Menthol is either manmade or made from the extracts of mint oil. Menthol provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin, which helps relieve pain in the tissues underneath the skin.

Menthol topical (for use on the skin) is used to provide temporary relief of minor arthritis pain, backache, muscles or joint pain, or painful bruises.

There are many brands and forms of menthol available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Menthol topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds, broken skin, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.

For your first use, apply only to a small skin area to test how your skin reacts to the medicine.

Do not cover treated skin with a tight bandage or use a heating pad.

Menthol can cause a cold or burning sensation, which is usually mild and should lessen over time with continued use. If this sensation causes significant discomfort, wash the skin with soap and water.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if they get worse. Also call your doctor if your pain goes away and then comes back within a few days.

Store at room temperature. Keep the medicine tightly closed when not in use.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if menthol topical is safe to use if you have ever had an allergy to aspirin or salicylate medicine.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you apply menthol to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with a nursing baby's mouth.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine on child 12 years old or younger.

Since menthol topical is when needed, you are not likely to miss a dose.

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.

If this medication gets in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse with water.

Avoid using other topical pain medications on the areas you treat with menthol.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

menthol topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using menthol topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation after using this medicine; or

• pain, swelling, or blistering where the medicine was applied.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.