Two medicines, side by side
Methyl salicylate vs menthol
Methyl salicylate and menthol are both labeled for pain.
Check it at the source: the methyl salicylate FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 10, 2026); the menthol FDA label on DailyMed (effective April 24, 2024).
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
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
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Methyl salicylate label of July 10, 2026, Menthol label of April 24, 2024); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do methyl salicylate and menthol differ on the record?
| Methyl salicylate | Menthol | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain | Pain, Cough and cold |
| 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) | n/a | $0.0424 per unit (Cough drops 5.8 mg) |
| 12-month price change | n/a | +17% |
| 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) | 228 | 3,369 |
| 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 methyl salicylate
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions