Methyl Salicylate

Methyl Salicylate
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Other Brands/Names

Fitsendi, Jointrifit, MIPI (Massage Oil), Rheumason Special, Artrivit, Paincare Force, Osteor C, Lafalos, Flexozin, Galenium

 

How It Works

Methyl salicylate helps ease pain in muscles, bones, or joints through:

  • Mild local skin irritation
  • Promoting localized blood flow
  • Blocking cyclooxygenase enzyme activity

Through these actions, methyl salicylate limits the production of inflammation-related chemical mediators in the body.

 

Indications

This medicine is used to reduce discomfort from musculoskeletal pain, joint or bone pain, bruises, and injuries related to excessive physical activity.

 

Contraindication

Do not apply this medicine to open or bleeding wounds. It is also contraindicated in individuals with arthritis pain that has persisted for more than 10 days.

 

Side Effects

Topical application may cause allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to methyl salicylate in some users. Manifestations can include hives or a skin rash, swollen eyelids, swelling or redness at the application site, worsening pain, skin irritation, or a burning sensation.

 

Types

Products containing methyl salicylate are available as creams and oils.

 

Dosage

Apply the cream or oil three to four times daily.

 

Safety

Pregnancy:

This medicine is classified as FDA Category C (animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, and there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in humans). Weigh potential benefits against possible risks, and use with caution in pregnant women.

 

Drug Interactions

Oral Hypoglycemic Medications

Using methyl salicylate with acarbose together may increase the risks of hypoglycemia, where blood glucose drops below normal levels.

Antihypertensive Medications

Co-administration of methyl salicylate with acetazolamide may raise the risk of acetazolamide-related adverse effects.

 

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Writer : dr Apri Haryono Hafid
Editor :
  • dr Hanifa Rahma
Last Updated : Friday, 31 October 2025 | 08:32

Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan. Metil salisilat. Available from: https://cekbpom.pom.go.id//home/produk/f78b0smnim36r9gvv9s15bndo3/all/row/100/page/1/order/4/DESC/search/5/metil%20salisilat 

Mims Indonesia. Galpain krim. Available from: https://www.mims.com/indonesia/drug/info/galpain%20cream?lang=id 

National Library of Medicine. Methyl salicylate. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methyl-salicylate#section=Evaluations-of-the-Joint-FAO-WHO-Expert-Committee-on-Food-Additives---JECFA 

Drugs.com. Methyl salicylate. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/methyl-salicylate-topical.html 

Metyl salicylate. Available from: https://reference.medscape.com/drug/muscle-rub-air-salonpas-methylsalicylate-menthol-camphor-topical-999673#4 

 

Drug Bank. Methyl salicylate. Available from: https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB09543