Vicks VapoRub Ointment: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Vicks VapoRub Ointment is a topical product containing camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol, belonging to the topical rubefacient class. It is applied to the skin to create a cooling sensation that can make breathing feel easier and provide temporary relief from cough or minor muscle and joint pain. It is commonly used during colds, coughs, and simple bronchitis, but it does not cure the underlying illness.

What is Vicks VapoRub Ointment

Vicks VapoRub is a combination product that is applied to the skin. It is a topical mentholated ointment that can create a cooling sensation and make breathing feel easier, especially during colds.

Vicks VapoRub Ointment uses

• When applied to the chest, inhaling the vapors of this product may provide temporary relief of cough caused by irritation of the throat or lungs.
• When applied to other areas of the body, this product is used for temporary relief of minor muscle or joint pain.
• It is used as a decongestant during common respiratory diseases (colds, coughs, simple bronchitis).

Benefits of Vicks VapoRub Ointment

• May help some people feel less congested and may reduce nighttime cough discomfort.
• May help a person feel more comfortable at night and improve sleep quality when coughing or congestion feels worse.

How Vicks VapoRub Ointment works

The main ingredients stimulate cold-sensitive receptors in the nose and skin. Menthol can create a feeling of improved airflow even though the actual size of the nasal passages has not changed much. This effect is mainly sensory, not a cure — it does not kill viruses, cure a cold, or remove mucus from the chest.

Vicks VapoRub Ointment dosage

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take by mouth. It is for use only on the skin. Do not apply to broken skin or an open wound.

This product can cause a mild cooling or burning sensation wherever it is applied. If this sensation is painful or causes severe discomfort, wash the treated skin area with soap and cool water. Do not heat the product before use or it may cause burns.

To relieve cough, apply a thick layer to the chest and throat. Do not use in your nose or mouth. Keep the treated areas uncovered or covered only with loose clothing so vapors are easier to breathe in. To relieve muscle or joint pain, apply this product to the affected area.

You may cover treated skin areas with a warm and dry cloth, but applying heat may worsen the cooling or burning sensation. Do not apply a tight bandage over treated skin.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after about a week, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.

Do not use this medicine on a child younger than 2 years old. For skin application, this medicine is for adults and children over 6 years of age; apply preferably after washing, and wash your hands well after application.

For inhalation by fumigation, this method is reserved for adults and children over 12 years of age; use hot water that is not boiling, and inhale the vapors through the nose and mouth for a limited time.

Never expose the product to flame, and avoid the vicinity of a flame after application. Do not apply to a large area of the body, to the nostrils, eyes, mouth, or face, or to injured skin. Do not continue treatment beyond a few days without consulting a doctor. Never apply a bandage over the application site, and never cover it with warm clothing or another heat source.

Available forms and strengths

• Ointment

Side effects of Vicks VapoRub Ointment

Common

• Mild cooling or burning sensation where applied
• Local skin irritation
• Eye irritation from vapors or accidental contact

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe skin reaction or sudden breathing difficulty after application
• Agitation and confusion in the elderly, or risk of convulsions in children, if used in excess of recommended doses or if instructions are not followed

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine on a child younger than 2 years old, and due to certain ingredients it should never be given to children under 6 years old or to children with a history of convulsions.
• This medicine contains flammable substances. Never expose it to flame, and avoid being near a flame after applying it.
• Never use boiling water when inhaling the product by fumigation, and keep enough distance from the preparation to avoid facial burns from hot vapors.
• Never apply to the nostrils, eyes, mouth, face, breasts (if breastfeeding), or injured skin, and do not continue treatment beyond a few days.
• People with a history of epilepsy or convulsions should ask a doctor before using this medicine.
• Never swallow the product; swallowing camphor-containing products can be dangerous and needs urgent medical attention.
• Do not get this product in your eyes; if contact occurs, rinse with water.
• Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant. As a precaution, this medicine should not be used during pregnancy; if you find out you are pregnant during treatment, consult your doctor.
• Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding, and avoid breastfeeding a baby while using this product on your chest. It is preferable not to use this medicine and it should never be applied to the breasts.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Store at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.
• Do not use after the expiry date stated on the box.
• Do not dispose of the medicine in the sewer or in household waste. Ask your pharmacist what to do with unused medicines.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor if symptoms do not improve after about a week, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.
• If someone accidentally swallows the product, seek emergency medical attention right away.
• If fever persists, there is pus in the sputum or nasal discharge, symptoms worsen, or there is no improvement after a few days of treatment, consult your doctor.
• If an accidental overdose occurs, stop treatment and seek medical attention quickly.
• If a child accidentally swallows the product, see a doctor as soon as possible, and never try to make the child vomit.
• Anyone who notices wheezing, chest tightness, or worsening breathing after use should stop the product and seek medical advice.
• Seek immediate help if the product gets in the eyes and causes significant irritation, or if there is a severe skin reaction or sudden breathing difficulty after use.

Alternatives

• Saline Nasal Drops
• Saline Nasal Spray
• Camphor-Free Vapor Rub
• Mentholated Chest Rub