VICKS VAPORUB*OINT INHALANT 100G

Vicks VapoRub
Vapour rub, ointment

What it is and what it is used for
Vicks VapoRub contains camphor, turpentine essential 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 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 deems it strictly necessary;
- while 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 the 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
Talk to 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 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 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 these could be symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction:
- difficulty breathing (dyspnoea) and coughing.

Other allergic manifestations that may occur, for which you should contact 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 a feeling of warmth on 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 after administering excessive doses of the medicine.

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, including any not listed in this leaflet, talk to 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.