Menthol Topical Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 23, 2024.

Usual Adult Dose for Cough

Menthol 1.7 mg lozenge: Dissolve 3 lozenges (one at a time) slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed

Menthol 3.3 mg lozenges: Dissolve 1 to 2 lozenges (one at a time) slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed

Menthol 5.4 mg lozenges: Dissolve 1 lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed

Usual Adult Dose for Pain

Menthol 2.5% and 10% gel: Apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times a day

Menthol 2.5%, 4.5%, and 10% gel, and 5.138% stick: Apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times a day

Menthol 3.5% and 4% gel, 10% cream, and 5% gel roll-on: Apply a thin film to affected area not more than 4 times a day; massage not necessary

Menthol 3.7%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 10.5% spray, and 8% roll-on liquid: Spray/apply directly onto affected area with no need to rub, massage, or bandage, repeat as needed
Maximum dose: 4 applications per day

Menthol 7% and 16% gel, and 10% roll-on liquid: Apply generously to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times a day; massage into painful area until thoroughly absorbed

Menthol 10% cream: Apply a thin film to affected area not more than 4 times a day; massage not necessary

Menthol 5% patch: Apply 1 patch for up to 8 hours, repeat as needed for no more than 4 times a day

Menthol 7.5% patch: Apply 1 patch for up to 12 hours once a day

Menthol 16% patch: Apply 1 patch, repeat as needed no more than 3 times a day

Usual Adult Dose for Pruritus

Menthol 0.5% lotion: Apply to affected area up to 3 to 4 times daily

Menthol 1% powder: Apply freely to clean feet (over feet, between toes, on bottoms of feet, and in shoes) up to 3 to 4 times a day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough

Menthol 1.7 mg lozenge:
5 years and older: Dissolve 3 lozenges (one at a time) slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed

Menthol 3.3 mg lozenges:
5 years and older: Dissolve 1 to 2 lozenges (one at a time) slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed

Menthol 5.4 mg lozenges:
5 years and older: Dissolve 1 lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain

Menthol 2% gel:
2 years and older: Apply liberally to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times a day

Menthol 2.5%, 4.5%, 10% gel, and 5.138% stick:
12 years and older: Apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times a day

Menthol 3.5% and 4% gel, 10% cream, and 5% gel roll-on:
2 years and older: Apply a thin film to affected area not more than 4 times a day; massage not necessary

Menthol 3.7%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 10.5% spray, and 8% roll-on liquid:
12 years and older: Spray/apply directly onto affected area with no need to rub, massage, or bandage, repeat as needed
Maximum dose: 4 applications per day

Menthol 7% and 16% gel, and 10% roll-on liquid:
12 years and older: Apply generously to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times a day; massage into painful area until thoroughly absorbed

Menthol 10% cream:
12 years and older: Apply a thin film to affected area not more than 4 times a day; massage not necessary

Menthol 5% patch:
12 years and older: Apply 1 patch for up to 8 hours, repeat as needed for no more than 4 times a day

Menthol 7.5% patch:
12 years and older: Apply 1 patch for up to 12 hours once a day

Menthol 16% patch:
12 years and older: Apply 1 patch, repeat as needed no more than 3 times a day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pruritus

Menthol 0.5% lotion:
2 years and older: Apply to affected area up to 3 to 4 times daily

Menthol 1% powder:
2 years and older: Apply freely to clean feet (over feet, between toes, on bottoms of feet, and in shoes) up to 3 to 4 times a day

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients
• Use only as directed
• Do not use internally, with heating pads or devices, or on wounds or damaged skin (menthol gel)

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 2 years; this drug is not recommended for use in these patients.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Do not apply to wounds or damaged skin.
• Do not apply tight bandages or heat over the treatment area.
• Avoid contact with eyes.

Patient advice:

• Keep out of reach of children

See also:

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer