Walgreens Chest Rub

Description

The product is a topical analgesic formulated as a semi-solid preparation intended for external use only. It contains menthol and camphor as active ingredients. Inactive ingredients include aloe vera gel, carbomer, glycerin, isopropyl myristate, purified water, sodium hydroxide, and triethanolamine. The product is packaged in a 4 oz (113 g) tube. The SPL code for this product is 34089-3.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with a cold. Additionally, it is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.

Limitations of Use: This drug is not intended for the treatment of chronic cough or cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema. It should be used with caution in patients with underlying respiratory conditions.

Dosage and Administration

For adults and children aged 2 years and older, a thick layer of the product should be applied to the throat and chest to alleviate cough symptoms, or it may be rubbed onto sore, aching muscles and joints. If desired, the treated area can be covered with a warm, dry cloth to enhance the effect. It is important to ensure that clothing around the throat and chest is left loose to facilitate the release of vapors to the nose and mouth. The product may be used up to three times daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

For children under 2 years of age, it is recommended to consult a doctor before use.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Heating, microwaving, or adding to hot water or any container where heating water may occur, as this can cause splattering and result in burns.

• Administration by mouth or placement in nostrils is prohibited.

• Contact with eyes must be avoided.

• Application to wounds or damaged skin is contraindicated.

• Tight bandaging of the area where the product is applied should not be performed.

Warnings and Precautions

For external use only.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a physician prior to use if they experience a cough accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus) or if they have a chronic cough related to smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

When utilizing this product, it is imperative to adhere to the following precautions:

• Avoid heating, microwaving, or adding the product to hot water or any container that may heat water, as this may lead to splattering and potential burns.

• The product should not be ingested or placed in the nostrils.

• Care should be taken to prevent contact with the eyes.

• The product must not be applied to wounds or damaged skin.

• Bandaging should not be done tightly over the application site.

In the event of accidental ingestion, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted at 1-800-222-1222.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if any of the following occur:

• A cough persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a headache that lasts, as these may indicate a serious underlying condition.

• Muscle aches and pains worsen, persist beyond 7 days, or resolve only to reoccur within a few days.

No specific laboratory tests are recommended for monitoring during the use of this product.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware that it is intended for external use only. It is important to consult a healthcare professional prior to use if the patient has a cough that occurs with excessive phlegm (mucus) or if they have a chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

While using this product, patients must adhere to specific precautions to avoid adverse reactions. It should not be heated, microwaved, or added to hot water or any container where heating water may occur, as this may lead to splattering and potential burns. Additionally, the product should not be ingested or placed in the nostrils, and care should be taken to avoid contact with the eyes. It is also advised not to apply the product to wounds or damaged skin and to avoid tight bandaging of the area.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and seek medical attention if their cough persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a headache lasting longer than a few days, as these symptoms may indicate a serious condition. Furthermore, if muscle aches and pains worsen, persist beyond 7 days, or resolve only to recur within a few days, medical consultation is recommended.

For pregnant or breastfeeding patients, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using this product to ensure safety for both the patient and the child.

Drug Interactions

No specific drug interactions have been identified in the available data. Additionally, there are no reported interactions with laboratory tests. Therefore, no dosage adjustments or monitoring recommendations are necessary based on the current information.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Walgreens Chest Rub (camphor, eucalyptus oil, menthol). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 2 years of age should consult a healthcare professional before use. For children aged 2 years and older, the recommended application involves rubbing a thick layer on the throat and chest to alleviate cough or on sore, aching muscles and joints. This can be done up to three times daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information regarding the use of this medication in geriatric patients, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to elderly patients, as individual responses may vary. Monitoring for potential adverse effects and therapeutic efficacy is recommended in this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully considered, as the effects on fetal outcomes and lactation are not fully established. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to discuss their individual circumstances with a healthcare provider to ensure safe use during pregnancy and lactation.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is currently no available data regarding the excretion of this medication in human breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have not been specifically addressed in the drug insert regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to this medication. Consequently, there are no dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the prescribing information.

Overdosage

In the absence of specific information regarding overdosage, healthcare professionals are advised to exercise caution and adhere to general principles of management in cases of suspected overdose.

It is essential to monitor the patient closely for any potential symptoms that may arise from an overdose. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the substance involved and the individual patient's response.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention should be sought. Healthcare providers should initiate supportive care, which may include maintaining airway patency, ensuring adequate ventilation, and monitoring vital signs.

If available, the use of specific antidotes or treatments should be considered based on the substance involved and the clinical presentation. Consultation with a poison control center or a medical toxicologist may provide additional guidance on the management of overdose cases.

Documentation of the incident, including the amount and timing of the substance taken, is crucial for effective treatment and follow-up care.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No information is available regarding teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects. Additionally, there is no data provided concerning nonclinical toxicology, animal pharmacology, or toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

No postmarketing experience details are provided in the insert.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if the product is swallowed.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if their cough persists for more than 7 days, returns, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a headache that lasts, as these symptoms may indicate a serious condition. Additionally, if muscle aches and pains worsen, persist beyond 7 days, or resolve only to recur within a few days, patients should also stop using the product and seek medical advice.

It is important to inform patients that while using this product, they should avoid heating, microwaving, or adding it to hot water or any container that may heat water, as this could lead to splattering and burns. Patients should be cautioned against taking the product by mouth or placing it in their nostrils, and they should ensure that it does not come into contact with their eyes. Furthermore, patients should not apply the product to wounds or damaged skin, nor should they bandage the area tightly.

Healthcare providers should encourage patients to consult a doctor before using the product if they have a cough associated with excessive phlegm (mucus) or if they have a chronic cough that persists or occurs in conjunction with smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a configuration that includes specific NDC numbers, which should be referenced for accurate identification. It is essential to store the product at room temperature, ensuring that it is protected from light exposure to maintain its integrity.

Special handling precautions must be observed; the product should not be heated, microwaved, or added to hot water or any container that is intended for heating water. Such actions may lead to splattering, posing a risk of burns. Additionally, it is crucial to keep the product out of reach of children and to discard any remaining contents after opening to ensure safety and efficacy.

Additional Clinical Information

The product is administered topically and may be used up to three times daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. It is important to keep the product out of reach of children, and in the event of accidental ingestion, patients should seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Walgreens Chest Rub, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)