What do Bengay products treat?
Bengay products are used to treat joint and muscle pain. This can include back pain, arthritis pain, strains, sprains, and bruises. Pain happens when your body sends pain signals to the spine and brain. The main active ingredient in most Bengay products is menthol. Menthol is a counterirritant. When it is applied to your body, it stimulates the pain receptors in your body and then causes them to feel less pain by producing a cooling effect.
Bengay products may also or alternatively contain the following, as listed below.
- Lidocaine, a topical analgesic that helps with pain and also produces a numbing effect
- Camphor, a topical analgesic that provides pain relief
- Methyl salicylate, a topical analgesic that produces a warming effect
There are Bengay products for adults and children as young as 12 years old.
What are the most common side effects of Bengay products?
Any medicine may cause an allergic reaction, which can be serious or life-threatening. Stop using the medicine and get medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs of an 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 hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using. Some possible side effects include stinging, burning, or tingling sensations of the skin.
As Bengay products contain different active ingredients (listed below), review the ingredients in your specific product to understand which side effects you might experience.
What should I know before using Bengay products?
Do not use Bengay products on wounds, damaged skin, or blistered skin. Do not get Bengay products in your eyes, mouth, vagina, or nose, and do not swallow the medicine. When using Bengay products, do not bandage the area tightly (where you apply the product), and do not use a heating pad on top of where you applied the product. This can cause too much medicine to be absorbed into your skin. Before using Bengay products, ask your health care provider if you have redness on the area of skin you plan to apply the product to.
Stop using Bengay and ask your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Symptoms that last for seven days or more
- Symptoms that go away and come back within a few days
- Redness or excessive skin irritation
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Bengay product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not use more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Which Bengay product is right for my symptoms?
Use the tables below to help you find the best product to treat your symptoms.
Simple backaches, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains
Active ingredient:
- Topical analgesic: menthol
Product | Ultra Strength Bengay Pain Relieving Patches |
Age | 12 years and older |
Formulation | Patch |
Dosing Frequency | No more than 3 to 4 times a day |
Features | Patch can be cut to fit the area where it is being used |
Product | Bengay Vanishing Scent Pain Relieving Gel |
Age | 12 years and older |
Formulation | Gel |
Dosing Frequency | No more than 3 to 4 times a day |
Features | Vanishing scent |
Simple backaches, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains
Active ingredients:
- Topical analgesic: menthol
- Topical analgesic: camphor
- Topical analgesic: methyl salicylate
Product | Ultra Strength Bengay Pain Relieving Cream |
Age | 12 years and older |
Formulation | Cream |
Dosing Frequency | No more than 3 to 4 times a day |
Pain
Active ingredient
- Topical analgesic: lidocaine
Product | Bengay 4% Lidocaine Pain Relieving Cream |
Age | 12 years and older |
Formulation | Cream |
Dosing Frequency | No more than 3 to 4 times a day |
Features | Tropical jasmine scent |