MENTHYL SALICYLATE

Absorption

May be absorbed through intact skin. The absorption of topical salicylates is proportional to the surface area exposed, the duration of exposure, concentration and skin integrity. Absorption characteristics of salicylates vary with the dose, formulation, and route of administration. Percutaneous absorption is enhanced by exercise, heat, occlusion, or disruption of the integrity of the skin or application to large areas of skin. Both the rate and extent of absorption increases after continuous application, increasing its bioavailability .

Toxicity

Salicylate intoxication may occur after ingestion or topical application of menthyl salicylate. Mild chronic salicylate intoxication, also known as salicylism, normally occurs only after repeated use of large doses.
Salicylism can also occur following the excessive topical application of salicylates. Symptoms of toxicity include dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, sweating, nausea and vomiting, headache, and confusion, and may be controlled by reducing the dosage .
Symptoms of more severe intoxication or of acute poisoning following overdose include hyperventilation, fever, restlessness, ketosis, and respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis. Depression of the CNS may lead to coma, cardiovascular collapse and respiratory failure may also result .

Description

Methyl salicylate is almost odorless when pure. Slightly bitter-astringent taste. It carries the usual characteristics of a phenol, which are not exactly welcome by the perfumer.

Chemical properties

colourless to light yellow liquid

The Uses of MENTHYL SALICYLATE

As a "sun screen" to filter out ultraviolet light in Preparations for preventing sunburn.

The Uses of MENTHYL SALICYLATE

light stabilizer

Indications

For the temporary relief of pain associated with rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia, sprains and strains of joints and muscles, lumbago and fibrositis .

Background

Menthyl salicylate is an ester of menthol and salicylic acid .
This product is used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints (e.g., arthritis, backache, sprains) .

Preparation

Menthyl salicylate is produced by azeotropic esterification of Menthol with Salicylic acid, using a Benzene- or Toluene sulfonic acid catalyst.

Pharmacokinetics

Menthol and methyl salicylate are known as counterirritants. They work by causing the skin to feel cool and then warm. Used together, they provide symptomatic relief for mild to moderate muscular and joint aches and pains, muscle cramps, shoulder aches and stiff neck..

Metabolism

Not Available