Ben-Gay

Bengay has distracting and analgesic properties. It helps to expand capillaries and also affects sensitive skin receptors.

Indications Ben-Gay

Among the indications of the drug:

• myalgia, and along with it arthralgia (also those that occur with various inflammations), and in addition, stiffness in the joints;
• sharp pains in the lumbosacral spine, which occur as a result of stretching;
• intense physical exercise during sports (for this, the balm is used).

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Release form

It is produced in the form of a sports balm or cream, in 35 g tubes. One package contains 1 tube of medicine.

Pharmacodynamics

Thanks to menthol, the medicine has a warming effect, as a result of which pain with spasms and tension are reduced. In addition, this substance allows you to accelerate blood flow, increase motor volume and simplify the process of removing irritating components (lactic acid). The effect is manifested in the organs located under the skin - muscles with tendons and joints, and in addition to this, in individual internal organs.

Methyl salicylate absorbed from the skin effectively reduces pain.

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Pharmacokinetics

Menthol absorption occurs through the mucous membrane walls, after which the substance enters the subcutaneous tissue. When using the drug locally, the concentration of menthol in the systemic bloodstream is quite weak.

After local application, methyl salicylate passes through the skin into the tissues. With this effect, the substance does not reach the concentration necessary for pain relief inside the circulatory system.

Salicylates are excreted mainly through the kidneys. The rate of this process depends on the pH of the urine and the concentration of the substance in the plasma.

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Dosing and administration

The medicine is applied locally - the cream should be rubbed in large quantities into the damaged areas of the skin. Absorption occurs quite quickly. If necessary, the treatment process can be repeated after a few hours (no more than 3-4 times per day).

The balm should be rubbed into the skin over the muscles in large quantities. If necessary, the treatment process can be repeated, but no more than 3-4 times a day.

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Use Ben-Gay during pregnancy

After penetrating the bloodstream, salicylates pass through the placenta and into breast milk. They can have a negative effect on the fetus (especially in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy - for example, they can cause premature closure of the Botallo duct or prolonged labor).

Although topical application of methyl salicylate should not result in plasma concentrations that would be harmful to the fetus/infant, the physician should decide whether to use Bengay during pregnancy/lactation based on the potential benefit to the patient versus the risk of adverse effects to the child or fetus.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the drug include: the presence of open wounds on the skin surface, increased sensitivity to drugs, skin irritation, and the child being under 12 years old.

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Side effects Ben-Gay

As a result of using the drug, a hypersensitivity reaction to its components may occasionally be observed.

Racementhol can cause side effects, including urticaria, skin rashes, itching, and also Quincke's edema and hyperemia. When using the substance externally, the likelihood of developing negative reactions is very low.

Methyl salicylate can cause severe local irritation.

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Overdose

Overdoses of methyl salicylate and menthol are rare - typically, such disorders have been observed in children who accidentally swallowed the medication.

After external use, overdose occurs very rarely, exclusively as a result of improper use of the drug - when treating mucous membranes or large areas of infected or damaged skin.

Signs of an overdose of methyl salicylate include: deep breathing, hyperpyretic fever, and agitation.

Signs of an overdose of racementhol: abdominal pain, vomiting with nausea, and also symptoms of CNS suppression (unsteady gait, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing of the face, as well as suppression of the respiratory process and a state of coma).

To eliminate the disorders, treatment is required to relieve symptoms and support the patient's condition. In addition, water-electrolyte balance is regulated, the patient is prescribed saline laxatives, as well as adsorbents. A forced diuresis procedure is performed, and along with this, an external decrease in body temperature. In case of severe overdose, a blood transfusion and hemodialysis may be required.

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Interactions with other drugs

Since Ben-Gay provokes skin hyperemia, and at the same time reflexively increases the rate of blood circulation under the skin, it should not be combined with other drugs with local action, because this can increase the absorption of the latter.

In patients who suffer from intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid, skin allergies and Quincke's edema were observed after external use of methyl salicylate.

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Storage conditions

The medicine should be stored in a place with standard conditions for storing medicines. The temperature should not exceed 25°C.

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Shelf life

Ben-Gay is permitted to be used for 2 years from the date of manufacture of the drug.