From the Guidelines
Icy Hot cream is also known by other names such as Ultra Strength Bengay Cream and Ultra Strength Bengay Pain Relieving Patch, which contain methyl salicylate in combination with camphor or menthol. These products are classified as over-the-counter topicals and are used for pain relief 1.
Key Points
- Other common brand names for similar products include BenGay, Aspercreme, Salonpas, Tiger Balm, Biofreeze, and Flexall.
- These products are also sometimes referred to generically as counterirritant creams, topical analgesics, or muscle rubs.
- Many of these products contain methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil) as an active ingredient, often combined with other ingredients like menthol, camphor, or capsaicin 1.
- The medications work through a counterirritant effect, creating sensations of heat or cold that help distract from underlying pain, while also increasing local blood flow to promote healing.
Important Considerations
- If you're looking for an alternative to Icy Hot, it's essential to check the active ingredients to ensure you're getting a similar product.
- Follow the application instructions carefully to avoid skin irritation.
- Some formulations may have slightly different active ingredients or concentrations, which can affect their strength and sensation 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Purpose Methyl Salicylate 10% …………………………..…………………….….…Topical analgesic The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Other Names for Icy Hot Cream
- Methyl salicylate cream, as mentioned in the studies 2, 3, 4, 5, is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter liniments, ointments, lotions, or medicated oils for relieving musculoskeletal aches and pains.
- Oil of wintergreen, which is 98% methyl salicylate, is another potent form of methyl salicylate 4.
- Asian herbal remedies may also contain varying concentrations of methyl salicylate 4.
- Topical pain-relieving gels or creams, such as those containing methyl salicylate, are often used for relieving musculoskeletal aches and pains 3, 5, 6.
- Icy Hot Patch and Icy Hot Cream are specific products that contain methyl salicylate, as studied in 6.
Key Points
- Methyl salicylate is widely available in many over-the-counter products, including creams, ointments, lotions, and medicated oils 2, 4.
- The use of topical methyl salicylate can pose potential dangers, such as salicylate poisoning, irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, and anaphylactic reactions 2, 3, 4.
- Topical methyl salicylate can also interact with warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding 3.
- The effects of Icy Hot Cream and Icy Hot Patch on skin and muscle temperature and blood flow have been studied, showing a decrease in temperature and blood flow 6.