From the Guidelines
Salonpas patches are not recommended for pregnant women without medical supervision due to the potential risks associated with their active ingredients, particularly methyl salicylate, which is related to aspirin. The safety of Salonpas patches during pregnancy is uncertain, and their use may cause complications, especially in the third trimester, such as premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the developing fetus 1. Although topical application results in less absorption into the bloodstream compared to oral medications, some absorption still occurs, and this can lead to potential maternal and fetal effects, including prolonged gestation and labor, increased peripartum blood loss, and increased anemia, as well as increased cutaneous and intracranial bleeding, pulmonary hypertension, and impaired renal function in the fetus 1.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the safety of Salonpas patches in pregnancy include:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics considers ibuprofen, indomethacin, and naproxen safe in breastfeeding women, but this does not directly apply to the use of Salonpas patches during pregnancy 1
- Low-dose aspirin is generally considered safe for use throughout pregnancy, but Salonpas patches contain methyl salicylate, which is related to aspirin, and their safety profile may differ 1
- NSAIDs, including those related to the ingredients in Salonpas patches, should be used with caution in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, due to the potential risks to the fetus 1
If you're pregnant and experiencing pain, it's best to consult your healthcare provider before using any medication, including topical pain relievers like Salonpas. They can recommend safer alternatives for pain management during pregnancy, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is generally considered safer, or non-medication approaches like physical therapy, massage, or heat/cold therapy.
From the Research
Safety of Salonpas Patch in Pregnancy
The Salonpas patch contains ingredients such as methyl salicylate and menthol, but the primary concern in pregnancy is usually related to acetaminophen or other pain-relieving medications. Since the provided studies focus on acetaminophen, we will discuss its safety in pregnancy.
Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy
- Acetaminophen is widely used by pregnant women for pain and fever relief 2, 3, 4.
- However, increasing evidence suggests that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen might alter fetal development, increasing the risks of neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and urogenital disorders 2.
- Studies have associated acetaminophen use during pregnancy with an increased risk of asthma, lower performance intelligence quotient (IQ), and other neurodevelopmental problems in children 3, 4.
- It is recommended that pregnant women use acetaminophen only when medically indicated, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest possible time 2, 3.
Specific Considerations
- A population-level study in Denmark found that prescription-based acetaminophen use among pregnant women increased slightly from 2001 to 2023, but was lower than in non-pregnant women of the same age group 5.
- Women with autoimmune disorders who used acetaminophen during pregnancy had a modestly increased risk of preeclampsia, particularly with high cumulative use 6.
Salonpas Patch Safety
There are no direct studies on the safety of Salonpas patches in pregnancy among the provided evidence. However, considering the ingredients and the general precautions for pain-relieving medications during pregnancy, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before using any new medication or patch, including Salonpas, to discuss the potential risks and benefits.