Overview: Trolamine salicylate is used to treat minor aches and pains. Trolamine salicylate is only for use on your skin. Do not apply this medicine to skin that is irritated, broken, or damaged, such as from a wound. Tell your health care provider if you still have aches and pains after using this medicine for seven days or if your condition gets worse.
Uses
What is trolamine salicylate used for?
Trolamine salicylate is commonly used to help with minor aches and pains of muscles and joints, such as back pain or strains or sprains.
The uses may vary depending on the specific trolamine salicylate product being used.
Trolamine salicylate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does trolamine salicylate work (mechanism of action)?
Trolamine salicylate works to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. This medicine may help to reduce swelling.
How is trolamine salicylate supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Aspercreme
- Blue-Emu
- Mobisyl
- Myoflex
- Sportscreme
Example dosage forms and strengths
- 10% topical cream
- 10% topical foam
- 10% topical lotion
- 10% topical spray
How should I store trolamine salicylate?
The recommended storage conditions for trolamine salicylate can vary by product. Follow the instructions for the specific product you use.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of trolamine salicylate?
Many people using trolamine salicylate do not have any side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of trolamine salicylate?
While less common, the most serious side effects of trolamine salicylate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Trolamine salicylate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using trolamine salicylate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use trolamine salicylate?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use trolamine salicylate.
- Aspercreme
- Blue-Emu
- Mobisyl
- Myoflex
- Sportscreme
- Trolamine salicylate
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific trolamine salicylate products they stock.
What should I know about trolamine salicylate before using it?
Follow the directions on the specific trolamine salicylate product you are using.
Keep trolamine salicylate out of the reach of children and pets.
Trolamine salicylate is only for use on your skin. Do not apply this medicine to skin that is irritated, broken, or damaged, such as skin wounds. Do not apply it on or near your eyes or in your nose, mouth, vagina, or anus. Do not swallow this medicine.
Ask your health care provider before using trolamine salicylate on a child younger than 12 years old or if you are allergic to aspirin or salicylates.
If your pain gets worse, goes away and comes back, or does not get better after using trolamine salicylate for seven days, stop using it and contact your health care provider. Stop using it if you get redness or irritation where you are using it.
Do not bandage the area where you apply trolamine salicylate. Avoid using a heating pad on the area where you have applied this medicine. Bandages and heat can increase the amount of medicine your body absorbs. This can increase your risk for side effects.
Do not use trolamine salicylate at the same time you use a different medicine for pain that you apply to your skin. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
What should I tell my health care provider before using trolamine salicylate?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if trolamine salicylate is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Trolamine salicylate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using trolamine salicylate, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how trolamine salicylate could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if trolamine salicylate passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does trolamine salicylate interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between trolamine salicylate and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect trolamine salicylate.
Does trolamine salicylate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using trolamine salicylate.
- A salicylate, such as diflunisal or salsalate, which is a medicine used for arthritis
- Aspirin, which is in many prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with trolamine salicylate. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much trolamine salicylate?
If you or someone else has used too much trolamine salicylate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of trolamine salicylate?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.