title: Potential dangers from topical preparations containing methyl salicylate.
abstract: Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) is widely available in many over-the-counter liniments, ointments, lotions or medicated oils for the relief of musculoskeletal aches and pains. Ingestion of methyl salicylate poses the threat of severe, rapid-onset salicylate poisoning because of its liquid, concentrated form and lipid solubility. Excessive usage of these preparations in patients receiving warfarin may result in adverse interactions and bleedings. Methyl salicylate in topical analgesic preparations may cause irritant or allergic contact dermatitis and anaphylactic reactions. Physicians should fully appreciate the potential dangers from topical preparations containing methyl salicylate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: T Y
authors.initials: TY
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005404:Fixatives / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D051381:Rats; D012459:Salicylates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000506:poisoning; D012869:Skin Absorption; D014859:Warfarin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D005404:Fixatives; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D012459:Salicylates; D014859:Warfarin; C033069:methyl salicylate