In our daily lives, minor body aches and joint pains are very common, aren't they? Sometimes, while playing sports, lifting weights, or just for fun, muscles get sprained or strained. So, one of the things that many of us use at times like these is a
pain relief spray. Today, we are going to talk about one such commonly used spray that contains menthol and methyl salicylate.
Simply put, what is this spray?
This is a medicine used to relieve minor aches and pains in your muscles and joints. It mainly contains two ingredients called
menthol and
methyl salicylate . When you spray it on the area where you have pain, the skin in that area feels a little cool or warm. Think about it, this is exactly what happens: that feeling of coolness or warmth temporarily blocks the pain signals from going to your brain. That is, it is like diverting our attention elsewhere. Also,
the salicylate in it can reduce the swelling in that area. This gives you relief from the pain.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine:
Although it is easily available at a pharmacy, it is not recommended for people with certain health conditions. Therefore, before using this spray, you should
definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Do you have this condition? | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|
| Having recently undergone heart bypass surgery (Coronary artery bypass graft - CABG). | The use of some painkillers after surgery can be dangerous. |
| Having other heart diseases or high blood pressure. | Some painkillers can affect blood pressure and heart function. |
| Stomach bleeding or ulcers (stomach ulcers) or previous history of them. | The salicylates in this medicine belong to a group of drugs like aspirin, so they can increase stomach problems. |
| Having kidney disease. | Since the kidneys remove medications from the body, caution should be exercised in cases of kidney disease. |
| Having burns, wounds, or other damage to a large area of skin. | Applying medication to damaged skin can cause excessive absorption into the body and cause side effects. |
| Having a habit of drinking alcohol frequently. | The combination of alcohol and some painkillers can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. |
| Having an allergy to menthol, methyl salicylate, aspirin, or other medicines, foods, or dyes. | Because there is a high risk of allergies, it is essential to inform the doctor. |
| Being pregnant, expecting a baby, or breastfeeding. | In such cases, it is very important to seek medical advice before using any medication. |
Okay, now let's see how to use this exactly.
To get the most out of this, and to avoid causing unnecessary problems, it is very important to know how to use this spray correctly.
- For topical use only: This is for topical use only . Do not ingest or inject internally for any reason.
- Hand washing : Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after using the spray. However, if you are applying medicine to a sore hand, wash your hands only before applying it. Washing your hands afterward can wash away the medicine.
- Take care of your eyes: Avoid contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with running water.
- Follow the instructions:Use as directed on the bottle label. Do not use more than necessary unless directed otherwise by a doctor.
- If given to children: Although this can usually be given to children over 12 years of age in some cases, you should definitely talk to your doctor about it. Do not use these on young children without consulting a doctor.
Most importantly: What to do if you overdose? If you accidentally overdose on this medicine, or if someone, especially a small child, drinks it, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
The other thing is, this medicine is for you only. Don't give it to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What are the possible side effects of using this?
Like any medicine, this one can cause minor side effects in some people. But most people don't. It's important to be aware of these.
Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to a doctor if they persist
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|
| Severe allergic reactions - severe skin rash, severe itching - swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat - difficulty breathing | This is an emergency. Stop using the medicine immediately and go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . |
| On the skin where the medicine was applied: - Slight redness - Slight burning or itching - Dry skin feeling | This usually goes away after a while, but if it persists or bothers you, talk to your doctor. |
Things to be careful about during use
- Use for more than 7 days:If your pain does not improve after 7 days of regular use, or if it gets worse, do not continue using it. See your doctor . He or she may want to rule out another cause for your pain.
- Watch out for stomach bleeding: Although this is a prescription medicine, very rarely some people may experience stomach problems. If you have black, tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds , it could be a sign of stomach bleeding. If this happens , see a doctor immediately .
- Other skin products : Do not apply other creams , ointments, or lotions to the skin at the same time as this spray. If you need to do so, ask your doctor about it.
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
How do you keep it?
- Keep away from children: This is the most important thing. Keep it high and out of reach of small children and pets.
- Keep away from fire: This spray is flammable . Therefore, do not store it near fire, stoves, places with high heat , and cigarette smoke .
- Temperature : Store at normal room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not expose to extreme heat or cold.
How do I remove it after it expires?
Do not use expired medications. They should be disposed of properly. 1. Check the label on the medication bottle to see if it says to put it in the trash or the toilet. 2. If you are unsure, ask your
doctor . 3. If you are throwing the medication in the trash, do not throw the bottle directly into the trash. If there is any medicine left in the bottle, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put it in a small bag, seal it well, and throw it in the trash. This is to prevent someone else from taking it and using it.
Take-Home Message
- This is a topical medication only. Do not get it in your mouth, eyes, or other sensitive areas.
- Do not apply this spray to wounds, burns, scratches, or damaged skin.
- If the pain does not subside after more than 7 days or if the pain increases, see a doctor.
- If you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates, tell your doctor before using this.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use this without consulting your doctor.
- This is flammable, so keep it away from fire and excessive heat and keep it in a safe place.
Painkiller spray, muscle spasms, joint pain, sprains, menthol spray, methyl salicylate, skin cream
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