Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Mentholatum
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Mentholatum has a disinfectant and local irritant effect. It is a complex medicine with several therapeutic elements in its composition.
After external treatment with medicinal ointment, menthol demonstrates local analgesic, disinfectant and local irritant activity. At the same time, camphor also has disinfectant and local irritant properties. [ 1 ]
Methyl salicylate has an anti-inflammatory effect and thus helps relieve pain after being absorbed through the epidermis.
Indications Mentholatum
Release form
The medicinal substance is released in the form of an ointment for external use - inside jars with a volume of 30 g.
Dosing and administration
The ointment should be used for external treatment - procedures are performed 2-3 times per day.
In case of inflammation affecting the respiratory system, against which a cough develops, the medicine is applied to the skin in the neck, chest and back area, after which the ointment should be rubbed in.
For muscle pain of various origins and locations, the painful area is treated with the ointment, rubbing it in with gentle massaging movements.
The duration of the therapeutic cycle is selected by the attending physician.
- Application for children
Not to be used in children under 3 years of age.
Use Mentholatum during pregnancy
The use of Mentholatum during breastfeeding or pregnancy is permitted only with a doctor's prescription.
Contraindications
Among the contraindications:
- associated with the use of aspirin or other NSAIDs asthma;
- damage to the epidermis;
- the presence of epidermal diseases in the areas where the ointment should be applied;
- severe intolerance to the components of the medication.
Side effects Mentholatum
The ointment may cause bronchial spasm or the development of allergy symptoms.
Interactions with other drugs
Methyl salicylate can potentiate the activity of methotrexate and anticoagulants during absorption – this should be taken into account when using Mentholatum.
Storage conditions
Mentholatum should be stored in a place out of reach of small children. Temperature values – no more than 25°C.
Shelf life
Mentholatum can be used within 36 months from the date of manufacture of the pharmaceutical product.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Mentholatum" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.