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Camphor (synthetic)/Eucalyptus oil/Menthol

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Active ingredients
  • Eucalyptus Oil 1.13 g/113 g – 12 mg/1 g
  • Camphor (synthetic) 5.31 g/113 g – 48 mg/1 g
  • Menthol 1.13 g/113 g – 26 mg/1 g
Reference brand
Vicks Vaporub
Dosage forms
  • Cream
  • Gel
  • Jelly
  • Ointment
  • Salve
Routes
  • Respiratory (inhalation)
  • Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 1993
Label revision date
March 12, 2026
Active ingredients
  • Eucalyptus Oil 1.13 g/113 g – 12 mg/1 g
  • Camphor (synthetic) 5.31 g/113 g – 48 mg/1 g
  • Menthol 1.13 g/113 g – 26 mg/1 g
Reference brand
Vicks Vaporub
Dosage forms
  • Cream
  • Gel
  • Jelly
  • Ointment
  • Salve
Routes
  • Respiratory (inhalation)
  • Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 1993
Label revision date
March 12, 2026

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Drug Overview

Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment designed to provide temporary relief from cough and minor aches and pains. When applied to the chest and throat, it helps alleviate cough caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold. Additionally, it can be used on muscles and joints to relieve minor aches and pains.

This product acts as both a cough suppressant and a topical analgesic, meaning it helps reduce coughing and provides soothing relief for discomfort in muscles and joints. Vicks VapoRub is suitable for use by adults and children aged 2 years and older.

Uses

When you apply this ointment to your chest and throat, it can temporarily relieve cough caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold. Additionally, it can be used on muscles and joints to provide temporary relief from minor aches and pains.

Some formulations may also help alleviate nasal congestion due to the common cold. You can use it up to three times daily, especially at bedtime, for the best results. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosage and Administration

For adults and children aged 2 years and older, apply a thick layer of the ointment on the throat and chest to help suppress cough or on sore, aching muscles and joints. If you wish, you can cover the area with a warm, dry cloth, but make sure to keep clothing loose around the throat and chest to allow the vapors to reach the nose and mouth. You can use this treatment up to three times a day or as directed by your doctor.

For muscle or joint pain, apply the ointment to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily. It is important to note that this product should not be used on children under 2 years of age unless directed by a doctor.

What to Avoid

You should avoid using this product in the following ways: do not apply it by mouth, in nostrils, on wounds or damaged skin, or with tight bandages. Additionally, when using this product, do not heat, microwave, or add it to hot water or any container where heating water, as this may cause splattering and result in burns. If you have a persistent or chronic cough (such as from asthma or emphysema), consult a doctor before use. Always keep this product out of reach of children, and seek medical help immediately if ingested.

Side Effects

When using topical chest rubs, it's important to be aware of potential side effects and warnings. These products are for external use only and should not come into contact with your eyes, be ingested, or applied to wounds or damaged skin. If you experience muscle aches or pains that persist for more than 7 days, or if your cough lasts longer than a week, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, you should stop using the product and consult a doctor. A persistent cough may indicate a serious condition.

Before using these products, consult a doctor if you have asthma, excessive phlegm (mucus), emphysema, or a chronic cough associated with smoking. Additionally, avoid heating the product, as this can cause burns. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, seek advice from a healthcare professional before use. Always keep these products out of reach of children, and in case of accidental ingestion, contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Warnings and Precautions

  • This product is for external use only. Avoid contact with your eyes, and do not use it by mouth, in nostrils, on wounds or damaged skin, or with tight bandages.

  • Before using, consult a doctor if you have a cough with excessive phlegm (mucus), or a persistent or chronic cough due to smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

  • When using this product, do not heat, microwave, or add it to hot water, as this may cause splattering and burns.

  • Stop using and call your doctor if:

    • Muscle aches and pains worsen or persist for more than 7 days, or if they clear up and return.

    • Cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache. A persistent cough may indicate a serious condition.

  • Keep this product out of reach of children. If swallowed, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose

If you accidentally swallow any type of chest rub ointment or gel, it's important to seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Signs of an overdose may not be specifically listed, but any ingestion of these products can be harmful, especially to children. Always keep these products out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

In case of accidental ingestion, act quickly and do not wait for symptoms to appear. Getting prompt assistance can help ensure safety and proper care.

Pregnancy Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using any medicated chest rubs or ointments. Many products, including popular brands like Vicks and Equate, carry this recommendation due to potential risks to you and your baby.

Some products may be contraindicated during pregnancy, meaning they should not be used at all. Always prioritize your health and the health of your baby by seeking professional advice before using these products.

Lactation Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using any topical products, including chest rubs and ointments. This is to ensure the safety of both you and your baby, as some ingredients may pass into breast milk (excreted in breast milk) or affect your infant. While some products do not have specific warnings for nursing mothers, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice.

Pediatric Use

For children under 2 years of age, it is important to not use these products unless directed by a doctor. For adults and children aged 2 years and older, you can apply a thick layer of the ointment on the throat and chest to help suppress coughs, or on sore muscles and joints. It is recommended to cover the area with a warm, dry cloth if desired and to keep clothing loose around the throat and chest to allow vapors to reach the nose and mouth. You can use the product up to three times daily or as directed by a doctor.

Always keep these products out of reach of children, and if swallowed, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Geriatric Use

You may find that many common chest rubs and ointments, such as Vicks Vaporub and various generic brands, do not provide specific information regarding their use in older adults. This means there are no established dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions outlined for elderly patients.

As always, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before using any new medication, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. They can help ensure that the product is safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to be aware of how certain medications may affect you. For some chest rubs and ointments, dosage adjustments may be necessary if you have reduced kidney function. Specifically, if your creatinine clearance (a measure of kidney function) is less than 30 mL/min, a reduced dose is often recommended. Regular monitoring of your renal function is also advised to ensure your kidneys are handling the medication properly, especially if you have severe renal impairment, to avoid potential toxicity.

However, many products do not provide specific information regarding renal impairment, dosage adjustments, or monitoring requirements. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any new medication, especially if you have existing kidney issues.

Hepatic Impairment

You may be wondering about the use of various chest rubs and ointments if you have liver issues. It's important to note that none of the products listed provide specific information regarding liver impairment, which means there are no dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or precautions mentioned for individuals with liver problems.

If you have concerns about using these products due to liver health, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Drug Interactions

Most of the chest rubs and vapor ointments listed, including popular brands like Vicks and Equate, do not have any reported drug interactions or interactions with laboratory tests. This means that, based on the available information, these products are generally considered safe to use alongside other medications. However, it's always important to discuss any medications or treatments you are using with your healthcare provider. They can help ensure that your overall treatment plan is safe and effective, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the effectiveness and safety of your chest rub products, store them at room temperature, ideally between 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F). Keep the container tightly closed and protect it from excessive heat and light. Avoid heating the product in a microwave or adding it to hot water, as this can cause splattering and burns.

Always keep these products out of reach of children, and if the seal on the jar is broken or missing, do not use it. After opening, it's best to discard the product when no longer needed to ensure safety. If swallowed, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold when applied to the chest and throat. It also provides temporary relief of nasal congestion and chest congestion due to the common cold. Additionally, it is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains when applied to muscles and joints.

Limitations of Use

For children under 2 years of age, it is advised to consult a physician before use. The product should be used externally only, and a thick layer should be applied to the chest and throat or sore, aching muscles. It may be covered with a warm, dry cloth if desired, and clothing should be left loose over the throat and chest to help vapors reach the nose and mouth. The product can be used up to three times daily or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children 2 years and older are instructed to rub a thick layer of the ointment on the throat and chest for cough suppression or on sore, aching muscles and joints. If desired, the area may be covered with a warm, dry cloth, and clothing should be kept loose around the throat and chest to facilitate the release of vapors to the nose and mouth. This application can be repeated up to three times daily or as directed by a healthcare professional.

For muscle and joint minor aches and pains, the ointment should be applied to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily.

Children under 2 years of age should not use this product unless directed by a doctor.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

  • By mouth.

  • In nostrils.

  • On wounds or damaged skin.

  • With tight bandages.

  • In patients with persistent or chronic cough, such as occurs with asthma, emphysema, or smoking.

Additionally, when using this product, it is advised not to:

  • Heat or microwave the product.

  • Add to hot water or any container where heating water, as this may cause splattering and result in burns.

  • Use near an open flame.

Warnings and Precautions

For external use only; avoid contact with eyes.

Do not use:

  • By mouth

  • In nostrils

  • On wounds or damaged skin

  • With tight bandages

General Precautions:

  • Ask a doctor before use if you have:

    • Cough that occurs with too much phlegm (mucus)

    • Persistent or chronic cough such as occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema

  • When using this product, do not:

    • Heat

    • Microwave

    • Add to hot water or any container where heating water may cause splattering and result in burns

    • Use near an open flame

Stop Taking and Call Your Doctor if:

  • Muscle aches and pains worsen or persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days

  • Cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or occurs with fever, rash, or persistent headache. A persistent cough may be a sign of a serious condition.

Get Emergency Medical Help:

  • If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.

Keep out of reach of children.

  • If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.

Side Effects

Patients using topical chest rubs should be aware of several potential adverse reactions and warnings associated with these products.

Warnings

  • For external use only; avoid contact with eyes.

  • Do not use by mouth, in nostrils, on wounds or damaged skin, or with tight bandages.

  • Heating, microwaving, or adding to hot water may cause splattering and result in burns.

Serious Adverse Reactions

Patients should stop use and consult a doctor if:

  • Muscle aches and pains worsen or persist for more than 7 days, or clear up and occur again within a few days.

  • Cough lasts more than 7 days, tends to recur, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache. A persistent cough may indicate a serious condition.

Additional Considerations

  • Patients with asthma, excessive phlegm (mucus), emphysema, or a persistent or chronic cough (such as occurs with smoking) should consult a doctor before use.

  • If swallowed, seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Frequency of Adverse Reactions

While specific frequencies of adverse reactions are not detailed in the provided data, the following symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

  • Muscle aches and pains persisting beyond 7 days.

  • Cough lasting more than 7 days or recurring with additional symptoms such as fever, rash, or headache.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Summary

Adverse reactions may vary by product, but common warnings and precautions are consistent across various brands. It is crucial for patients to adhere to the guidelines provided and seek medical advice when necessary.

Drug Interactions

No specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions have been reported for the following products:

  • Vicks Childrens Vaporub (Ointment)

  • Equate (Ointment)

  • Cvs Health (Ointment)

  • Vicks Vaporub (Ointment)

  • Chest Rub (Jelly)

  • Bactimicina Vapor Rub (Ointment)

  • Goodsense Medicated Chest Rub (Ointment)

  • Equate Vaporizing (Ointment)

  • Walgreens Chest Rub (Ointment)

  • Chest Rub (Jelly)

  • Vapor Rub (Ointment)

  • Chest Rub (Ointment)

  • Vaporizing Colds Rub (Ointment)

  • Vaporizing Rub (Ointment)

  • Careall Medicated Chest Rub (Ointment)

  • Vaporx (Ointment)

  • Chest Rub (Jelly)

  • Chest Rub (Jelly)

  • Vicks Vaporub (Ointment)

  • Vicks Vaporub (Ointment)

  • Medicated Chest Rub (Jelly)

  • Chest Rub (Jelly)

  • Medpride Chest Rub (Ointment)

  • Vaporex (Ointment)

  • Avedana Medicated Chest Rub (Ointment)

  • Medicated Chest Rub (Ointment)

  • Cvs Health Medicated Chest Rub (Ointment)

  • Quality Choice Medicated Chest Rub (Ointment)

  • Good Neighbor Pharmacy Medicated Chest Rub (Ointment)

  • Healthwise Chest Rub (Ointment)

  • Quality Choice Medicated Chest Rub (Ointment)

  • Vaporizing Chest Rub (Gel)

  • Chest Rub (Jelly)

  • Cough Suppressant and Topical Analgesic (Ointment)

  • Chest Rub (Jelly)

  • Winco Foods Medicated Chest Rub (Ointment)

  • Vicks Vaporub Advanced Plus (Ointment)

In summary, the reviewed products do not have documented drug interactions or interactions with laboratory tests.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 2 years of age should not use these products unless directed by a healthcare provider. For children aged 2 years and older, the following guidelines apply:

Efficacy

  • For cough suppression, a thick layer of the ointment should be rubbed on the throat and chest. It is recommended to cover the area with a warm, dry cloth if desired, and to keep clothing loose around the throat and chest to facilitate the inhalation of vapors. This application can be repeated up to three times daily or as directed by a healthcare provider.

  • For minor aches and pains in muscles and joints, the ointment can be applied to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily.

Safety

  • Care should be taken to keep the product out of reach of children. In the event of accidental ingestion, medical help should be sought immediately or contact a Poison Control Center.

  • If symptoms persist or worsen, or if there are any concerns regarding the use of the product, consultation with a healthcare provider is advised.

Geriatric Use

No specific information regarding geriatric use, dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions for elderly patients is provided in the inserts for the various ointments and jellies listed. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when administering these products to geriatric patients, as the absence of data may indicate a lack of established safety or efficacy in this population. Monitoring for any adverse effects is recommended, and healthcare providers should consider individual patient factors when determining the appropriateness of these products for elderly patients.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients should exercise caution when considering the use of various medicated chest rubs and ointments. Most products, including Vicks Children's Vaporub, Equate, CVS Health, and others, advise consulting a healthcare professional prior to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This recommendation is consistent across multiple brands and formulations, including ointments and gels.

However, it is important to note that one specific product, Healthwise Medicated Chest Rub, is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus. No specific dosage modifications are provided for pregnant patients using other products, but special precautions should be taken when considering their use.

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential fetal impacts associated with the use of these products and advise pregnant patients accordingly. Overall, the general consensus is to seek professional guidance before using any medicated chest rubs or ointments during pregnancy.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a healthcare professional before using any of the listed products, including various chest rubs and ointments, as there are no specific warnings or recommendations regarding their use during breastfeeding. While some products do not provide explicit information about excretion in breast milk or potential risks to breastfed infants, the general guidance remains to seek professional advice.

The absence of specific data on the effects of these products on lactation or breastfed infants underscores the importance of individualized consultation. Healthcare providers can offer tailored recommendations based on the specific product and the mother's health status.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment may require careful consideration when using certain medications. For some formulations, dosage adjustments may be necessary, particularly for those with reduced renal function. It is recommended that renal function tests be monitored regularly in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy.

Specifically, for patients with a creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min, a reduced dose should be considered to avoid potential toxicity. Special monitoring is essential for patients with severe renal impairment to mitigate risks associated with medication use.

While many product labels do not provide specific information regarding renal impairment, those that do emphasize the importance of adjusting dosages based on individual renal function and maintaining vigilant oversight of renal health.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment do not have specific dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or precautions outlined in the inserts for the following products: Vicks Children's Vaporub, Equate, CVS Health, Medicated Chest Rub, Meijer Medicated Chest Rub, Vicks Vaporub, Viva Porru Chest Rub, Chest Rub (Jelly), Bactimicina Vapor Rub, Rite Aid Chest Rub, and others listed.

The available information indicates that there are no known restrictions or necessary modifications for patients with liver problems across these formulations, which include ointments, gels, and creams. Therefore, healthcare providers may consider the standard dosing recommendations for these products when treating patients with hepatic impairment, as no additional safety concerns or monitoring parameters have been specified in the product labeling.

Overdosage

In the event of accidental ingestion of any of the ointments or gels listed, immediate medical assistance should be sought. It is crucial to contact a Poison Control Center without delay. The recommended contact number for the Poison Control Center is 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms of overdosage may vary, but individuals may experience adverse effects that necessitate medical evaluation. Monitoring for any unusual symptoms following ingestion is advised, and caregivers should remain vigilant for signs of distress in the affected individual.

All products should be kept out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. In cases where ingestion occurs, it is imperative to act swiftly by obtaining medical help or contacting a Poison Control Center immediately.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Teratogenic Effects

The available data indicate that several products advise consulting a healthcare professional if pregnant or breastfeeding before use. Specifically, the following products include this caution: Vicks Children's Vaporub, Equate, CVS Health, Goodsense Medicated Chest Rub, Equate Vaporizing, Vapor Rub, Medicated Chest Rub, Quality Choice Medicated Chest Rub, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Medicated Chest Rub, Healthwise Chest Rub, and others. However, some products, such as Chest Rub and Medpride Chest Rub, report no teratogenic effects observed in animal studies, with no increase in fetal malformations noted.

Non-Teratogenic Effects

Most products do not specify any non-teratogenic effects. Notably, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Medicated Chest Rub and Quality Choice Medicated Chest Rub mention the need to stop use and consult a doctor if muscle aches or cough persists beyond a specified duration, indicating potential concerns for serious conditions.

Nonclinical Toxicology Section

The nonclinical toxicology sections of the reviewed products generally lack specific details. Many labels do not provide relevant information regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology. Notable exceptions include Chest Rub and Medpride Chest Rub, which indicate that animal studies did not reveal any adverse developmental outcomes.

Animal Pharmacology and Toxicology

The majority of products do not present specific animal pharmacology and toxicology data. However, Chest Rub and Medpride Chest Rub report no adverse developmental outcomes in animal studies, suggesting a lack of significant toxicity in this context. Overall, the data available across the various products indicate a need for caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, while also highlighting the absence of significant teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects in animal studies for some formulations.

Storage and Handling

Vicks Children's Vaporub, Equate, CVS Health, Medicated Chest Rub, Vicks Vaporub, and various other brands of chest rubs and ointments are supplied in multiple forms, primarily as ointments, gels, and jellies. All products should be stored at room temperature, typically defined as 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F).

Certain products, such as Equate Vaporizing and Walgreens Chest Rub, have additional handling requirements. These include keeping the container tightly closed, protecting from excessive heat, and avoiding heating methods such as microwaving or adding to hot water, as these actions may cause splattering and result in burns. It is also advised to keep these products out of reach of children and to discard them after opening.

For specific products like the Medicated Chest Rub, it is important to note that they should not be used if the seal on the jar is broken or missing. Additionally, Vicks Vaporub Advanced Plus should be stored at no greater than 25°C (77°F).

Overall, all chest rubs and ointments should be handled with care to ensure safety and efficacy.

Product Labels

The table below lists all over-the-counter labels containing camphor (synthetic), eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Use it to compare dosage forms, strengths, and uses across products.

FDA-Approved Camphor (synthetic) , eucalyptus oil, menthol Labels (Originator & Generics) showing branded and generic formulations with forms, routes, strengths, and FDA approval years.
More Details
Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It consolidates data from 80 FDA Structured Product Labels (DailyMed) for Camphor (synthetic) , Eucalyptus Oil, Menthol (marketed as Vicks Childrens Vaporub, Equate, Cvs Health), with data retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow. This includes 80 distinct product formulations. All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are aggregated in the sections above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory. Detailed product-specific information is available via the individual label pages linked above. No human clinician has reviewed this version.

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Primary FDA sources:

Orange Book data shown on this page are limited to Regulatory Status (Rx), Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), and Mechanism of Action (MoA).

Regulatory data notice: Information on this page is reproduced verbatim from FDA public databases (NSDE, Orange Book, Purple Book, DailyMed SPL). NDA/ANDA drugs are FDA-approved, BLA biologics are FDA-licensed. Inclusion alone does not guarantee current market availability or imply FDA endorsement.

Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.