From the Guidelines
I do not recommend using menthol and camphor together without proper guidance from a healthcare provider. Both compounds are topical analgesics found in many over-the-counter pain relief products like creams, ointments, and patches. While they can be effective individually for temporary relief of minor aches and pains, combining them may increase the risk of side effects such as skin irritation, burning sensations, or allergic reactions.
Key Considerations
- If you're considering using products containing these ingredients, start with one that contains either menthol (typically 1.25-16%) or camphor (0.1-11%) rather than both.
- Apply only to intact skin, avoid sensitive areas like eyes, mucous membranes, and broken skin, and wash hands after application.
- These compounds work by creating a cooling or warming sensation that distracts from pain and provides temporary relief by affecting local sensory nerves.
- According to a recent study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings 1, other potential topical treatments include over-the-counter diclofenac 1% gel and compounded gabapentin 6% ointment, but there is no strong evidence to support the use of menthol and camphor together.
Important Evidence
- A study published in Thorax 1 found that menthol can suppress the cough reflex, but there is no mention of its use in combination with camphor.
- The Mayo Clinic Proceedings study 1 mentions the use of camphor and menthol in combination with methyl salicylate in over-the-counter topicals, but this is not a recommendation for their use together. If pain persists beyond a few days or worsens, consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment recommendations.
From the FDA Drug Label
Active Ingredients Camphor 10% Menthol 16% Methyl Salicylate 50% Active ingredients Camphor 10% Menthol 16% Methyl Salicylate 40%
Sí, se puede usar mentol y alcanfor juntos, ya que ambos ingredientes están presentes en las etiquetas de los medicamentos 2 y 3.
- Mentol y alcanfor se encuentran en combinación en estos productos. Es importante tener en cuenta que la concentración de cada ingrediente puede variar entre productos.
From the Research
Usage of Menthol and Camphor
- The use of menthol and camphor together is mentioned in several studies as a topical application for relieving pain, cold symptoms, and pruritus 4.
- A study published in the American Family Physician journal suggests that topical application of ointment containing camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oils is an established safe and effective treatment for children with cold symptoms 5.
- Another study published in the Postgraduate Medicine journal discusses the pharmacology of topical analgesics, including counterirritant class of topical analgesics that compose salicylates, capsaicin, menthol, and camphor, which produce analgesia by activating and then desensitizing epidermal nociceptors 6.
Effects of Menthol and Camphor
- A study published in the Acta Oto-Laryngologica journal found that inhalation of camphor, eucalyptus, or menthol vapour stimulates cold receptors in the nose, but has no effect on nasal resistance to airflow 7.
- Menthol's characteristic cooling sensation is due to the activation of sensory neurons, particularly transient receptor potential melastatin family member 8 (TRPM8) and transient receptor potential subfamily A, member 1 (TRPA1) 8.
- The combination of menthol and camphor may be effective in treating pain, upper respiratory infection symptoms, and pruritus, but more primary research is needed to make definitive recommendations regarding their use 4.
Safety and Efficacy
- The safety and efficacy of using menthol and camphor together have not been extensively studied, and more research is needed to fully understand their effects 4.
- Topical application of ointment containing camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oils is considered safe and effective for children with cold symptoms, but over-the-counter cold medications should not be used in children younger than four years 5.