Is Icy Hot and Bengay safe during pregnancy?
These contain methyl salicylate, an aspirin-like NSAID. Labels warn against use from 20 weeks; ask before using earlier or while nursing.
What the sources say
Icy Hot cream/stick contain menthol 10% and methyl salicylate 30%; Bengay Ultra Strength adds camphor 4%. Icy Hot labels say ask a health professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding, and not to use with a heating pad or on wounds. Methyl salicylate labels (e.g., Salonpas) say it is especially important not to use methyl salicylate at 20 weeks or later unless a doctor directs, as it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery. Ask your clinician before any use.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
ben gay, bengay, bengay ultra strength, deep heating rub, icy hot, icy hot cream, icy hot stick, methyl salicylate, methyl salicylate cream, muscle rub, sports cream
Sources
- NIH: DailyMed: Icy Hot Pain Relieving Stick, Balm and Cream label
- NIH: DailyMed: Bengay Ultra Strength Non-Greasy label
- NIH: DailyMed: Salonpas Arthritis Pain patch label
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.