Vicks active

Pharmacological properties

Vicks Asset balm with menthol and eucalyptus contains a mixture of essential oils, the vapors of which are gradually released from the lipophilic base of the ointment (paraffin). Due to this, the air in the nasal cavity is filled with vapors of essential oils, which, together with the inhaled air, get to the place of influence - receptors on the surface of the mucous membrane of the nose, pharynx and bronchi. vapors of medicinal substances, which include menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil (the main component of which is eucalyptol) and purified turpentine oil, if they enter the respiratory tract can cause hyperemia and exhibit a secretolytic effect. eucalyptus oil has an expectorant and mild antispasmodic effect, turpentine oil has an antiseptic effect. the results of a study of the effect of a constant combination of active substances indicate an additional antitussive effect.

The release of vapors occurs gradually when applied to the skin in the form of rubbing or quickly and intensively after adding hot water and use as inhalation.

When using the drug, a decrease in nasal congestion and relief of nasal breathing up to 8 hours are observed.

Pharmacokinetics Due to its lipophilic basis, the absorption of the drug occurs slowly and in small quantities. Isolation of the drug occurs partly through the respiratory tract and partly through the kidneys.

Indications

As part of complex therapy for acute respiratory diseases, accompanied by a runny nose, nasal congestion, pharyngitis and cough.

Application

The drug is intended for external use only or for inhalation.

Rubbing. Apply 2–4 times a day to the skin above the sternum, neck and back and gently rub in with light massage movements.

Adults: 2 or 3 teaspoons (10-15 ml) of the balm should be rubbed with free light movements, without effort, over the entire surface of the skin above the sternum, neck and back.

Children from the age of 2 years: ½ – 1 teaspoon of balm (2.5–5 ml) to rub lightly into the skin of the back and above the sternum.

It is advisable to wear light clothing to facilitate the inhalation of steam. It is especially recommended to use the ointment before bedtime, since the essential oils that make up the ointment evaporate within 8 hours.

Inhalation. Adults and children over the age of 6 years: add 1-2 teaspoons of balm (5-10 ml) in a bowl with a wide surface. Heat 1 liter of water (but not in the microwave), without boiling, and pour hot water into the prepared dishes. The steam that forms should be used for inhalation within 10-15 minutes.

During inhalation, water should be heated additionally; It is also not recommended to reheat and use the solution.

Children should not be left unattended during inhalation, as there is a danger of burns.

Inhalations should be carried out with eyes closed or covering the eyes to avoid possible irritation of the conjunctiva of the eye.

You should stop using the drug and consult a doctor if cough or other symptoms do not go away within 3-6 days, return or are accompanied by fever, skin rashes, and a constant headache.

Children. In the form of rubbing, the drug is used for children aged 2 years; in the form of inhalation - for children from the age of 6 years.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;

• skin irritation or inflammation, open wounds, burns or dermatosis; childhood diseases with rashes;
• AD, whooping cough, false croup and other diseases of the respiratory tract, accompanied by increased sensitivity of the respiratory tract (when inhaled, the active substances can lead to seizures of bronchial muscles);
• cramps, epileptic seizures in the past;
• do not use for inhalation in acute pneumonia.

Side effects

Local reactions: redness, irritation of the eyes, skin and mucous membrane, eye pain, increased lacrimation (during inhalation), allergic dermatitis, hypersensitivity reactions; local reactions in the form of redness of the skin, accompanied by itching (contact dermatitis), urticaria, rashes, are possible.

Skin irritation or allergic reactions are usually not expressed and occur very rarely. Inhalation of vapors, as well as inhalation of vapors during rubbing, can cause reflex-related symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing due to narrowing of the airways. This can lead to an asthmatic condition and respiratory arrest.

For external use, the likelihood of developing systemic effects is unlikely.

In case of adverse reactions, the patient should immediately stop using the drug, remove the remaining product with a paper towel and begin appropriate treatment for skin disorders.

special instructions

Do not swallow. Do not apply to damaged skin, open wounds, mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. do not use on face. Avoid contact with eyes. do not heat the drug. do not apply tight dressings, do not use simultaneously with individual heating pads, do not apply warming dressings on top of the balm.

Patients with persistent or chronic cough due to tobacco smoking, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or if cough is accompanied by excessive sputum production should consult a doctor.

If you accidentally swallow the drug or overdose, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Use during pregnancy or lactation. During pregnancy, do not use the drug without first consulting a doctor. You should not use the drug on the area of ​​the mammary glands of a nursing baby, since there is a potential threat of reflex apnea in the baby.

The ability to influence the reaction rate when driving vehicles or working with other mechanisms. Does not affect.

Interactions

Eucalyptus oil enhances the activity of liver enzymes, can enhance the effect of other drugs or prolong the duration of their action. this is not excluded with prolonged use of the drug.

Overdose

The drug usually does not have a systemic toxic effect when the recommended dose is exceeded, however, excessive external use over large areas can potentially cause toxic symptoms, such as nephrotoxicity, disorders of the central nervous system (immediately after camphor use).

If the drug accidentally gets into the nose or face of infants and children, apnea can occur due to spasm of the glottis (laryngospasm), a condition that requires emergency medical attention.

Accidental ingestion of the drug can cause gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting and diarrhea. The treatment is symptomatic.

In case of symptoms of camphor intoxication (if a large amount of the drug is accidentally swallowed), such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, fever or redness of the face, agitation, hallucinations, convulsions, respiratory depression and coma, care is indicated for patient in a hospital. In case of manifestations of respiratory depression, intubation is strictly recommended, if necessary, auxiliary artificial respiration and the provision of intensive care measures.

Patients with severe gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms of poisoning require medical supervision and symptomatic treatment. Do not induce vomiting.

Storage conditions

At a temperature not exceeding 25 ° c.

Medicinal product information for healthcare professionals.