Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub ointment is a mentholated topical cream manufactured by Vicks. VapoRub is indicated for use on the chest & throat for cough suppression due to the common cold or on muscles & joints for minor aches and pains. Users of VapoRub often apply it immediately prior to sleep. VapoRub is currently manufactured and packaged in India and Mexico. In Germany it is sold under the name Wick VapoRub.
Safe use of VapoRub
Since the VapoRub ointment is an oil-based medication, it shouldn't be used under or inside the nose, inside the mouth or swallowed. Any oil-based product can get into the lungs if used improperly.[1]
Vicks VapoRub creates labored breathing in infants because it stimulates mucus production and airway inflammation, which can have severe effects on the breathing because of the small size of their airways.[2]
History
Lunsford Richardson developed the formula in 1894[3] when he created a salve for his children, after traveling to France.
A Penn State study showed Vicks VapoRub to be effective for helping cough and congestion, and helping children and even adults sleep.[4] Vicks VapoRub is an effective cough medicine for guinea pigs.[5] Vicks VapoRub has been used as an effective onychomycosis (nail's fungal infection) treatment.[6]
Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Label reads: Special Vick medications (camphor, menthol, spirits of turpentine, eucalyptus oil, cedar leaf oil, myristica oil, thymol)...compounded by the original Vick process. VICK CHEMICAL COMPANY Div of Richardson-Merrell Inc, New York, NY 10017
- Camphor 4.8% (Cough suppressant and topical analgesic)
- Eucalyptol 1.2% (Cough suppressant)
- Menthol 2.6% (Cough suppressant and topical analgesic)
Inactive Ingredients
- Cedarleaf oil
- Nutmeg oil
- special Petrolatum
- Thymol
- Turpentine oil
See also
References
- ↑ "Vicks VapoRub Topical Ointment Children's Cough Medicine". vicks.com. "Do not use: by mouth, with tight bandages, in nostrils, in wounds or damaged skin"
- ↑ Abanses, Juan Carlos; Arima, Shinobu; Rubin, Bruce K. (January 2009). "Vicks VapoRub Induces Mucin Secretion, Decreases Ciliary Beat Frequency, and Increases Tracheal Mucus Transport in the Ferret Trachea". Chest 135 (1): 143–8. doi:10.1378/chest.08-0095. PMID 19136404.
- ↑ Schwarcz, Joe (2003). Dr. Joe & What You Didn't Know: 177 Fascinating Questions About the Chemistry of Everyday Life. ECW Press. ISBN 978-1550225778.
- ↑ Paul, Ian M.; Beiler, Jessica S.; King, Tonya S.; Clapp, Edelveis R.; Vallati, Julie; Berlin Jr, Cheston M. (2010-11-08). "Vapor Rub, Petrolatum, and No Treatment for Children With Nocturnal Cough and Cold Symptoms". Retrieved 2013-03-08.
- ↑ Laude, E; Morice, AH; Grattan, TJ (1994). "The Antitussive Effects of Menthol, Camphor and Cineole in Conscious Guinea-pigs". Pulmonary Pharmacology 7 (3): 179–84. doi:10.1006/pulp.1994.1021. PMID 7827436.
- ↑ Derby, Richard; Rohal, Patrick; Jackson, Constance; Beutler, Anthony; Olsen, Cara (2011). "Novel Treatment of Onychomycosis using Over-the-Counter Mentholated Ointment: A Clinical Case Series". The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 24 (1): 69–74. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2011.01.100124. PMID 21209346.