We all experience body aches, muscle strains, and joint pains from time to time. Whether it's a sprained arm from playing cricket, a backache from doing housework, or a sore knee as we age, we often reach for a painkiller cream from the pharmacy. One of the most popular types of creams is creams and ointments containing methyl salicylate. Today, let's talk about what you need to know about this medicine.
What is Methyl Salicylate?
Simply put, this is a cream that is used to relieve minor aches and pains in your muscles and joints . To be precise, it works by applying it to the skin surface where the pain is, reducing swelling and inflammation in that area.
This medicine belongs to a group of drugs called 'salicylates'. You may have heard of the drug Aspirin. It also belongs to this group. Therefore, we need to be a little careful when using this cream.
Things to tell your doctor before using this cream
Although this is an over-the-counter medication, it is safest to talk to your doctor before using it if you have any health conditions. Be sure to inform your doctor about any of the following conditions, especially:
| Health condition or habit | Why do you need to tell the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease or high blood pressure | Salicylate-type medications can sometimes interfere with blood pressure or heart disease medications. |
| Kidney disease | Since it is excreted from the body through the kidneys, caution should be exercised if kidney function is impaired. |
| Stomach ulcers or bleeding | Like aspirin, these can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. |
| If you drink alcohol frequently | Combining alcohol and salicylates increases the risk of stomach problems. |
| Allergies to aspirin or other salicylates | If you are allergic to medications like aspirin, you may also be allergic to this cream. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | It is imperative to seek medical advice before using any medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
How exactly do you use this cream?
Although this may seem simple, it is very important to use it correctly.
- For topical application only: Never take this by mouth. It is designed to be absorbed through the skin only.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the cream. However, if you are applying the cream for a sore hand, wash your hands only before applying it.
- Be careful with your eyes: Do not apply this cream to sensitive areas like your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse thoroughly with clean water for several minutes.
- Do not apply to wounds: Do not apply this cream to areas with cuts, scrapes, burns, or skin conditions such as eczema.
- Only use as needed: Use only as directed on the label or as directed by your doctor. Applying more than the recommended amount will not provide any additional benefit and will only increase the risk of side effects.
- If giving to young children: Always consult a doctor before using this cream on young children. Special care may be required.
What to do if you use too much?
If someone accidentally puts this in their mouth, or if too much is applied to the body, it can be serious. In such a case , immediately go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
The most important thing is that this is a medicine that is prescribed for you only. Do not let a friend or family member use it because it works for your pain. Everyone's health is different.
Things to be careful about when using and side effects
When using this cream, it is important to pay attention to changes in your body.
- Do not use for more than 7 days: Do not continue to use this without medical advice. If the pain does not subside after 7 days of use, or if the pain becomes worse, be sure to see a doctor. There may be another cause for the pain.
- Be careful of stomach bleeding: Although this is a topical cream, a small amount is absorbed into the body. Therefore, in rare cases, stomach bleeding may occur.
- Allergic reactions - skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Slight irritation, redness, or dryness of the skin where the cream was applied.
- Storage: Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius), in a dry place out of reach of children and pets.
- Disposal: When disposing of expired or unwanted medicine tubes, remove the cream from the tube, mix it with a waste material such as used tea leaves, soil, or coffee grounds, and place it in a tightly sealed polythene bag and dispose of it in the trash. Never flush the cream or tube down the toilet.
- Methyl Salicylate cream is only used for minor muscle and joint pain that occurs on the surface of the skin. Never take it by mouth.
- If you have conditions such as aspirin allergy, stomach ulcers, or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before using this.
- Do not apply to cut, burned, or injured skin. Keep away from eyes and other sensitive areas.
- Avoid using for more than 7 days at a time without medical advice. Consult a doctor if pain does not improve or worsens.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, difficulty breathing) or signs of stomach bleeding (black stools).
- Always keep this medicine safely out of the reach of small children and pets.
If your stools are black, tarry , or if you vomit something that looks like coffee grounds , it could be a sign of a serious condition. If this happens , seek medical advice immediately.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Side effects that are common, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist |
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