Bengay cream and patches (which include methyl salicylate and menthol) are used to provide momentary pain relief for arthritis, bruising, and sprains. Bengay cream and patches (which include methyl salicylate and menthol) are used to provide momentary pain relief for arthritis, bruising, and sprains.

Methyl salicylate and menthol Uses:

• It is prescribed to treat backaches, bruises, sprains, strains, and minor aches and pains of the muscles and joints in individuals with arthritis.It is prescribed to treat backaches, bruises, sprains, strains, and minor aches and pains of the muscles and joints in individuals with arthritis.

Methyl salicylate and menthol Dose in Adults:

Bengay (Topical Methyl salicylate and Menthol) Dose for pain relief:

• Balm, cream, foam, spray, stick:
  • Apply to the affected area thrice daily or four times a day as per the clinical response and the patient's needs.
• Patch:
  • 10 percent methyl salicylate and 1.5 percent menthol
    • Use three times per day a single patch on the afflicted area (not exceeding four times a day). No more than eight hours should be spent on the patch.
  • Methyl salicylate 10% and menthol 3%:
    • One patch should be applied to the affected region, and it should remain there for up to 8 to 12 hours.
    • One patch maximum per application.
    • A second patch may be used for up to 8 to 12 hours if the pain is still present.
    • The maximum dosage is two patches every day for three days straight.

Use in Children:

Refer to adults dosing.

Pregnancy Risk Category: N

• Pregnant women are not subject to adequate or well-controlled clinical trials.
• Salicylates should not be used in the final trimester. Because of the increased risk of fetal adverse effects and pregnancy-related complications, the manufacturer recommends that you avoid using a topical salicylate patch during the last three months of pregnancy.

Use during breastfeeding:

• See topical salicylates for details: Topical salicylic acid Cream

Dose in Kidney disease:

• No dosage adjustments are needed with topical application of the drug in patients with kidney disease.
• Use over extensive skin surfaces should be avoided.

Dose in Liver disease:

• No dosage adjustments are needed with topical application of the drug in patients with liver disease.
• Use over extensive skin surfaces should be avoided.

Side effects of Bengay (Methyl salicylate and Menthol):

• Dermatologic:

  • Skin irritation
  • blisters
  • pain and swelling at the site
  • stinging sensation

Contraindications to Bengay (Methyl salicylate and Menthol):

Allergic reactions to any ingredient in the formulation, including menthol, methyl salicylate, aspirin, NSAIDs, and other salicylates.

Warnings and precautions

• Burns

  • In severe cases, patients may need to be admitted to the hospital. 
  • Patients who experience severe reactions, such as swelling, pain, or blistering following the application of the cream/patches, should not be treated.
  • Instead, seek immediate medical attention.
  • Patients may sustain burns from the application site, ranging in severity from the first to the third degree.

Monitoring Parameters:

None mentioned. Monitor for the response to treatment.

How to administer Bengay (Methyl salicylate and Menthol)?

• It is intended for external use only.
• Open wounds, skin injury, rashes, mucous membranes, and applying the cream just after taking a shower are all contraindications.
• Avoid a heating pad after applying the cream.
• Before bandaging, wrapping, or covering the area, clean the skin and do not bandage the area tightly.
• Topical Patch:
  • Put the patch on the harmed area (externally to clean and dry skin).
  • Before applying the patch, the backing film needs to be removed.
  • Avoid using the patch over the face. Wash hands before and after applying the patch.

Mechanism of Action of Bengay (Methyl salicylate and Menthol):

• Salicylates, which are non-selective inhibitors for cyclooxygenase enzymes, resulting in the formation of prostaglandins or thromboxane.
• When applied topically, menthol causes vasodilation. 
• Combining menthol with salicylate provides pain relief and reduces inflammation signs like redness, swelling, and temperature. Read salicylates and menthol for details.

International Brand Names of Methyl salicylate and menthol:

• Icy Hot
• Kwan Loong Pain Relieving
• Precise
• Salonpas Massage Foam
• Salonpas Pain Relief Patch
• Salonpas Arthritis Pain
• Thera-Gesic Plus
• Thera-Gesic
• Salonpas Jet Spray
• AMPlify Relief MM
• BenGay

Methyl salicylate and menthol Brand Names in Pakistan: