VICKS VAPORUB*INHAL OINT 50G

Vicks VapoRub
Vapour for inhalation, ointment

What it is and what it is used for
Vicks VapoRub contains camphor, turpentine oil, menthol and eucalyptus essential oil, substances with antiseptic, expectorant and decongestant properties. Used for the relief of cold symptoms.

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 inhalation (vapours) in children under 12 years of age;
- in children who suffer or have suffered from epilepsy or fever-induced seizures;
- during pregnancy, unless your doctor considers it strictly necessary;
- during breastfeeding;
- concomitantly with other products (medicines or cosmetics) that contain 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 swallowed, heated in a microwave or reheated a second time during or after use. Do not use boiling water for the preparation of inhalations as you may expose yourself to the 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 seizures or epilepsy (the product is contraindicated in children who suffer or have suffered from epilepsy or fever-induced seizures);
- marked hypersensitivity of the respiratory tract, including conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as it can cause bronchospasm in these patients.

Furthermore, stop treatment and inform your doctor if you experience the following adverse events, which rarely occur: - mild irritation 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 should NOT use a dose higher than that recommended and treatment should 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 could occur, for which you should 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 feeling of warmth on the skin (erythema or heat rash);
- burns at the application site;
- convulsions in children and infants due to the presence of camphor and menthol. These effects occur following the 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.