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Mint Menthol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 12, 2024.

Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)

What is it?

Menthol is a substance that is harvested from mint plants. Menthol is a flavor additive widely used in consumer and medicinal products. Medicinal menthol can be synthetic or made from the extracts of mint oil. Menthol provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin or other tissues (such as the tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks). Some topical preparations used for muscle aches contain menthol, and may be combined with methyl salicylate. Menthol topical oral mucous membrane (inside the mouth) is used to treat minor sore throat pain, or mouth irritation caused by a canker sore. Menthol is also used to flavor cigarettes.[1]

References

  1. Drugs.com. Menthol. Accessed February 21, 2015 at http://www.drugs.com/mtm/menthol-topical-oral-mucous-membrane.html[1]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.