Products
Methyl salicylate is commercially available in the form of ointments, gels, baths, and liniments, for example, also in horse balm and Perskindol. The products are usually combination preparations with several active ingredients. Some remedies contain wintergreen oil.
Structure and properties
Methyl salicylate (C8H8O3, Mr = 152.1 g/mol) exists as a colorless to faint yellow colored liquid with a characteristic odor that is very slightly soluble in water. It is miscible with ethanol 96%, fatty oils and essential oils. The melting point is -8°C. Methyl salicylate is a natural compound found in essential oils of plants, such as wintergreen oil from wintergreen and birch bark oil. Methyl salicylate is the ester of salicylic acid and methanol (methyl salicylic acid ester). It can be synthesized using sulfuric acid as a catalyst.
Effects
Methyl salicylate has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and circulatory properties. In tissues, cleavage of the ester releases salicylic acid, which inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. In this respect, it is a prodrug.
Indications for use
For the external treatment of pain and inflammation, for example, back and joint pain, sports injuries, rheumatic complaints and muscle pain. Other areas of application:
- For food, beverages, chewing gum, for perfume production, for cosmetics and personal care products.
Dosage
According to the product information. The administration depends on the product. It should be noted that the active ingredient is absorbed into the body, forming the salicylic acid. Therefore, large-area application with highly concentrated products should be avoided.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity, including to other salicylates.
- Skin diseases
- Open wounds
- Infants and young children
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Therapy with anticoagulants
- Contact with eyes and mucous membranes
For full precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Interactions with anticoagulants have been reported. Salicylic acid formed in the body may inhibit secretion of organic anions, for example methotrexate.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local skin reactions. Ingestion of too high a dose of methyl salicylate is toxic. For young children, even small amounts in the milliliter range are life-threatening.
