PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Vaporizer Liquids & Cold Rubs

Vaporizer Liquids & Cold Rubs

Rub yourself the right way

A soothing rubdown can be good for what ails you. Two topical ingredients -- camphor and menthol -- are considered effective in suppressing coughs. Slather the thick, aromatic stuff onto the throat and chest, and you'll start feeling better fast. Camphor and menthol can also be added to vaporizers for hot steam treatments. They produce aromatic vapors that can provide a pleasant, spa-like feeling.

Enjoy this therapy, but be careful not to ingest camphor-containing products, as seizures may occur. Used properly, rubs and vaporizers can work wonders in temporarily relieving a cough and sore throat due to the common cold.

Steamy Solutions and Rubbing Relief

  • Apply rubs no more than three or four times a day to the chest, throat, or the area below the opening of the nose. Leave clothing loose so that fumes can reach the nostrils.
  • Ointments are for external use only. Do not swallow and avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes.
  • Do not rub in areas where there are wounds, lesions, or damaged or sensitive skin.
  • Do not use topical ointments if you're allergic to camphor or menthol.
  • Avoid using on children under age 2 without the advice of a physician.
  • Create a vaporizer by adding the recommended amounts of menthol or camphor to an open container of boiling water and then breath in the medicated vapors. Repeat up to three times daily.
  • Steam vapors can also relieve symptoms of coughs and laryngitis.

Counterirritants/Antitussives

Counterirritant/antitussives are cough suppressants. They work by directly depressing the brain's cough center, which lowers the sensitivity of cough receptors and interrupts transmission of cough impulses to prevent you from coughing. They also relax the smooth muscles in the throat and bronchial passages. All this leads to a reduced urge to cough.

Counterirritants/Antitussives
Ingredient
Description
Camphor?A pleasant aromatic oil that may cause convulsions if ingested. Safe and effective when applied topically or used for steam inhalation.
Menthol?Menthol can be purified from peppermint or synthesized. It has a minty aroma. Safe and effective when applied topically or for steam inhalation.

FDA-Approved Uses

Counterirritant/Antitussives
  • Temporarily alleviates cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with a cold.

  • Alleviates and suppresses your cough to help you rest
Camphor and Menthol Rubs
  • These products contain camphor at 4.7% to 5.3% concentrations or menthol at 2.6% to 2.8% concentrations.
  • Rub a thick layer on the throat and chest area.
  • If desired, you may cover the area with a dry cloth.
  • Use up to three applications per day, or as directed by physician.
  • Consult a physician if using on children under age 6.
Camphor and Menthol Vaporizers
  • These products contain camphor at a 6.2% concentration or menthol at a 3.2% concentration.
  • Add one tablespoon of solution to one quart of hot water or 1 1/2 teaspoons of solution to one pint of boiling water.
  • Breathe in vapors up to three times per day or as directed by physician.

Warnings

Counterirritants (Antitussives)

Consult a physician before using or do not use if you have:
  • Chronic cough due to asthma, emphysema, or smoking
  • Allergy to camphor or menthol
  • Cough with overproduction of mucus
Or if you:
  • Plan to apply heat with the rub
  • Plan to apply near eyes and mucous membranes
  • Plan to apply on wounds or lesions, or broken, damaged, or sensitive skin
Common Side Effects

Counterirritant/Antitussive
  • None anticipated
Infrequent to Rare Side Effects

  • None anticipated
Effects of Overdose

  • None anticipated
What to Do in Case of Overdose

  • It is unlikely that an overdose of this medication will cause life-threatening symptoms. If you are still concerned, please seek the advice of your health professional.

Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading

Government Sources

1. Food & Drug Administration. Federal Register 8/12/87.
2. Food & Drug Administration. Federal Register 6/3/94.
3. Food & Drug Administration. Colds and Flu: Time Only Sure Cure. FDA Consumer 2/98.
Books

1. Covington, TR et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, Eleventh Ed. American Pharmaceutical Assoc. Washington, DC 1996.
2. Kastrup EK et al. Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons.
3. Inlander, CB and Slamans, S. The Over-the-Counter Doctor. Cader Books. New York, NY 1997.
Find more books on health and wellness at barnesandnoble.com.
Go to Shopping

Related Products
Soaps

Facial Cleansers & Astringents

Related Conditions
Acne

FREE Shipping when you fill a prescription!
Back to Shopping Back to Top

Have you or a family member had an experience with this? Help others by sharing your story now.

  7. Leave this field empty

Required Field