Methyl salicylate is a topical counter-irritant used for the symptomatic relief of acute musculoskeletal pain in the muscles, joints, and tendons. Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen or wintergreen oil) is an organic ester naturally produced by many species of plants, particularly wintergreens.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 1 reference
Counter-irritation is thought to be effective at alleviating musculoskeletal pain as the irritation of the sensory nerve endings is thought to alter or offset pain in the underlying muscle or joints that are served by the same nerves. This is thought to mask the underlying musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. When applied topically, methyl salicylate is thought to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues where it reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzyme and locally and peripherally prevents the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin and thromboxane A2.
- Primary indication
- Ointments or liniments containing methyl salicylate are applied topically as counter irritant for relief of acute pain associated with lumbago,sciatica and rheumatic conditions.Curator reviewed · 25 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C8H8O3 · 152.1473 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1996 · United States, 1996
- Also known as
- 2-(Methoxycarbonyl)phenol · 2-Carbomethoxyphenol · Betula oil · Gaultheria oil · Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
- Brand names
Resolves to
OSWPMRLSEDHDFF-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 29, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Methyl salicylate, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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