Two medicines, side by side
Menthol vs diclofenac
Menthol and diclofenac are both labeled for pain. Pharmacies paid $0.0424 per unit (Cough drops 5.8 mg) and $0.0619 per diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. Only the diclofenac label carries a boxed warning.
Check it at the source: the menthol FDA label on DailyMed (effective April 24, 2024); the diclofenac FDA label on DailyMed (effective February 11, 2025).
Highlights of the menthol record
Menthol · label of April 24, 2024
Used for
From the label: indicationstemporarily relieves: cough as may occur with a cold occasional minor irritation and sore throat
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- n/a
- Generic labelers
- none listed
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0424 per unit
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Highlights of the diclofenac record
Diclofenac (Voltaren) · label of February 11, 2025
Used for
From the label: indications• for the temporary relief of arthritis pain ONLY in the following areas: o hand, wrist, elbow (upper body areas) o foot, ankle, knee (lower body areas) • this product may take up to 7 days to work for arthritis pain; it is not for immediate relief. If no pain relief in 7 days, stop use.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- July 28, 1988
- Generic labelers
- 149 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0619 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- A presentation being discontinued
- Recalls
- 6
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Menthol label of April 24, 2024, Diclofenac label of February 11, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do menthol and diclofenac differ on the record?
Only the diclofenac label carries a boxed warning.
Generics: menthol none approved; diclofenac since 1995 (Drugs@FDA).
| Menthol | Diclofenac | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain, Cough and cold | Pain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Migraine |
| Pharmacologic class | n/a | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug |
| How it works (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | n/a | July 28, 1988 |
| First generic approved | none | June 29, 1995 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | none listed | 149 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0424 per unit (Cough drops 5.8 mg) | $0.0619 per tablet (Diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | +17% | -25% |
| Boxed warning | No | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | A presentation being discontinued |
| Recalls recorded | 0 | 6 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 3,369 | 158,675 |
| 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 do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Diclofenac label, drug interactions (prescription label)The clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of diclofenac and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to menthol
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions