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Overview: Topical menthol is used to help with minor pain and itching. Common side effects of topical menthol are stinging, burning, or tingling of the skin where it is applied. Topical menthol comes as powders, patches, sprays, gels, creams, lotions, or liquids that are used on your skin. Ask your pharmacist if you need help picking out a topical menthol product.

Uses

What is topical menthol used for?

Topical menthol is commonly used for minor pain or itching from things like arthritis, back pain, strains or sprains, bruises, cramps, tendonitis, bursitis, small cuts or scrapes, sunburn or other burns, bites or stings from bugs or insects, or skin irritation.

Topical menthol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does topical menthol work (mechanism of action)?

Menthol is a counterirritant. This medicine stimulates nerves that help you sense pain or irritation. This counterirritation causes a cooling feeling on your skin and can help relieve pain or itching.

How is topical menthol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Bengay
  • Biofreeze
  • Gold Bond
  • Icy Hot

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 5%, 7.5% patch
  • 10% topical cream
  • 2.5%, 5% topical gel
  • 16% topical liquid
  • 0.5% topical lotion
  • 0.8%, 0.15% topical powder
  • 7%, 10.5%, 16% topical spray

Menthol is also available in a form that is used in the mouth or throat. See menthol for more information.

How should I store topical menthol?

The storage instructions can vary among the different topical menthol products. Follow the storage instructions that come with the product. If you are unsure about how to store your topical menthol, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical menthol?

The most common side effects of topical menthol are stinging, burning, or tingling of the skin where it is applied. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of topical menthol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical menthol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical menthol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical menthol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical menthol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical menthol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical menthol.

  • Bengay
  • Biofreeze
  • Gold Bond
  • Icy Hot
  • Menthol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical menthol products they stock.

What should I know about topical menthol before using it?

Topical menthol is only for use on your skin. Some products should not be used on wounds or broken, damaged, or irritated skin. Do not use topical menthol in your mouth, nose, vagina, or eyes.

Keep topical menthol out of the reach of children.

Do not cover the area where you use topical menthol with a tight bandage. Also, don’t apply heat to the area, such as with a heating pad or direct sunlight. All of these things could increase the amount of medicine your body absorbs and may increase side effects.

You should stop using topical menthol if you notice any of the following.

  • The pain or itching gets worse.
  • The area gets red or irritated, or you notice skin damage such as blisters, increased pain, or swelling.
  • Your pain or itching lasts more than seven days or gets better and then comes right back.

If you use any medicines that are patches that you put on your skin, do not apply those patches to an area where you also use topical menthol. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any concerns.

Some topical menthol products can catch on fire and should not be used near high temperatures, flames, or while smoking. Read and follow any instructions for your specific topical menthol product.

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical menthol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if topical menthol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical menthol could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical menthol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does topical menthol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical menthol and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical menthol.

Does topical menthol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between topical menthol and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical menthol?

If you or someone else has used too much topical menthol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical menthol?

Topical menthol is meant to be used only when needed. Use it according to the instructions on the product label. Do not use more than what is recommended. Do not use double or extra doses. 

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