Methyl salicylate - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Methyl salicylate is a medication to relieve muscle aches or joint pain due to muscle strain, sprains, injuries, or arthritis. Methyl salicylate is available in the form of a cream or patch that is placed on the skin.

Methyl salicylate is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used by applying it to the skin where it hurts. This medicine works by giving a warm sensation to the skin, so that the pain in the area can be diverted.

Methyl salicylate trademark: Artrivit, Red Balm Cap Betet, Counterpain, Paincare Force, Rheumason White Cream, Salonpas

What IThat's Methyl Salicylate

groupFree medicine
CategoryTopical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
BenefitRelieves muscle aches or joint pain
Used byAdults and children
Methyl salicylate for pregnant and lactating women Category N: Not categorized.

It is not known whether methyl salicylate can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.

Drug formCream and patch

Warning Before Using Methyl Salicylate

There are several things you should pay attention to before using methyl salicylate, including:

  • Do not use methyl salicylate if you are allergic to this drug.
  • Do not use methyl salicylate on the eyes, inner layers of skin (mucosa), open wounds, sunburned skin, cracked skin, or irritation.
  • Do not cover the treated area with a bandage, except on the advice of a doctor.
  • Avoid using methyl salicylate after bathing or shaving, as it has the potential to cause skin irritation.
  • Do not apply methyl salicylate to the breast area, especially if you are breastfeeding.
  • Do not use this medicine on a child under 12 years of age without consulting a doctor first.
  • Consult the use of methyl salicylate with your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction or serious side effect after using methyl salicylate.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Methyl Salicylate

To relieve muscle aches or joint pain due to sprains, arthritis, muscle strain, or injury, apply an adequate amount of methyl salicylate to the affected area, 3-4 times a day. If symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, see a doctor immediately.

How to Use Methyl Salicylate Correctly

Methyl salicylate is only used on the skin. Read the information listed on the medicine package or consult a doctor before using this medicine. If you accidentally swallow methyl salicylate, see a doctor immediately.

Make sure the area to be smeared with medicine is clean and dry. Apply the medicine thinly and evenly. Do not cover or wrap the area that has just been applied to methyl salicylate with a bandage, except as directed by your doctor.

Wash hands with soap and running water after using this medicine. If you use it on your hands, wait at least 30 minutes before washing it.

Methyl salicylate gives a warm sensation to the skin. This is normal and this sensation will slowly disappear. If swelling, pain, burning, or blistering appears on the area where the methyl salicylate is applied, wash the area immediately with cold water and soap. If necessary, do an examination to the doctor to confirm your condition.

Methyl salicylate should not be used on open wounds, burns, infected wounds, or wounds that look inflamed.

Store methyl salicylate at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Methyl Salicylate Interaction with Other Drugs

Using methyl salicylate cream with warfarin, anisindione, or dicumarol can increase the risk of bleeding.

Methyl Salicylate Side Effects and Dangers

Although rare, there are some side effects that can occur after the use of methyl salicylate, namely:

  • Itching or burning sensation on the skin
  • Redness in the skin
  • Exfoliation

Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Stop using methyl salicylate immediately and consult a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as blisters, swelling, or pain in the area where the medication is applied.