Camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate (topical)

Camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate (topical)

Camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate (topical)

What is Camphor, Lidocaine and Methyl Salicylate?

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing drug). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Methyl salicylate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) from a group of drugs called salicylates (sa-LIS-il-ates). Camphor, lidocaine and methyl salicylate reduce substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.

Topical use of camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate (for skin) is a combination medicine used for the temporary relief of mild to moderate muscle and joint pain. This medicine may be used for pain caused by muscle stiffness or bruising, arthritis, sprains or strains, back pain, and sore or bruised muscles.

Camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side effects of camphor, lidocaine and methyl salicylate

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction:hives; difficult breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Remove the skin patch and seek medical help if necessarySigns of a heart attack or stroke:Chest pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, shortness of breath.

Serious side effects are unlikely when camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate are applied to the skin but may occur if the drug is absorbed into your bloodstream.

This medicine can cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• worsening of your muscle pain;

• rash, itching or irritation;

• a light-headed feeling, as if you were going to faint;

• new or worsening stomach pain; or

• Signs of stomach bleeding – bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all instructions on the label and packaging of your medicine. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies and any medications you take.

Before you take this medicine

Camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate contain methyl salicylate, an NSAID. An NSAID may increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it for a long time or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors can have a stroke or heart attack while using an NSAID.

Do not use this medicine immediately before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting, or CABG).

An NSAID can also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning during NSAID use, especially in older adults.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to camphor, lidocaine, or methyl salicylate.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist whether it is safe to use this medicine if you have ever had:

• high blood pressure or heart disease;

• a stomach ulcer or bleeding problems;

• the habit of drinking three or more alcoholic drinks daily;

• kidney disease;

• an allergy to skin products; or

• an allergy to an NSAID (aspirin, ibuprofen, celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, naproxen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve and others).

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a doctor before using this medicine.

Use of methyl salicylate during the last 3 months of pregnancymay harm the unborn child or cause bleeding in the mother or child during birth.

This medicine is not approved for use in people under 12 years of age.

How should I use camphor, lidocaine and methyl salicylate?

Use exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor.

This medicine comes in a patch that you apply to your skin.

Keep the patch away from your mouth, nose and eyes.

Wash your hands before applying a skin patch and after removing it.

Carefully read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not apply the patch to open wounds or sunburned, windburned, damaged, or irritated skin. Do not apply the skin patch to your face or genitals.

Do not wear more than one skin patch at a time.Using additional skin patches will not increase the effectiveness of the medicine and could increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

It may take up to several hours before you notice any pain relief while wearing the skin patch.

Remove the skin patch after 8 to 12 hours and replace it with a new one if necessary.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen while using this medication.

After removing a skin patch: Fold it firmly in half, adhesive side inward, and discard in a place where children and pets cannot reach.

Store unused skin patches at room temperature and away from moisture, heat and sunlight. Store each patch in the foil pouch until ready to use. After opening a sachet, you must use the skin patches within 7 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate are used as needed, there may not be a dosing schedule for you. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not use more than 2 skin patches in 24 hours.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if a child has a skin patch stuck in their mouth.

What should I avoid when using camphor, lidocaine and methyl salicylate?

Do not expose treated skin to the heat of a hot tub, heating pad, or sauna. Heat can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through the skin and can cause harmful effects.

If the medicine gets into your eyes, rinse with water.

What other drugs affect camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines, especially:

• a diuretic or “water pill”;

• a blood thinner – warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or

• an NSAID – aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam and others.

This list is not complete. Other medications can affect camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.