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Patient Information Leaflet

Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.

This medicine is available without prescription. Nevertheless you still need to use Mentholatum Balm carefully to get the best results from it.

•    Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.

•    Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.

•    You must see a doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

•    If any of the side effects gets serious or if you notice any side effect not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

In this leaflet:

1.    What Mentholatum Balm is and what it is used for

2.    Before you use Mentholatum Balm

3.    How to use Mentholatum Balm

4.    Possible side effects

5.    How to store Mentholatum Balm

6.    Further information

Mentholatum Balm is an ointment for use on the skin or for inhalation to ease congestion. It is recommended for the relief of symptoms of:

•    colds, congestion (catarrh) and hay fever

•    muscular pain and stiffness including:

o backache and lumbago (lower back pain) o sciatica (pain in the lower back and thigh) o fibrositis (muscle tenderness or stiffness) o rheumatic pain (in muscles, tendons or joints) o bruises o chilblains

•    minor skin conditions including:

o dry and chapped skin o nettle rash o insect bites and stings o itching

Do not use Mentholatum Balm if you have:

• an allergy to any of the ingredients in Mentholatum Balm (see Section 6)

•    an allergy to painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

•    broken or delicate skin

Do not use Mentholatum Balm on:

•    children under 3 years old

•    your eyes or other sensitive areas. If this happens wash with plenty of clean water. Mentholatum Balm is only for use on the skin or by inhalation. Do not take by mouth. Take care that the balm cannot be licked off by a child after it is applied.

Take special care

See your doctor before using Mentholatum Balm if you:

•    are pregnant or breastfeeding

•    have asthma

Taking other medicines

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes any medicines you have bought without a prescription.

See your doctor before using Mentholatum Balm if you are taking

•    medicines that thin the blood or prevent clots (including aspirin).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

See your doctor before using Mentholatum Balm if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Adults and children over 3 years of age:

Always try on a small area first. Mentholatum Balm can be used 2-3 times a day.

Wash your hands immediately after use (unless you are treating your hands). If you get

any in your eyes or other sensitive areas wash with plenty of clean water.

For colds, congestion and hay fever:

•    either rub a thin layer onto your chest, neck and back so that you can inhale the vapour

•    or you can melt one teaspoonful of Mentholatum Balm in hot water and inhale the vapour

•    do not apply under the nostrils in children.

For muscular aches and pains, bruises and chilblains:

•    gently massage a thin layer of Mentholatum Balm to the affected area until the ointment is rubbed in.

For minor skin conditions

• dab a small amount, in a thin layer, onto the affected area.

Keep the area where you have used Mentholatum Balm uncovered or loosely covered. Do not cover the skin with bandages, plasters or any other dressing.

Stop using the ointment if you get excessive skin irritation or other unwanted effects.

If you use more Mentholatum Balm than you should

If you accidentally use too much ointment use a tissue to wipe off the skin.

In the case of accidental swallowing of Mentholatum Balm by you or a child, it is important to consult a physician without delay who can provide any necessary treatment. Do not try to induce vomiting.

If you forget to use Mentholatum Balm

If you forget to use Mentholatum Balm use it again when you remember but do not use more than 3 times a day.

Like all medicines Mentholatum Balm can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Stop using Mentholatum Balm if excessive skin irritation or other unwanted effects occur.

Temporary skin redness or a burning sensation may occur particularly if you have sensitive skin.

If any side effects become severe or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Do not use after the expiry date which is printed on the jar or tube and carton. The ‘expiry’ date refers to the last day of that month.

Take any Mentholatum Balm that is out of date to a pharmacist for disposal.

What Mentholatum Balm contains

The active substances are:

• Menthol    1.35%w/w

• Camphor    9.00%w/w

•    Methyl salicylate 0.33%w/w

The other ingredients are: eucalyptus oil, pumilo pine oil, titanium dioxide and yellow soft paraffin.

What Mentholatum Balm looks like and contents of the pack

Mentholatum Balm is a yellow ointment. It is available in plastic jars containing 30g or aluminium tubes containing 25g.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer:

The Mentholatum Company Limited, East Kilbride, G74 5PE, Scotland, UK.

Tel:01355 848484 PL 00189/5001R

For any information about the product please contact the manufacturer at the above address.

This leaflet was last revised December 2011.

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