Mentholatum Balm
Mentholatum Balm Leaflet
Cutter creation date 7/4/98
20mm
<-
120mm
Patient information leaflet
wapourRub
(menthol, camphor & methyl salicylate ointment)
Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.
This medicine is available without prescription. However, you still need to use Mentholatum Vapour Rub carefully to get the best results from it.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.
• You must see a doctor if your symptoms do not get better.
• If any of the side effects gets serious or you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
In this leaflet:
1. What Mentholatum Vapour Rub is and what it is used for
2. Before you use Mentholatum Vapour Rub
3. How to use Mentholatum Vapour Rub
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Mentholatum Vapour Rub
6. Further information
1. What Mentholatum Vapour Rub is and what it is used for
Mentholatum Vapour Rub is an ointment for use on the skin or for inhalation to ease congestion.
It is recommended for the relief of the symptoms of:
• colds, congestion (catarrh) and hay fever
• muscular pain and stiffness including:
o backache and lumbago (lower back pain) o sciatica
(pain in the lower back and thigh) o fibrositis
(muscle tenderness or stiffness) o rheumatic pain (in muscles, tendons or joints) o bruises o chilblains
• minor skin conditions including:
o dry and chapped skin o nettle rash o insect bites and stings o itching.
2. Before you use Mentholatum Vapour Rub
Do not use if you have:
• an allergy to any of the ingredients in Mentholatum Vapour Rub (see Section 6)
• an allergy to painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• broken or delicate skin.
Do not use on:
• children under 3 years old
• your eyes or other sensitive areas. If this happens, wash with plenty of clean water
Mentholatum Vapour Rub is for use on the skin or by inhalation. Do not take by mouth.
Take care that the rub cannot be licked off by a child after it is applied.
Take special care
See your doctor before using Mentholatum Vapour Rub if you:
• are pregnant or breast feeding
• have asthma.
Taking other medicines Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes any medicines you have bought without a prescription.
See your doctor if you are taking the following medicines because Mentholatum Vapour Rub may interact with them:
• medicines that thin the blood or prevent clots (including aspirin).
Pregnancy and breast feeding
See your doctor before using Mentholatum Vapour Rub if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
180mm
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3. How to use Mentholatum Vapour Rub
Adults and children over 3 years of age: Always try on a small area first. Mentholatum Vapour Rub can be used 2-3 times a day.
Wash your hands immediately after use (unless you are treating your hands). If you get any in your eyes or other sensitive areas wash with plenty of clean water.
For colds, congestion and hay fever:
• either rub a thin layer onto your chest, neck and back so that you can inhale the vapour
• or you can melt one teaspoonful of Mentholatum Vapour Rub in hot water and inhale the vapour
• do not apply under the nostrils in children.
For muscular aches and pains, bruises and chilblains:
• gently massage a thin layer of Mentholatum Vapour Rub to the affected area until the ointment is rubbed in.
For minor skin conditions:
• dab a small amount, in a thin layer, onto the affected area.
Keep the area where you have used Mentholatum Vapour Rub uncovered or loosely covered.
Do not cover the skin with bandages, plasters or any other dressing.
Stop using the ointment if you get excessive skin irritation or other unwanted effects.
If you use more Mentholatum Vapour Rub than you should
If you accidentally use too much ointment use a tissue to wipe any excess off the skin.
In the case of accidental swallowing of Mentholatum Vapour Rub by you or a child, it is important to consult a physician without delay who can provide any necessary treatment. Do not try to induce vomiting.
If you forget to use Mentholatum Vapour Rub
If you forget to use Mentholatum Vapour Rub use it again when you remember but do not use more than 3 times a day.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Mentholatum Vapour Rub can cause side effects, but not everybody gets them.
Stop using Mentholatum Vapour Rub if excessive skin irritation or other unwanted effects occur.
Temporary skin redness or a burning sensation may occur particularly if you have sensitive skin.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via:
Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Mentholatum Vapour Rub
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use after the expiry date printed on the jar and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Take any Mentholatum Vapour Rub that is out of date to a pharmacist for disposal.
6. Further information
What Mentholatum Vapour Rub contains
The active substances are:
Menthol 1.35 % w/w
Camphor 9.00% w/w
Methyl salicylate 0.33%w/w
The other ingredients are: eucalyptus oil, pumilo pine oil, titanium dioxide and yellow soft paraffin.
What Mentholatum Vapour Rub looks like and contents of the pack
Mentholatum Vapour Rub is a yellow ointment.
It is available in plastic jars containing 30g or aluminium tubes containing 25g.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer:
Mentiwiatum
The Mentholatum Company Limited,
East Kilbride, G74 5PE, Scotland, UK.
Tel: 01355 848484
PL 00189/5001R
For any information about this product please contact the manufacturer at the above address.
B429-5
This leaflet was last revised November 2015.