FDA-filed SPL labeling · retrieved through openFDA

Methyl Salicylate

Methyl salicylate is a topical pain-relief ingredient used across creams, ointments, patches, and solutions to temporarily ease minor muscle and joint aches from arthritis, strains, sprains, and backache.

Brand names GordogesicVeneno de Abeja Aceite de ViboraKofalHerb Street Sore Muscle ReliefKoong Yick Hung Fa +11 more
OTC Forms 5 Routes Topical · Cutaneous · Transdermal
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 27, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 61 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

At a glance
Linked label effectiveJun 7, 2025
Clinical labels in scope 61
AvailabilityOTC
Earliest approval/marketing year 2008
FDA-listed product records 120
Boxed warningNone found in compared labels
How we combine label and product data →
No current FDA shortage listed · checked Sep 22, 2026
Methyl Salicylate at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
💊
HelloPharmacist Editorial Team Bottom Line
Methyl salicylate is a well-known topical pain reliever for temporary muscle and joint discomfort from arthritis, backache, strains, and sprains — applied to the skin, not swallowed. Because it contains an NSAID, it carries a real risk of stomach bleeding, especially if you're older, take blood thinners, or drink alcohol regularly. Use only as directed on your product label, and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, or are pregnant.

📖 Methyl Salicylate: Patient Information Guide

A plain-language walkthrough of Methyl Salicylate — what it treats, how it works, how it’s taken, side effects, warnings and interactions. Tap any section to expand it.

🎯What it's used for

Methyl salicylate is a topical pain-relief ingredient found in multiple products — creams, ointments, patches, and solutions — for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint discomfort.

  • Minor aches and pains of muscles and joints
  • Simple backache and lumbago
  • Arthritis
  • Strains and sprains
  • Bruises
  • Neuralgia (nerve pain) — noted for Methyl Salicylate patch and cream products
  • Hysan Hua Tuo Medicated plaster: muscle stiffness around the neck and shoulders, joint pains, simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains
  • AVON Foot Works Arthritis Achy Foot and Muscle and AVON footworks Arthritis Achy Foot and Muscle creams: specifically labeled for penetrating and warming pain relief for arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains
  • Coats Aloe Analgesic lotion: arthritis, simple backache, strains, sprains, and bruises
💊How it's taken

Methyl salicylate is applied to the skin — never swallowed. The right approach depends on which product you are using.

  • Creams and ointments (adults and children 12+): massage into the affected area until absorbed, no more than 3 to 4 times daily.
  • Germa Linimento Ubre Plus / Roll-On: clean skin of other products first, then apply and massage in; no more than 3 to 4 times daily.
  • Methyl Salicylate 40% Topical Oil (adults and children 12+): apply generously and massage vigorously; no more than 3 times daily.
  • Skin patches (adults and children 10+): apply one patch at a time to clean, dry skin; Dr Sabharwals up to 24 hours, Methyl Salicylate 10% and 25% patches up to 36 hours; no more than 2 patches per day; no more than 3 days in a row unless a provider directs otherwise.
  • Hysan Hua Tuo Medicated plaster (adults and children 12+): apply to clean, dry skin no more than 3 to 4 times daily.

Children under the age listed on your product should use only with a doctor's guidance. Always follow the directions on your specific product label.

🤒Side effects — in detail

Side effects with topical methyl salicylate products are generally mild, but watch for the following:

  • Skin rash at the application site
  • Redness or itching where the product is applied
  • Skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin

More serious reactions — including signs of stomach bleeding (vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, severe stomach pain) or signs of a heart or circulation problem — require stopping use immediately and getting medical help right away.

⚠️Warnings & precautions
  • Stomach bleeding risk: This product contains an NSAID, which can cause stomach bleeding even when applied to the skin. Risk is higher if you are 60 or older, have a history of ulcers, take blood thinners or steroids, use other NSAIDs, or regularly drink alcohol.
  • Heart attack and stroke: Using more than directed or for longer than directed may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
  • Do not use with heat: Never apply with a heating pad or while sweating — heat speeds absorption and raises the risk of too much entering your body.
  • External use only: Never swallow any form of this product or place it in the nose. If swallowed, contact Poison Control immediately.
  • Pregnancy: Do not use during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Ask a doctor before use in the first 6 months or while breastfeeding.
  • Children: Most forms are not recommended for children under 12 without a doctor's guidance; patches should not be used in children under 10.
  • Skin precautions: Never apply to broken, wounded, irritated, or bandaged skin, or near eyes, mouth, or nostrils.
🔀What it interacts with

Because methyl salicylate is an NSAID applied through the skin, it can still interact with other medications and substances:

  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants) — raises the risk of stomach bleeding
  • Steroid drugs — raises the risk of stomach bleeding
  • Other NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others) — using them together increases bleeding risk
  • Diuretics (water pills) — ask a doctor before combining
  • Alcohol — drinking 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day while using this product significantly raises stomach bleeding risk

This is not a complete list of interactions. Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

📋Before taking it
  • Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin or any other NSAID
  • Do not use right before or after heart surgery
  • Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease
  • Tell your doctor if you take a diuretic (water pill)
  • Tell your doctor if you are 60 or older, have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, or take blood thinners or steroids
  • Do not use during the last 3 months of pregnancy; ask a doctor before use in the first 6 months or while breastfeeding
  • Children under 12 (or under 10 for patches) should only use with a doctor's approval
  • Do not use if you are prone to allergic reactions to any of the product's ingredients
📦How to store it

store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) avoid storing product in direct sunlight protect product from excessive moisture some individuals may not experience pain relief until several hours after applying the patch

📄 Written from Methyl Salicylate’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Every point is grounded in that labeling — nothing is invented. How we use AI →

🩺 Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Methyl Salicylate — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

What is methyl salicylate actually used for?
It's a topical pain reliever — you apply it right to the skin where it hurts. It's used for temporary relief of minor aches and pains in your muscles and joints, things like arthritis, a stiff back, a sore neck, strains, sprains, and bruises. It won't cure anything, but it can take the edge off while you're healing.
Is it safe to use under a heating pad or wrap?
No — and this is really important. You should never use methyl salicylate products with a heating pad, and avoid applying them when you're sweating from exercise or heat. Heat causes much more of the ingredient to absorb through your skin than intended, which can raise the risk of serious side effects. Let the product do its work on its own.
Can I use this if I take aspirin or ibuprofen?
Be careful here. Methyl salicylate is an NSAID — the same category as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Using it along with those medications raises your risk of stomach bleeding, even though you're applying it to your skin rather than swallowing it. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before combining them.
What stomach warning signs should I watch for?
If you notice stomach pain that gets worse, feel faint, vomit blood, or have black or bloody stools — stop using the product right away and get medical help. These can be signs of stomach bleeding, which is a real risk with NSAID-containing products. It's uncommon, but serious when it happens.
Can I use this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
You should not use methyl salicylate products during the last 3 months of pregnancy — it can cause problems for your baby or complications during delivery. If you're in the first 6 months of pregnancy or you're breastfeeding, ask your doctor first before using it. When in doubt, check before you apply.
How long can I keep using it, and when should I stop?
Most methyl salicylate products are meant for short-term use. Stop and check with a doctor if your symptoms don't improve after 3 days, if things get worse, or if symptoms go away and then come back within a few days. For skin patches, don't use them more than 3 days in a row unless your doctor says otherwise. This is meant to help with minor pain — if it's not working, something else may be going on.
Is Methyl Salicylate available over the counter?
Yes — Methyl Salicylate is available over the counter (without a prescription) in at least some forms, according to its FDA labeling. Follow the package directions and ask your pharmacist if you're unsure which product is right for you.
When was Methyl Salicylate first available?
Methyl Salicylate has been available in the United States since at least 2008, based on FDA approval history (Drugs@FDA) and product marketing records.
Who makes Methyl Salicylate?
Methyl Salicylate is supplied by 45 manufacturers listed in the FDA NDC Directory, including Germa Products, LLC, Pharmadel Llc, Alexso, Inc.

💬 Answers drafted from Methyl Salicylate’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Grounded in that labeling — nothing is made up. How we use AI →

🧰 Keep exploring

💊 How Methyl Salicylate comes

Methyl Salicylate is available in 5 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Topical cream, ointment or gel

On the skin
Brands Germa Snake Oil Bee Venom Herb Street Sore Muscle Relief Kofal Kofal Fuerte Kofal Original Koong Yick Hung Fa La Flecha Japonesa Ling Nam Hung Far Mascura la Vaca Plus Milagroso Topical Analgesic Ubredol Veneno de Abeja
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • AVON Foot Works Arthritis Achy Foot and Muscle and AVON footworks Arthritis Achy Foot and Muscle: temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains
  • Coats Aloe Analgesic: temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains, sprains, and bruises
  • Germa Linimento Ubre Plus and Germa Linimento Ubre Plus (Roll-On): topical application to affected areas for muscle and joint discomfort
  • Balsamo de Ubre: massage into painful area for temporary relief
Important instructions
  • Balsamo de Ubre: adults and children 12 and older — apply generously and massage gently into painful area until absorbed, no more than 3 to 4 times daily; children under 12: ask a doctor
  • Germa Linimento Ubre Plus and Germa Linimento Ubre Plus (Roll-On): clean skin of other lotions or ointments first; apply liberally and massage until absorbed; no more than 3 to 4 times daily; children under 12: ask a doctor
  • Avoid applying to wounds, broken skin, or near eyes; do not bandage tightly after applying Germa Linimento Ubre Plus
  • If condition worsens or symptoms persist more than 7 days with Germa Linimento Ubre Plus, stop use and consult a physician
Available strengths 23 strengths
Show 17 more strengths Show fewer strengths
86 FDA-listed product records

Skin patch

On the skin
Brands Dr Sabharwals
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints
  • Simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains
Important instructions
  • Adults and children 10 years and older: clean and dry the affected area before applying
  • Apply one patch at a time to intact skin; Dr Sabharwals patch: wear up to 24 hours; Methyl Salicylate 10% and Methyl Salicylate 25% patches: wear up to 36 hours
  • Do not use more than 2 patches per day and do not use for more than 3 days in a row (unless directed by a healthcare provider)
  • Remove the used patch before applying a new one; wash hands after handling
Available strengths 5 strengths
14 FDA-listed product records

Oral solution

By mouth
Available strengths 1 strength
10 FDA-listed product records

Topical solution

On the skin
Brands Methyl Salicylate 40% Topical Oil
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Methyl Salicylate 40% Topical Oil: temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints
Important instructions
  • Methyl Salicylate 40% Topical Oil: adults and children 12 and older — apply generously to affected area and massage vigorously until fully absorbed
  • Methyl Salicylate 40% Topical Oil: do not use more than 3 times daily; children under 12: ask a doctor
  • Methyl Salicylate 40% Topical Oil: store at room temperature, protect from light and heat, and close cap tightly after use
Available strengths 4 strengths
7 FDA-listed product records

Topical (transdermal) gel

Through the skin
Available strengths 2 strengths
2 FDA-listed product records

📊 Methyl Salicylate across the U.S. market

How Methyl Salicylate appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

5
Dose forms
45
Manufacturers
40
Brand names
120
FDA-listed product records
2008
First marketed

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (1) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

Germa Products, LLC16%
Pharmadel Llc10%
Alexso, Inc6%
Menper Distributors Inc.6%
Ling Nam Medicine Factory (H.K.) Ltd.5%
Menper Distributors, Inc.4%
Other makers52%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

📈 How widely Methyl Salicylate is used

A general measure of how commonly Methyl Salicylate is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Methyl Salicylate is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

282
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q4 2025)
$86,850 gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Methyl Salicylate prescribed? Of the 1,596 medications we measure, Methyl Salicylate ranks #1,423 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 11% of them.

Where Methyl Salicylate ranks among the drugs we measure · Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5

Utilization by Methyl Salicylate product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

methyl salicylate 250 MG/ML Topical Cream

282 Medicaid prescriptions (Q4 2025) 100% of Methyl Salicylate prescriptions shown $86,850 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $308 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 16 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 238542

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Methyl Salicylate, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 1 of 16 listed Methyl Salicylate NDCs with Medicaid activity.

🔍 Compare Methyl Salicylate products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Methyl Salicylate — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Showing 120 of 120 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 120 Methyl Salicylate NDCs →

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Methyl Salicylate RxCUI 29787 7 dose forms · 20 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Medicated Patch RxCUI 1793010 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.01 MG/MG RxCUI 2566838 0.1 MG/MG RxCUI 1053397 0.25 MG/MG RxCUI 2704558
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Cream RxCUI 377908 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 100 MG/ML RxCUI 311635 250 MG/ML RxCUI 238542 300 MG/ML RxCUI 240442 400 MG/ML RxCUI 2668420
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Gel RxCUI 446429 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.2 MG/MG RxCUI 1730277
  4. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Lotion RxCUI 377909 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 100 MG/ML RxCUI 198752
  5. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Oil RxCUI 238543 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 105 MG/ML RxCUI 2719838 250 MG/ML RxCUI 2468738 300 MG/ML RxCUI 2740381 400 MG/ML RxCUI 259328
  6. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Ointment RxCUI 376567 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.02 MG/MG RxCUI 2636732 0.1 MG/MG RxCUI 2536330 0.105 MG/MG RxCUI 1101920 0.12 MG/MG RxCUI 2260507 0.15 MG/MG RxCUI 2260510 0.3 MG/MG RxCUI 311636
  7. Dose form (SCDF) Topical Solution RxCUI 446430 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 100 MG/ML RxCUI 2534482

Look up RxCUI 29787 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

🏷️ Sold under these brand names

Gordogesic Veneno de Abeja Aceite de Vibora Kofal Herb Street Sore Muscle Relief Koong Yick Hung Fa Veneno de Abeja Ling Nam Hung Far Germa Snake Oil Bee Venom Mascura la Vaca Plus Kofal Fuerte Kofal Original La Flecha Japonesa Methyl Salicylate 40% Topical Oil Ubredol Topical Analgesic Milagroso

🏭 Manufacturers & labelers

Germa Products, LLC 18 Pharmadel Llc 12 Alexso, Inc 7 Menper Distributors Inc. 7 Ling Nam Medicine Factory (H.K.) Ltd. 6 Menper Distributors, Inc. 5 Pharmacure Llc 4 Puretek Corporation 4 Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. 4 Ion Pharma, Llc 3 Balassa Laboratories Inc. 3 Forreal Pharmaceuticals Llc 3 Oncora Pharma, LLC 2 Josun International Limited 2 Tychasis Corporation 2 Miramar Cosmetics, Inc DBA Miramar Lab 2 Medcore LLC 2 Hysan Pharmaceutical Co Ltd 2 Green Cross Corp 2 Dermaline USA Corp 2 Sunset Novelties, Inc 2 Cosmax Usa, Corporation 2 ViolaCare, Inc. 2 Pharmacure, Inc. 1

…and 16 more on the FDA NDC directory.

🔬 Where this comes from

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Jun 7, 2025
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Methyl Salicylate.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Methyl Salicylate after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
61
NDC products indexed
120
Distinct labelers/manufacturers represented
45
Linked representative label
ViolaCare, Inc.
Linked label effective
Jun 7, 2025
Composite sections available
7
Linked SPL Set ID
af2bbcb8-c04c-4f55-84be-2519642f9260
Linked SPL Document ID
36f75a71-4cab-413e-e063-6394a90a8f55
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How we combine label and product data

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records; we don’t author the underlying clinical facts. We identified 61 FDA-filed SPL label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. The representative label is the starting point for the displayed reference monograph; the 12 largest stored in-scope SPL records, which may include that representative, are compared section by section, and the longest available version of each section is retained. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, product-listed strengths, and product-record counts are aggregated separately from ingredient-matched FDA NDC Directory records; package records listed above are associated with the linked SPL; and the normalized concept hierarchy comes from NLM RxNorm.

For canonical ingredient pages, bounded product-attributed indication and administration excerpts may be added to the AI evidence, and the generator is instructed to preserve available product, brand, route, and form qualifiers instead of treating one label as universal. Where a section is identified as AI-written, its plain-language text is generated from bounded label evidence. New draft drug pages remain in the admin review queue before first publication. ViolaCare, Inc. is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates; it is not the sole source used for the page.

This is general education, not medical advice — always consult your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and any medical condition. For the exact wording of the linked representative label, view that label on DailyMed; some displayed composite sections may come from other in-scope SPL labels. Learn how we use AI and our data sources & update cadence.