive to the medication or other ingredients in the product. Or, if your pain gets worse, you might have a more serious condition that needs more medical attention.
- If you take medication to help prevent blood clots, like warfarin (Coumadin), you shouldn't use trolamine salicylate without talking to your PCP first. Using trolamine salicylate with these kinds of medications could raise your risk of bleeding, which can be dangerous.
- Keep trolamine salicylate away from children. If you or someone you know accidentally swallows trolamine salicylate, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Risks and warnings for Trolamine salicylate
Trolamine 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.
Salicylate toxicity
Salicylate medication can cause salicylate toxicity, a serious side effect that can lead to confusion and seizures. This happens when your body absorbs too much salicylate, typically through overusing or ingesting the product. Because trolamine salicylate is applied to the skin and not much of the medication gets absorbed into the bloodstream, people who use it as directed aren't likely to experience salicylate toxicity. To be safe, let your care team know if you experience symptoms of salicylate toxicity, including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing, or dizziness.
Allergic reaction
If you have a history of an allergic reaction to aspirin or salicylates, talk to your primary care provider before using trolamine salicylate. If you experience hives, trouble breathing, or swelling, get medical help right away.
Trolamine salicylate dosage
The average cost for 1 tube of 85g of 10% of Trolamine salicylate is $8.11 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 10.19% off the average retail price of $9.03. 
Tube of cream
Tube of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85g of 10% | 1 tube | $8.11 | $8.11 |
Typical dosage for Trolamine salicylate
Trolamine salicylate 10% is available in different forms (e.g., cream, spray, foam). Follow the specific instructions on your product.
An example includes:
Aspercreme (trolamine salicylate)
- Adults ages 12 years and older: Apply and massage into the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times a day.
- Children under 12 years old: Ask your child's pediatrician.
How much does Trolamine salicylate cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Trolamine salicylate (generic)
$8.11
What are alternatives to Trolamine salicylate?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Trolamine salicylate. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
