How does it work?

Vicks vaporub contains four active ingredients, levomenthol, eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil and camphor. These are traditional medicines used as inhalations for their decongestant and soothing effect.

The ingredients have mild decongestant properties and can relieve a blocked nose. They also have mild cooling effects that can soothe irritation in the lining of the nose, thereby easing breathing and relieving cough.

For children, Vicks vaporub should be rubbed lightly on the chest and back underneath loose clothing to allow the vapour to be inhaled.

For adults, the medicine should be rubbed liberally on the chest, throat and back underneath loose clothing to allow the vapour to be inhaled. Alternatively, two teaspoonfuls can be melted in hot water to use as a steam inhalation. In this case, the warm moisture inhaled in the steam will also help liquify and loosen mucus, allowing more effective clearance of the airways. This can relieve cough as well as nasal congestion.

What is it used for?

• Blocked nose.
• Catarrh (build up of mucus in the nose, throat or chest).
• Coughs and colds.

Warning!

• This medicine must not be swallowed.
• Do NOT apply to this medicine to the nostrils or directly under the nose, particularly in infants and young children.
• If symptoms persist consult your doctor.

Not to be used in

• Babies under six months of age.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• This medicine is not known to be harmful when used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, as with all medicines, it is important to seek advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Temporary reddening of the skin in the area where the rub is applied.
• No other side effects have been reported with this medicine when it is used as directed by the manufacturer.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect other medicines.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredients

There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain this combination of active ingredients.