Two medicines, side by side
Camphor vs methyl salicylate
Camphor and methyl salicylate are both labeled for pain.
Check it at the source: the camphor FDA label on DailyMed (effective February 12, 2026); the methyl salicylate FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 10, 2026).
Highlights of the camphor record
Camphor · label of February 12, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsDirections Clean and dry affected area. Tear off the back paper. Stick to the affected area.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- n/a
- Generic labelers
- none listed
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0188 per mL
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Highlights of the methyl salicylate record
Methyl salicylate · label of July 10, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsUses for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, strains, bruises and sprains provides penetrating pain relief provides warming pain relief
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- n/a
- Generic labelers
- none listed
- Pharmacy cost
- Not in the survey
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Camphor label of February 12, 2026, Methyl salicylate label of July 10, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do camphor and methyl salicylate differ on the record?
| Camphor | Methyl salicylate | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain, Cough and cold, Herpes and shingles | Pain |
| Pharmacologic class | n/a | n/a |
| How it works (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | n/a | n/a |
| First generic approved | none | none |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | none listed | none listed |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0188 per mL (Vapor steam liquid) | n/a |
| 12-month price change | +4% | n/a |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 0 | 0 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 208 | 228 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Alternatives to camphor
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions