Menthyl salicylate is an ester of menthol and salicylic acid . This product is used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints (e.g., arthritis, backache, sprains) .
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 4 references
Menthol dilates the blood vessels causing a sensation of coldness, followed by an analgesic effect. Menthol also acts as a penetration enhancer, increasing the penetration of drugs when applied on the skin, to give a faster onset of action.
Methyl salicylate is a salicylic acid derivative, and when combined with menthol, produces menthyl salicylate.
Salicylates inhibit cyclooxygenase, thereby reducing the formation of prostaglandins, and cause platelet dysfunction Methyl salicylate is used topically as a counter-irritant. Upon application, it is absorbed through the skin and is applied for the relief of pain in rheumatic conditions and painful muscle or joints.
The menthol dilates blood vessels, why the salicylate portion provides a topical anesthetic and analgesic action on the affected area. The cooling and warning action may interfere with the transmission of pain signals through nerves.
- Primary indication
- For the temporary relief of pain associated with rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, sprains and strains of joints and muscles, lumbago and fibrositis.Curator reviewed · 14 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C17H24O3 · 276.376 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1989
- Also known as
- 1-Menthyl salicylate
- Brand names
Resolves to
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Which drugs share a target with Menthyl salicylate, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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