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Capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate topical

Generic name: capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate topical [ kap-SAY-sin, MEN-thol, METH-il-NIK-oh-TIN-ate, and-METH-il-sa-LISS-il-ate-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand name: Nuvira
Dosage form: topical film (0.025%-10%-0.25%-10%)
Drug class: Topical rubefacient

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 22, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate?

Capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate topical (for the skin) is a combination product used for temporary relief of joint and muscle pain, inflammation caused by arthritis, muscle cramps, neckache and back pain or discomfort.

Capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Stop using capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate and call your doctor at once if you have:

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate topical just before or after heart surgery. Capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate if you are allergic to it or if you have ever had an allergy (especially to aspirin or other NSAIDs).

Capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart surgery. Capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. This can occur without warning, especially in older adults.

Some drugs should not be used with capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate. Tell your doctor if you also use a diuretic ("water pill") or any other medication.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have or have ever had:

Do not use capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate during pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID in the last 20 weeks can harm the unborn baby or cause pregnancy complications.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old.

How should I use capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger amounts, or for longer than directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Clean and dry the affected area before application. Wash your hands after applying capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate topical, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition.

Capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate patch is usually applied to the affected area once per day. The patch may be cut into smaller sizes before removing the protective film, and it can be used in up to 2 body parts at a time. A patch should not be worn for more than 12 hours.

Do not bandage treated skin or expose it to heat. Your skin may absorb the medicine, which could cause harmful effects. Do not apply the patch over irritated or infected skin.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, if they get worse, or get better and then come back within 3 days of treatment.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time before and after surgery.

This medicine is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke while you have a patch on your skin.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while using capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate?

Do not get capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate topical in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage or stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate, unless you doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect capsaicin, menthol, methyl nicotinate, and methyl salicylate?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use, but many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

More about capsaicin / menthol / methyl nicotinate / methyl salicylate topical

Patient resources

Other brands

Nuvira

Related treatment guides

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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