VICKS VAPORUB*OINT INHAL 35G

Vicks VapoRub
Vapor for inhalation, ointment

What it is and what it is used for
Vicks VapoRub contains camphor, turpentine oil, menthol and eucalyptus oil, substances with antiseptic, expectorant and decongestant properties. It is used to relieve the symptoms of common cold illnesses.

Consult your doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after 3 days.

What you need to know before taking the medicine
Do not use Vicks VapoRub
- if you are allergic to the active ingredients or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6);
- in children under 30 months of age;
- for children under 12 years of age to breathe in the vapours (inhalations);
- in children who suffer or have suffered from epilepsy or febrile convulsions;
- during pregnancy, unless your doctor considers it strictly necessary;
- during breastfeeding;
- concomitantly with other products (medicines or cosmetics) containing terpene derivatives;
- on wounds, abrasions, mucous membranes, nostrils, eyes, mouth or face;
- with a tight bandage;
- with hot compresses, or other heat sources.

Furthermore, the medicine is for external use only, it must NOT be ingested, heated in a microwave or reheated a second time during or after use. Do not use boiling water to prepare inhalations as you may be at risk of severe burns (see also How to take Vicks VapoRub).

Warnings and precautions
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Vicks VapoRub.

Pay particular attention and ask your doctor for advice before using Vicks VapoRub if:
- you are allergic to perfumes or solvents;
- you suffer from convulsions or epilepsy (the product is contraindicated in children who suffer or have suffered from epilepsy or febrile convulsions);
- marked hypersensitivity of the respiratory tract, including conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as it may cause bronchospasm in these patients.

Furthermore, stop treatment and inform your doctor if you experience the following adverse events, which rarely occur:
- mild irritations and allergic reactions, more specifically allergic dermatitis, skin irritation and itching after topical use;
- mild eye irritation following topical use or inhalation;
- difficulty breathing and coughing, as these could be symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction.

You must NOT use a dose higher than that recommended and treatment must NOT be prolonged beyond 3 days, as this medicine contains terpene derivatives which, if accumulated in large quantities, especially in brain tissues, could cause nervous system disorders.

Keep the medicine away from flames as the product is flammable.

Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects although not everybody gets them.

Stop treatment and inform your doctor if you experience the following adverse events, as they could be symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction:
- difficulty breathing (dyspnea) and coughing.

Other allergic manifestations that may occur, for which you must consult your doctor are:
- mild skin irritations, more specifically allergic dermatitis, redness and itching after topical use;
- mild eye irritation.

Other side effects may include:

Frequency not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
- redness and warmth of the skin (erythema or heat erythema);
- burns at the application site;
- convulsions in children and infants due to the presence of camphor and menthol. These effects occur following administration of excessive doses of the medicine.

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, including any not listed in this leaflet, tell your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system at: https://www.aifa.gov.it/content/segnalazionireazioni-avverse.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.