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Menthol 40 mg/g Cream, 120 g — NDC 50488-1040-01 package photo

Menthol 40 mg/g Cream, 120 g

by Alexso, Inc · 120 g in 1 BOTTLE (50488-1040-1)
NDC 50488-1040-01
🏷️ FDA NDC (as labeled) 50488-1040-1 billing pads the package segment with a zero
OTC Discontinued Non-controlled ⚠ Inactivated by FDA
🗂️ Data synced Jul 14, 2026 · sources: openFDA · FDA label (DailyMed) · FDA Orange & Purple Book · First Databank · CMS NADAC, ASP, Medicare & Medicaid · RxNorm
📋 All sources & update times →

This page is curated, coded, and maintained by

Compiled from public FDA, CMS, DailyMed, NADAC, and related drug data sources. Editorial policy

⚠️
Other active recalls for Menthol (different manufacturers) — 1 · tap to view
These affect other manufacturers’ products for the same ingredient — not necessarily the exact NDC on this page.
Class II · Mar 20, 2026 — This recall is being initiated following FDA's recommendation based on certain observations noted during an August 15, 2025, inspection of the manufacturing facility that may bear on product quality. (Xiamen Kang Zhongyuan Biotechnology Co., Ltd.) · FDA recall D-0458-2026
Each entry is an official FDA enforcement report — look up any recall number in the FDA recall database ↗
⚠️
Excluded from the active FDA NDC Directory. FDA inactivated this product’s listing record, so it is excluded from the active NDC Directory. The listing was last certified through Dec 2023. A label may still appear on DailyMed, but the NDC is no longer in the current FDA NDC Directory. Search the FDA NDC Directory ↗

🆔 Identity & classification

FDA NDC (as labeled) 50488-1040-1
Product NDC 50488-1040
11-digit billing NDC 50488104001
NCPDP billing unit GM — per gram (weight)
Application # part348
SPL Set ID ebfd4e87-3dd4-4db0-a26b-3a11a9811886
DEA schedule Non-controlled
Marketing category OTC MONOGRAPH NOT FINAL
Marketing status Discontinued
FDA listing status Inactivated by FDA (certified through Dec 2023)
Route TOPICAL
Dosage form CREAM
Substance MENTHOL
GCN Seq No 079722
GCN 46275
HICL code 002608
Ingredient (HICL) Menthol
HIC1 code L
Therapeutic class — broad (HIC1) Skin/Subcutaneous Tissue
HIC2 code L6
Therapeutic class — intermediate (HIC2) Irritants
HIC3 code L6A
Therapeutic class — specific (HIC3) Irritants/Counter-Irritants
AHFS code 84:92.00.00
AHFS class Skin And Mucous Membrane Agents, Misc.
FDB label name MENTHOL 4% CREAM
FDB brand name Menthol
Legend status O — Over-the-counter (OTC) drug or device
Why two NDCs? The FDA registers this code as 50488-1040-1 — a 5-4-1 layout, and that's what's printed on the package and shown on DailyMed. For insurance claims, every NDC is standardized to a uniform 11-digit 5-4-2 format by adding a zero to the package segment → 50488-1040-01. Same drug, same package — only the format differs.
Where does this data come from?
Identifiers from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Structured Product Labeling; RxCUI from RxNorm (NLM); GPI from Medi-Span; GCN / HIC / AHFS / legend from First Databank.

🏭 Manufacturer & labeler

LabelerAlexso, Inc
FDA applicationpart348 (OTC MONOGRAPH NOT FINAL)
Labeler code50488
Product typeHuman Otc Drug
Portfolio15 products on file
The labeler markets the product; the application holder owns the FDA approval. They’re often the same company but can differ (e.g. a repackager or an authorized generic). A mailing address / phone appears here when the manufacturer includes it in the product’s FDA label (not all do).
Where does this data come from?
Labeler, application holder and registered establishment from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Drugs@FDA; address/contact from the product’s FDA label.

🩺 Clinical

Label name MENTHOL 4% CREAM Ingredient Menthol
📗 Our plain-language guide HelloPharmacist
  • Menthol is found in a lot of over-the-counter topical products — creams, gels, patches, sprays, and powders. Depending on the product, it's used to temporarily ease minor muscle an...
  • Start with clean, dry skin — free of lotions or creams — before applying the patch. Peel the backing off and press the sticky side firmly to the sore area. Most menthol patches sho...
  • Yes, a mild burning or tingling feeling right after applying a menthol product is common and usually settles down within a few days of regular use. What's not normal is severe burn...
  • Is that burning sensation after I apply it normal?
📖 Read our full Menthol guide →

Supplement & herbal interactions

🌿 Drug–supplement interaction checker →
Where does this data come from?
Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine); supplement & herbal interactions and nutrient depletion data from the Natural Medicines database; our full guide is HelloPharmacist editorial content.

🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients

Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.

💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.

  • UNII OZ0E5Y15PZ
    A plant extract from arnica flowers, used as a flavoring agent or fragrance component in medicines. It may also provide mild soothing properties to certain topical formulations.
  • UNII E4F12ROE70
    A refined mineral oil derived from crude petroleum containing 13 to 14 carbon chains. It acts as a solvent, emollient, and carrier in topical formulations to help dissolve active ingredients and improve product texture and spreadability.
  • UNII 2DMT128M1S
    A waxy solid derived from plant or animal sources. It acts as an emulsifier to blend oil and water components, and also thickens the medicine to give it the right texture and consistency.
  • UNII 6IC1M3OG5Z
    Chondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring compound extracted from cow cartilage. In medicines, it's used as a binder and thickener to help hold ingredients together and adjust the product's texture and consistency.
  • UNII 9H4PO4Z4FT
    A sulfur-containing organic compound used as a solvent and penetration enhancer in medicines. It helps dissolve active ingredients and improve their absorption through skin or mucous membranes.
  • UNII 147D247K3P
    Ethylhexylglycerin is a synthetic preservative used to prevent bacteria and mold from growing in medicines and personal care products. It helps keep the product safe and stable throughout its shelf life.
  • UNII 1FW7WLR731
    Glucosamine sulfate is a natural compound derived from shellfish or made in laboratories. In medications, it acts as an active therapeutic ingredient rather than an inactive excipient, though it may also serve as a filler or binder in some formulations.
  • UNII PDC6A3C0OX
    Glycerin is a clear, thick liquid derived from plant oils or fats. It acts as a humectant to retain moisture, a sweetener, and a solvent in medications.
  • UNII 230OU9XXE4
    A waxy substance made from glycerin and stearic acid that acts as an emulsifier to blend oily and watery ingredients together. It also helps thicken and stabilize the medicine's texture.
  • UNII 4PW41QCO2M
    Indian frankincense is a natural resin extracted from trees native to India. It is used in medicines as a binder and thickening agent to help hold ingredients together and improve texture.
  • UNII ND2M416302
    Isopropyl alcohol is a clear liquid solvent derived from petroleum. In medicines, it dissolves active ingredients and other components, helps the product flow smoothly, and aids in sterilization during manufacturing.
  • UNII 9EHU0R7ER1
    Isostearyl palmitate is a synthetic fatty acid ester used as an emollient and lubricant. It helps soften the product texture and allows ingredients to blend smoothly in topical formulations.
  • UNII Z95S6G8201
    A synthetic surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide. It helps dissolve and mix oily and watery ingredients in liquid formulations, and may improve how the medicine spreads or is absorbed.
  • UNII YD01N1999R
    A waxy substance made from polyethylene glycol and stearic acid. It helps mix oil and water-based ingredients together and serves as an emulsifier and solubilizer in liquid and semi-solid medicines.
  • UNII HIE492ZZ3T
    Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative and antimicrobial agent used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in medicines and cosmetic products, extending shelf life and maintaining product safety.
  • UNII E2KR9C9V2I
    Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer used as a thickening agent and binder in medications. It helps create the proper texture and hold ingredients together in the formulation.
  • UNII 6DC9Q167V3
    Propylene glycol is a clear liquid derived from petroleum or vegetable sources. It acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in medicines, helping dissolve active ingredients and maintain product stability.
  • UNII 285CYO341L
    Sodium polyacrylate is a synthetic polymer that absorbs and holds water. In medicines, it acts as a disintegrant, helping tablets break apart quickly in the stomach, and as a binder, holding tablet ingredients together.
  • UNII 4ELV7Z65AP
    Stearic acid is a fatty acid derived from plant or animal sources. It acts as a binder and lubricant in tablets and capsules, helping them hold together and flow smoothly during manufacturing.
  • UNII 9O3K93S3TK
    Trolamine is an alkaline compound used as a pH buffer and emulsifier in medicines. It helps neutralize acids, stabilize formulations, and enable mixing of oil and water-based ingredients.
  • UNII 059QF0KO0R
    Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.

21 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.

The official label also statesAqua (Deionized Water), Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Chondroitin Sulfate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glucosamine Sulfate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Isopropyl Alcohol, Isostearyl Palmitate, Laureth-7, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine Menthol 4% Cream NDC: 50488-1040-1 120 grams Manufactured for: Alexso, Inc Los Angeles, CA 90064

Label-section wording can be broader than the structured product block and may mention additional formulation ingredients.

Where does this data come from?
Data sourced from official FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL) via DailyMed — ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.

Inactive ingredient FAQ

Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
No. Inactive ingredients can differ by manufacturer, dosage form, strength, and package / product version.
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Some SPLs do not provide a complete structured inactive-ingredient list, and older or unusual labels may only include the information in narrative text.
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Yes. They can matter for allergies, intolerances, dyes, gluten / lactose concerns, preservatives, and formulation differences — but confirm with a pharmacist or the manufacturer when it’s clinically important.

💲 Pricing

A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.

Price systemPer gPer package
Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs.
Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data.
Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data.
ℹ️
No price is published for this exact package yet. CMS surveys NADAC per package size, so a different pack of the same drug often has one.
Where does this data come from?
NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) is the CMS weekly pharmacy-acquisition-cost survey — what pharmacies pay. ASP (Average Sales Price) is the CMS Medicare Part B drug-payment file, published quarterly. Medicaid pays is computed by us from CMS State Drug Utilization Data (total reimbursed ÷ units, trailing 12 months) — gross of rebates and inclusive of dispensing fees, so it reflects what Medicaid paid, not an acquisition cost. Medicare drug plans pay is the median negotiated point-of-sale unit cost across plans listing this NDC in the CMS quarterly Prescription Drug Plan pricing files, before rebates. The VA pays is the federal contract price (FSS, and the statutory Big 4 ceiling where listed) from the VA National Acquisition Center pharmaceutical price file. All are free public government data; each measures a different payer, so the figures are not directly comparable.

🔁 Therapeutic equivalents

ProductLabelerPackNADAC/unitTEStatusPrice vs. this
MYCO Clinic Pain Relief 4 g/100g 24909-0010-20 Aidance 200 g — — FDA listed —
Lightning Pain Relief 40 mg/g 63742-0013-00 Clinical 65 g — — FDA listed —
Dr. Carrasco Pain Relief 40 mg/mL 69921-0024-01 Carrasco 89 ml — — FDA listed —
Lightning Pain Relief 40 mg/g 72654-0013-00 Ebanel 65 g — — FDA listed —
Ease Your Pain 4 g/100g 72683-0002-01 Proximity 1 tube — — FDA listed —
Nerve Reverse Pain Relief 40 mg/mL 73067-0870-04 Pogue 118 ml — — FDA listed —
Comforte Menstrual Cramp Relief Cream 40 mg/g 73603-0000-00 PMS4PMS 1 tube — — FDA listed —
Toast Screamin Menthol 4 g/100g 78983-0103-05 IDEAZ, 148 g — — FDA listed —
Neuropathy Cream 4 g/100g 83570-0001-01 Owell 1 g — — FDA listed —
TIDL PAIN RELIEF CRYOTHERAPY MENTHOL Cream 4 g/100mL 84214-0009-01 Shenzhen 90 ml — — FDA listed —
AVCOO Pain Relief Roll-on 4 g/100mL 84992-0001-01 ADP 74 ml — — FDA listed —
Menthol 40 mg/gthis 50488-1040-01 Alexso, 120 g — — Discontinued —
About this product: other versions of the same ingredient, strength and form are listed above, least expensive first, with FDA equivalence ratings where available.
Where does this data come from?
Equivalents are other NDCs of the same ingredient, form and route from the openFDA NDC Directory, ranked least-expensive-first by NADAC. Therapeutic-equivalence (AB) ratings come from the FDA Orange Book; biologics use the FDA Purple Book for biosimilar & interchangeable status.

⏳ Availability & generic status

📍
2026
Currently FDA-listed
listed with the FDA
🔒
·
No generic listed yet
brand only
ℹ️No FDA-approved generic found

We did not find an FDA-approved generic match for this exact strength, form and route.

Where does this data come from?
Patents and exclusivity from the FDA Orange Book (small-molecule drugs), refreshed from public FDA data. Generic launch timing is an estimate, not a guarantee.

🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)

Read carefully: FAERS reports are voluntary and unverified. Counts are not incidence, do not establish causation, are subject to reporting bias, and cannot be used to compare one drug to another. Shown for signal context only. Reports for Menthol — the ingredient across all brands.

Top reported reactions

Pain3,550
Fatigue3,325
Nausea3,271
Headache3,025
Dyspnoea2,478
Diarrhoea2,214
Pneumonia2,153

Age at onset

Neonate144
Infant64
Child375
Adolescent265
Adult5,396
Elderly3,493

Reporter sex

54,517 reports
Male · 36%
Female · 63%
Unknown · 0%

Serious outcomes

Hospitalization18,810
Life-threatening4,363
Reports over time (by year) — tap or hover for the count & year
2019 2021 2023 2026 5,728 0
Most recent year is provisional (FAERS lags ~3 months).
Where does this data come from?
Adverse-event reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) via openFDA. FAERS reports are voluntary and unverified — counts are not incidence and don’t establish causation.

📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product

Package NDCDescription Marketing startStatus
50488-1040-01 You're viewing this 120 g in 1 BOTTLE (50488-1040-1) 2019-04-01 Inactivated by FDA

🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage

Over-the-counter (OTC) product No longer marketed (per FDA listing data)
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) ✓ Available
Labeler ✓ Available
Product & package description ✓ Available
Marketing category & status ✓ Available
Active ingredient / dosage form / route ✓ Available
FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) ✓ Available
Package photos ✓ Available
Inactive ingredients (structured) ✓ Available
NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey.
Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data — Not published for this NDC Applies only to products approved under an NDA/ANDA; many listings are out of scope.
HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk — Not published for this NDC Most self-administered / retail products have no J-code — that is normal.
Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold.
“Not published” reflects what the public FDA / CMS / NLM sources provide for this exact package code — it is a property of the data feeds, not a judgment about the product.

Questions about this listing

Is this NDC FDA-approved?
An NDC listing does not by itself establish FDA approval — the NDC Directory records that a product is listed with FDA, not that it was reviewed and approved. This listing's marketing category is "Otc Monograph Not Final". Products approved under an application carry an NDA, ANDA, or BLA number.
Why is there no price listed?
The pricing shown on our NDC pages comes from CMS NADAC, a voluntary survey of retail community pharmacy invoices. CMS does not publish a NADAC for every NDC — packages outside the retail survey (institutional and hospital products, bulk packages, discontinued items, and many OTC items) may never receive one. A missing price reflects the survey's scope, not this product's actual cost, and does not mean the product is free or unavailable.
What does the discontinued status mean for this NDC?
The labeler reported a marketing end date (or the listing was delisted), so this specific package is no longer actively marketed. Remaining stock may still be dispensed for a time, and the NDC stays valid for historical records and claims — but data feeds (pricing, labeling) typically stop updating for it. Other package sizes or other manufacturers' versions of the same medication may still be marketed — see the equivalents section where available.
Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
Yes, they identify this exact package in different formats. The FDA registers it as 50488-1040-1, which is what is printed on the packaging and shown on DailyMed. Insurance claims use a fixed 11-digit 5-4-2 format, so the short segment is padded with a leading zero: 50488-1040-01, written without dashes as 50488104001. The Identity section at the top of this page lists every form of this code.
What do the three segments of this NDC mean?
In 50488-1040-01, the first segment (50488) is the labeler code FDA assigned to Alexso, Inc; the middle segment (1040) identifies this specific product — its ingredient, strength, and dosage form; and the last segment (01) identifies this exact package size and type. Together they name one specific package of one specific product.
Who lists this product with the FDA?
Alexso, Inc is the labeler of record for this NDC — the company under whose FDA-assigned code the package is listed. The labeler may be the manufacturer itself or a distributor marketing the product under its own code.
Do I need a prescription for this product?
This NDC is listed with FDA as an over-the-counter product, so it does not require a prescription. Follow the package directions, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure whether it is right for you.
This page identifies an FDA-listed package (the NDC) and reports public regulatory and pricing data about the listing. It is reference information, not a medical recommendation — talk to your pharmacist or prescriber about your own medication.
Where does this data come from?
Listing facts (marketing category, packager status, marketing dates) from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory; label availability from DailyMed; pricing coverage from CMS NADAC; equivalence scope from the FDA Orange Book.

📄 FDA label — Drug Facts FDA SPL

The complete FDA label for this product — the official Drug Facts labeling, verbatim, section by section. Jump with a chip, search within the label, or expand everything.
🎯 Indications and Usage ⏱️ Dosage and Administration ⚠️ Warnings 📦 Storage and Handling 🧪 Active Ingredient 🧪 Inactive Ingredients 🎯 Purpose
🎯 Indications and Usage 25 words ▾

Uses For the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints, such as simple backache, lumbago, arthritis, neuralgia, strains, bruises, and sprains.

⏱️ Dosage and Administration 29 words ▾

Directions adults and children 2 years and older apply externally to the affected area up to 3 to 4 times a day children under 2 years ask a doctor

⚠️ Warnings 124 words ▾

Warnings ​For external use only. When using this product Avoid contact with the eyes Do not use in large quantities, particularly over raw surfaces or blistered areas Do not apply to wounds or damaged skin Do not bandage Stop use and ask a doctor if allergic reaction occurs condition worsens or does not improve within 7 days symptoms clear up and return within a few days redness, irritation, swelling, pain or other symptoms begin or increase Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Directions adults and children 2 years and older apply externally to the affected area up to 3 to 4 times a day children under 2 years ask a doctor

📦 Storage and Handling 22 words ▾

Other information May be applied under occlusive dressing. Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F). See USP Controlled Room Temperature.

🧪 Active Ingredient 4 words ▾

Active ingredient Menthol 4%

🧪 Inactive Ingredients 57 words ▾

Inactive ingredients Aqua (Deionized Water), Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Chondroitin Sulfate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glucosamine Sulfate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Isopropyl Alcohol, Isostearyl Palmitate, Laureth-7, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine Menthol 4% Cream NDC: 50488-1040-1 120 grams Manufactured for: Alexso, Inc Los Angeles, CA 90064

🎯 Purpose 3 words ▾

Purpose Topical analgesic

Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling, mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA. Prefer the government’s original formatting? View this label on DailyMed ↗
← 50488-1035-01 · Alexso, 50488-1060-06 · Alexso, →
For educational and professional reference only — not medical advice. Pricing reflects published NADAC and CMS ASP (free public data) and may differ from your acquisition cost; always verify before billing or dispensing.