Medrox (Methyl Salicylate, Menthol, and Capsaicin Cream and Ointment)

Generic name: Methyl Salicylate, Menthol, and Capsaicin Cream and Ointment [ METH-il-sa-LIS-i-late, MEN-thol, & kap-SAY-sin ]
Brand names: Medi-Derm, Medi-Derm Rx, Medrox, Medrox-Rx, Reliaderm, Rematex, Ziks Arthritis Pain Relief
Drug class: Topical rubefacient

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 3, 2024.

Uses of Medrox:

It is used to ease muscle and joint aches and pain.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Medrox?

If you are allergic to Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment); any part of Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Medrox?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment) is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
Take Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment) off of the skin if very bad burning or itching happens.
If signs get worse or last for more than 7 days, talk with the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment) while you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Medrox) best taken?

Use Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Do not take Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment) by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
Before you use Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment) for the first time, rub a little bit onto the skin of your arm to check if you will have a skin reaction.
Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
Put on clean, dry, healthy skin.
Do not put on cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin.
Do not put on open wounds.
Do not put on irritated skin.
Do not bandage tightly.
Do not use heat on the treated part.
Avoid sunlight on treated area.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

If you use Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment) on a regular basis, put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not put on 2 doses or extra doses.
Many times Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment) is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Irritation where Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment) is used.
Very bad burning or burning that does not go away.

What are some other side effects of Medrox?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Burning.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Medrox?

Store at room temperature.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Medrox (methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin cream and ointment), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.