Biofreeze (Menthol) Topical: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Different brands of this product have different uses. Some brands are used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints (such as arthritis, backache, sprains). Some brands are used to help relieve itching and skin irritation (such as due to sunburn, insect bites, or minor scrapes). Menthol is known as a counterirritant. It works by causing the skin to feel cool and then warm.

How to use Biofreeze (Menthol) 4 % Topical Gel Dermatological Irritants-Counter-Irritant Formulations

If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read and follow all directions on the product package before using this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed.

This medication is for use on the skin only. Apply to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times a day. If you are using the cream, gel, or liquid, rub in gently and thoroughly. Some liquid forms of this medication should be shaken before use. Check the manufacturer’s information for specific directions. Let the medicine dry completely before letting anyone else touch the area.

Wash your hands well after applying unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water.

Do not apply to serious burns or deep wounds. Do not bandage or tightly wrap the affected area. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects. You may cover the area loosely to protect clothing.

Heat can increase the risk of side effects. Do not apply this medication right before, during, or after activities that increase skin temperature (such as bathing, swimming, heavy exercise). Wait until your skin has cooled before applying the medication. Do not use a sunlamp/tanning bed, hot water bottle, or heating pad/device on the treated area.

Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Read the label carefully to make sure you have the right product for you. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts for more than 7 days, or if it gets worse, or if it keeps returning. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Side Effects

Redness, warmth, or irritation at the application site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: blistering/swelling at the application site, increased/unusual pain at the application site.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to menthol; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Does Biofreeze (Menthol) 4 % Topical Gel Dermatological Irritants-Counter-Irritant Formulations interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Keep all regular medical and lab appointments.

If you are using this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature. Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

Biofreeze (menthol) 4 % topical gel

Color: Shape: Imprint:

This medicine is a gel

Next

Save up to 80% on your prescriptions.

Available coupons

Save up to 80% on your prescription with WebMDRx

Drug Survey

Have you ever purchased Biofreeze (Menthol) 4 % Topical Gel Dermatological Irritants-Counter-Irritant Formulations?

Yes, In the past 3 months

Yes, In the past 6 months

Yes, In the past year

Haven’t purchased but considering

Don’t plan to purchase

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Biofreeze Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

Generic name: menthol topical [ MEN-thol-TOP-ik-al ]
Brand names: ActivICE, Aspercreme Heat Pain Relieving, BENGAY Pain Relieving, Biofreeze, Blue Gel,
… show all 11 brands
Flexall, Gold Bond Medicated Maximum Strength Foot, Icy Hot Extra Strength, Max-Freeze, Mineral Ice, Stopain

Drug class: Topical rubefacient

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 22, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Biofreeze?

Menthol is either manmade or made from the extracts of mint oil. Menthol provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin, which helps relieve pain in the tissues underneath the skin.

Biofreeze (for use on the skin) is used to provide temporary relief of minor arthritis pain, backache, muscles or joint pain, or painful bruises.

There are many brands and forms of menthol available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Biofreeze may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Biofreeze is safe to use if you have ever had an allergy to aspirin or salicylate medicine.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you apply menthol to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with a nursing baby’s mouth.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine on child 12 years old or younger.

How should I use Biofreeze?

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

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds, broken skin, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.

For your first use, apply only to a small skin area to test how your skin reacts to the medicine.

Do not cover treated skin with a tight bandage or use a heating pad.

Menthol can cause a cold or burning sensation, which is usually mild and should lessen over time with continued use. If this sensation causes significant discomfort, wash the skin with soap and water.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if they get worse. Also call your doctor if your pain goes away and then comes back within a few days.

Store at room temperature. Keep the medicine tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Biofreeze is when needed, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of menthol is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using Biofreeze?

If this medication gets in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse with water.

Avoid using other topical pain medications on the areas you treat with menthol.

Biofreeze side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Biofreeze may cause serious side effects. Stop using Biofreeze and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation after using this medicine; or

• pain, swelling, or blistering where the medicine was applied.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

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

What other drugs will affect Biofreeze?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

More about camphor / menthol topical

• Compare alternatives
• Pricing & coupons
• Reviews (44)
• Side effects
• Dosage information
• Drug class: topical rubefacient

Patient resources

• Drug Information
• Camphor and Menthol Cream, Lotion, and Ointment
• Camphor and Menthol Gel
• Camphor and Menthol Patch
• Camphor, Capsicum, and Menthol Patch

Other brands

Sarna, Tiger Balm, Men-phor, Anti-Itch Steroid Free, . .. +8 more

Related treatment guides

• Cold Symptoms
• Dermatitis
• Pain
• Minor Skin Irritation
• Muscle Pain

Further information

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

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.02.

Biofreeze: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Pictures of

Tablets

Medicines and vitamins

• Generic name: menthol

The display and use of drug information on this site is subject to the express terms of use. By continuing to browse drug information, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use.

• PRF02050: This medicine is a gel.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT contain all possible information about this product. This information does not guarantee that this product is safe, effective or suitable for you. This information does not constitute individual medical advice and does not replace the advice of your healthcare professional. Always ask your healthcare professional for complete information about this product and your specific medical needs.

This product is used for the temporary relief of symptoms such as sore throat, throat irritation or cough (eg due to a cold). It works by creating a feeling of coolness and increasing salivation in the mouth. Check the ingredients on the label, even if you have used the product before. Perhaps the manufacturer has changed the composition. In addition, products with the same name may contain different ingredients for different purposes.

Read and follow all directions on the product package before using this medicine. If you have any questions, please consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has instructed you to use this product, use it as directed. Let the lozenge dissolve slowly in your mouth and swallow the dissolved liquid along with your saliva. Do not chew or swallow it whole. This product is usually used every 2 hours as needed. If your doctor has prescribed you to use it, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to use it. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often or for longer than directed. If you have a severe sore throat or that lasts more than 2 days, or a cough that lasts more than 7 days or recurs, or symptoms occur with fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting, tell your doctor right away. If symptoms of a sore mouth/throat or cough persist or persist for more than 7 days, contact your doctor or dentist immediately. These may be signs of a serious illness. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek medical attention immediately.

Numbness of the mouth or throat may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If your doctor has instructed you to use this medicine, remember that your doctor has concluded that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek medical attention immediately if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to menthol before using this product; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially about: breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema), cough with a lot of mucus. This product may contain sugar and/or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all products you use (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant before using this product. Menthol passes into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions can change how your medicines work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Make a list of all the products you use (including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s permission.

If someone has an overdose and severe symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Residents of Canada can call their provincial poison control center.

Follow all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

Unsuitable.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets. Do not flush medicines down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless directed to do so. Properly dispose of this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Check with your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Last revised: August 2021 Copyright(c) First Databank, Inc., 2022

Last reviewed on RxList: 07/28/2022

ASK – GET ANSWER – Get help from experts in Muscular, Nerve and Joint Diseases

Do you have any questions related to musculoskeletal issues? Then find the area you have questions about and use the comment box – or use one of the suggested options below. You can also contact us directly on our Facebook page .

– We offer consultations of chiropractors, physiotherapists and specialists.

Our affiliated chiropractors, physical therapists, and specialists offer consultations, advice, exercises, and specific actions that address your specific problem. Share this with someone who needs a little extra help or motivation in their struggle for a pain-free daily life.

– Sometimes, to get rid of prolonged pain, you can feel like a mountain.

Contact us here in the comments section or via a post on our Facebook page today. Then we will help you with your questions and together we can climb the mountain of pain.

NEW: – Now you can ask questions direct to our chiropractor branch!

Alexander has a master’s degree in chiropractic and has been working as a chiropractor since 2011 – he works at Kiropraktorhuset Elverum. He has a broad competence in relation to problems in the musculoskeletal system – and has a highly evidence-based focus on the patient and receive advice / exercises / teaching instructions / ergonomic adaptations, which allows them to achieve long-term improvement in their problems, and thus, prevent recurrence of pain. He lives by the motto “exercise is the best medicine” and tries to encourage more movement in his daily life through everyday activities like commuting and cross-country skiing, but he also knows that it can be a long process to get out of a pain pit once you get there. . In this way, tips, exercises and measures are also adapted to the individual. Click on the image or have her ask him a question.

VONDT.net – Please invite your friends to our website:

We are one free where Ol and Kari Nordmann can get answers to their questions about musculoskeletal health problems. We have affiliated health professionals who write for us. These writers do it just to be able to help those who need it most, without being charged. All we ask is that Like our Facebook page , invite friends do the same (use the “invite friends” button on our Facebook page) and share the posts you like on social networks.