Description

Vicks VapoRub ointment is a medication that is applied to the chest and back to relieve symptoms of irritation and inflammation of the nasal and throat mucosa. The volatile ingredients contained in the ointment evaporate and are inhaled, helping to relieve symptoms such as colds with coughs, runny noses with swelling of the nasal mucosa, and nasal congestion.

Import: InPharm

Country: Greece

Learn more about parallel import.

Composition

The active substances of the drug are: levomenthol ( Levomentholum ), racemic camphor (Camphora recemica ), eucalyptus oil (Eucalypti aetheroleum) and turpentine oil (Terbinthinae aetheroleum a Pino pinastro).

100 g of Vicks VapoRub ointment contains 2.75 g of levomenthol, 5 g of racemic camphor, 1.5 g of eucalyptus oil, 5 g of turpentine oil.

Excipients: thymol, cedar oil, white petrolatum.

Dosage

This is a medicine. For safety, use it according to the package leaflet. Do not exceed the maximum dose. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The ointment is for external use only; it should not be swallowed. The medication is applied by rubbing the ointment onto the chest and back. To enhance the effectiveness of inhalation, it is recommended to wear breathable clothing after applying Vicks VapoRub. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen after 7 days, or if the patient develops a fever.

The recommended dosage of Vicks VapoRub ointment depends on the patient's age. For adults and children over 12 years of age, thoroughly rub 1 teaspoon of the ointment into the chest and back 2–4 times daily. For children 5–12 years of age, gently rub half a teaspoon of the ointment into the chest 2–3 times daily.

Action

Vicks VapoRub ointment works by inhaling volatile substances that soothe upper respiratory tract discomfort associated with a runny nose. Menthol and camphor reduce nasal mucosa swelling and coughing through a mild anesthetic effect. Eucalyptus oil and turpentine oil stimulate mucus secretion in the upper respiratory tract, thereby promoting expectoration.

Indications

The indications for using Vicks VapoRub are irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose and throat, which may occur, for example, with a cold, which may manifest itself as: cough, runny nose with swelling of the nasal mucosa and a feeling of difficulty breathing.

Contraindications

Vicks VapoRub is contraindicated if you are allergic to the active substances or any of the other ingredients. Do not use on broken skin, cuts, or mucous membranes, or on people with active bronchial asthma or other respiratory diseases, or who have been diagnosed with respiratory hypersensitivity. This product is intended for children over 5 years of age.

Do not bandage the area where the ointment was applied. Do not apply warm compresses or any other type of heat.

Side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Application site reactions: redness, skin irritation, eye irritation from evaporating volatile ingredients, allergic dermatitis, local reactions caused by hypersensitivity to one of the drug's ingredients. Irritations or allergic reactions are usually mild and rare.

Improper use: After accidental ingestion of significant amounts of Vicks VapoRub ointment, acute poisoning has been observed with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and dizziness, flushing, convulsions and, in severe cases, respiratory paralysis and coma.

Warnings and precautions

Special caution should be exercised in patients with hypersensitivity to perfumes and solvents and in epileptic patients with seizures.

Storage:

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Store below 25°C.

Use of other medications

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking, have recently taken or might take.

No interactions of Vicks VapoRub with other medications have been reported to date. There is a theoretical risk of interactions between camphor and medications that lower the seizure threshold, including vasoconstrictors, antihistamines, piperazine derivatives, and amylocaine.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Do not use Vicks VapoRub during pregnancy or by breastfeeding women.

Use of the drug in children and adolescents

Not to be used in children under 5 years of age.