
Precautions
Overdose can occur when a product contains a high amount of methyl salicylate -- BenGay Extra Strength contains 30 percent methyl salicylate -- and is absorbed into the body. While used as directed, it's not dangerous, but when used with devices that speed absorption, such as heating pads or patches, methyl salicylate can become toxic.
Can You overdose on Bengay extra strength?
Tell all of your health care providers that you take Bengay (menthol patch). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings) unless told to do so by the doctor. This medicine may cause harm if chewed or swallowed.
What should I know about Bengay before taking it?
These are the signs of an allergic reaction, so contact your doctor, particularly if it's affecting your breathing. While it may seem implausible, it is possible to overdose on a methyl salicylate-based cream like BenGay.
Can you be allergic to Bengay?
One of the warnings on the BenGay label explains the cream shouldn’t be used with a heating pad. These devices open pores and also cause the cream to melt, spreading it over a larger surface area. These two seemingly innocuous circumstances increase absorption of the cream into the body, and can lead to an overdose of methyl salicylate.
Can you use Bengay cream with a heating pad?

How many times can you put Bengay on?
If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed. This medication is for use on the skin only. Apply to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times a day. If you are using the cream, gel, or liquid, rub in gently and thoroughly.
Can Bengay be harmful?
But over-the-counter almost never means "harmless," experts warned. Methyl salicylate, or salicylic acid, is the active ingredient in creams such as Bengay, Icy Hot and Tiger Balm, as well as aspirin, and "is potentially harmful if it is overused," said Dr.
Does Bengay get into your bloodstream?
Benefits of BENGAY® topical patches, creams, rubs and gels include: Localized treatment – allows you to concentrate treatment only on the affected area. Speed of effect – ingredients do not have to travel through the bloodstream and are absorbed directly into the affected area, offering effective relief.
Can Bengay make pain worse?
Bengay Ultra Strength side effects Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning, stinging, irritation, pain, swelling, rash, or blistering where the medicine was applied.
Can you use too much muscle rub?
Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: blistering/swelling/severe redness at the application site, increased/unusual pain at the application site, nausea/vomiting, ringing in the ears. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
Can you overuse Icy Hot?
Too much medicine used and absorbed. The young girl apparently absorbed high levels of methyl salicylate, an anti-inflammatory medicine related to aspirin that is found in Bengay and Icy Hot. Using too much over days or weeks can cause a chronic poisoning called salicylism, which, as in this case, can be lethal.
What are the side effects of Bengay?
What are the side effects of BENGAY Pain Relieving (Topical)?severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation after using this medicine; or.pain, swelling, or blistering where the medicine was applied.
Can you overdose on topical menthol?
An overdose of menthol is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
How long does it take for Bengay to kick in?
This will take about 2-3 minutes to feel anything and a solid 10-20 minutes before the full effect can be felt. Don't reapply without waiting at least 15 minutes before the first application. Your nerves can develop a minor tolerance to the effects of this, as it is really a quite powerful medication.
Does Bengay reduce inflammation?
Bengay arthritis cream is used to relieve muscle and bone pain. It contains salicylates, camphor, and menthol. Bengay reduces inflammation and has cooling and warming effects. It's also available in a vanishing-scent option for people who aren't fond of the menthol smell.
Can Bengay burn your skin?
While such injuries are rare, consumer complaints to the FDA have spanned the spectrum from mild to severe chemical burns from the use of brand-name products such as those identified by the FDA as Bengay, Capzasin, Flexall, Icy Hot and Mentholatum.
Is Bengay a muscle relaxer?
Bengay, spelled Ben-Gay before 1995, is a topical analgesic heat rub for temporary relief from muscle and joint pain associated with arthritis, bruises, simple backaches, overuse, sprains and strains.
What is the side effects of methyl salicylate?
What are the possible side effects of methyl salicylate topical?redness or swelling of the treated area;increased pain; or.severe burning or skin irritation such as a rash, itching, pain, or blistering.
Can you overdose on topical menthol?
An overdose of menthol is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Is Bengay the same as Icy Hot?
Voltaren, Aspercreme, Icy Hot, and Bengay are not the same medications. Each brand may carry formulations that contain similar ingredients, so it is important to check the labeling of each product before purchase.
Does Bengay reduce inflammation?
Bengay arthritis cream is used to relieve muscle and bone pain. It contains salicylates, camphor, and menthol. Bengay reduces inflammation and has cooling and warming effects. It's also available in a vanishing-scent option for people who aren't fond of the menthol smell.
What to do if you are allergic to Bengay?
If you are allergic to Bengay ( menthol patch); any part of Bengay (menthol patch); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, ...
Can Bengay cause a rise in temperature?
Your temperature may rise and cause too much drug to pass into your body. Different brands of Bengay (menthol patch) may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving Bengay (menthol patch) to a child. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
Can you use Bengay while pregnant?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Bengay (menthol patch) while you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
Can Bengay be put in mouth?
Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings) unless told to do so by the doctor. This medicine may cause harm if chewed or swallowed. If Bengay (menthol patch) has been put in the mouth, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
Can you take Bengay twice at the same time?
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
Can you take Bengay with a prescription?
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Bengay (menthol patch) with all of your drugs and health problems.
What is Bengay Extra Strength?
Overdose can occur when a product contains a high amount of methyl salicylate -- BenGay Extra Strength contains 30 percent methyl salicylate -- and is absorbed into the body.
Can you use methyl salicylate for sore muscles?
Using Methyl Salicylate. The FDA does approve methyl salicylate-based products for the use of sore muscles, but mandates that a warning be placed on any product containing more than 5 percent of the oil of wintergreen-derived ingredient. Choose the product with the least amount of methyl salicylate for your pain.
Does Bengay help with sore muscles?
Another name for methyl salicylate, athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike rely on creams like BenGay to help soothe sore muscles after a tough workout. The topical ointment works by creating a warming sensation, which can help release tight muscles. Before you slather on a generous helping, however, you should know the side effects ...
Does Bengay help with swelling?
The application of methyl salicylate is to trigger a cooling and warming reaction with your skin, so that's likely the first side effect that you'll notice. The reaction can help reduce pain and swelling of sore muscles, which is why you'll find BenGay and similar creams in the gym bags of many athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
How to use Bengay Pain Relief Lotion
Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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