Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
This product is designed to alleviate minor muscle and joint aches and pains, including those associated with arthritis, backaches, and sprains. Menthol and methyl salicylate, known as counterirritants, are part of the active ingredients. They function by inducing a cooling sensation followed by warmth on the skin. These sensations serve to divert attention from deeper muscle, joint, and tendon discomfort, providing relief from aches and pains.
Uses and Dosage
This medication is exclusively for topical application to the skin. Avoid applying near the eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals, and take care not to touch these areas while the medication is on your hands. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with water.
Before handling contact lenses, ensure thorough hand washing.
If using the lotion, spray, or foam, shake the bottle well before use.
Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily. Gently and thoroughly massage it into the skin. After application, wash your hands unless specifically treating the hands. If treating the hands, wait at least 30 minutes before washing.
Avoid applying this medication to injured or irritated skin (such as cuts, scrapes, or sunburns). Refrain from bandaging or tightly wrapping the area, as it may heighten the risk of side effects. Loose covering may be used to protect clothing.
Heat can increase the risk of side effects. Avoid applying this medication immediately before, during, or after activities that raise skin temperature (such as bathing in hot water, swimming, sunbathing, or intense exercise) or in hot/humid weather. Wait until the skin has cooled before application. Do not use sunlamps, tanning beds, hot water bottles, or heating pads on the treated area.
This product comes in various strengths and formulations with similar-sounding names. Read the label carefully to ensure you have the correct product. Consult your pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists beyond 7 days, worsens, or recurs frequently. Seek medical assistance promptly if you suspect a serious medical issue.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- mild irritation at application site
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- severe burning, stinging, irritation, pain, swelling, rash, or blistering at application site
- hives
- difficult breathing
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
Caution
- Before using this product, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to menthol, methyl salicylate, aspirin, other salicylates (such as salsalate), or any other substances. Inactive ingredients in the product may trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you have any of the following health issues: asthma or nasal polyps.
- This medication contains a salicylate, similar to aspirin. Children and adolescents under 18 years old should avoid using this product if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness, or if they have recently been vaccinated. In these situations, the use of aspirin or aspirin-like products may increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but severe illness.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive. This medication may pose risks to an unborn baby and interfere with normal labor and delivery. Its use is generally not recommended during pregnancy from the 20th week until delivery. If your doctor determines that you need to use this medication between the 20th and 30th weeks of pregnancy, it should be at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Avoid using this medication after the 30th week of pregnancy. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- The passage of this product into breast milk is uncertain. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Tiger Balm Regular is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Tiger Balm Regular balm
FAQ
How often can Tiger Balm be used?
Tiger Balm shouldn’t be applied more than 3-4 times within a 24 hour period.
How does Tiger Balm work?
Upon contact, this medication creates a warming or cooling sensation to dilate blood vessels, re-oxygenate the tissues and relax muscles to ultimately stop the pain messages that are being sent to the brain via nerves in the body
Resources
- https://ruba535.ca/frequently-asked-questions
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/in-depth/pain-medications/art-20045899
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/23757-menthol-methyl-salicylate-cream-lotion-or-ointment
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/menthol-and-methyl-salicylate-topical-application-route/side-effects/drg-20526859
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-18536-2113/methyl-salicylate-menthol-topical/methyl-salicylate-menthol-patch-topical/details
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-61766/muscle-rub-cream-topical/details
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/camphor-menthol-and-methyl-salicylate-topical.html#side-effects
