Who Cannot use Vicks Vaporub?

Asked by: Jayden Kertzmann  |  Last update: December 25, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (62 votes)

It's unsafe for any use in children under 2 years old. In adults and children age 2 and older, use it only on the neck and chest.

Is Vicks safe for everyone?

Vicks VapoRub is available over the counter (OTC) and should only be used on the skin. Although Vicks VapoRub has many benefits, it may not be safe for everyone, including young children.

What are the risks of Vicks VapoRub?

Vicks VapoRub may cause redness and irritation when applied to the skin. In rare cases, allergic reactions, including hives or rashes, may occur after use of Vicks VapoRub on the skin. Thermal and chemical burns can occur if heated Vicks VapoRub is applied to the skin.

Can you use Vicks VapoRub with other medications?

What other drugs will affect Vicks VapoRub? Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use, but many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Can people with high blood pressure take Vicks?

Topical nasal decongestants such as Afrin (oxymetazoline), Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine), Privine (naphazoline), and Vicks VapoRub Inhaler (l-desoxyephedrine/levmetamfetamine) can also cause an increase in blood pressure.

How To Use Vicks VapoRub | Vicks

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Does Vicks work as an anti-inflammatory?

Insect bites: Since Vicks has some great anti-inflammatory properties, it can help relieve the swelling and itchy from spider, mosquito and other bug bites. Just rub a little bit over the infected area and the swelling should go down in a few minutes!

Can you put Vicks around nostrils?

Although it was once common practice to put a dab of Vicks inside the nostrils, the manufacturer of Vicks VapoRub is now quite specific in its warnings: “For external use only… Do not use by mouth or in nostrils.” That is partly because one ingredient, camphor, can be toxic if absorbed into the body.

What does Vicks VapoRub do for your feet?

There's no evidence that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet will relieve a cold, congestion, or cough. But it might help moisturize your heels and relieve toenail fungus.

What is the disadvantage of Vicks?

What are the side effects of Vicks Vaporub (Camphor, Eucalyptus, And Menthol)? Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

Is breathing in Vicks good for you?

Safe Use. While Bhattacharyya says products like VapoRub are generally quite safe when used according to their label, he recommends against inhaling large amounts of VapoRub or any similar product because it can get deep into the sinus cavity and lungs, potentially causing inflammation and allergic reactions.

Does Vicks cause rebound congestion?

Do not use more often, use more sprays, or use longer than directed because doing so may increase the risk of side effects. Also, do not use this medication for more than 3 days or it may cause a condition called rebound congestion.

Can you sniff too much Vicks?

Although effective when the cream is used as recommended, camphor can increase mucus secretion, causing a buildup in the windpipe. While there's not much research out there on the effects of sniffing Vicks, some possible effects include headache, irritated nose, irritated throat, and eventual lung problems.

Can Vicks help with cough?

It interacts with cold receptors in the nose and throat, helping to stop coughing. Vicks VapoRub contains 2.6% menthol to help stop constant coughing fast. Vicks VapoDrops are also an effective remedy for coughs. Allow 2 drops to dissolve slowly in your mouth to help stop constant coughing.

How long does it take for Vicks to wear off?

What's in Vicks VapoRub? combined into an ointment at levels in which they can deliver soothing, medicated vapors that last for up to 8 hours. Camphor and menthol are also topical analgesics. In short, that means VapoRub can also temporarily relieve minor aches and pains for muscles and joints.

Does Vicks VapoRub on feet help neuropathy?

Other Uses For Vicks VapoRub On Feet

Vicks VapoRub also has other popular off-label uses—and these have more support than use of the product on the feet to improve a cough. Vicks is sometimes used on the feet to relieve neuropathy pain, treat toenail fungus, and soften callouses.

How do you clear blocked sinuses?

You can often treat mild sinusitis without seeing a GP by:
  1. getting plenty of rest.
  2. drinking plenty of fluids.
  3. taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
  4. avoiding allergic triggers and not smoking.
  5. cleaning your nose with a salt water solution to ease congestion.

Is petroleum jelly the same as VapoRub?

Vicks is made with petroleum jelly, and while it's great for keeping wounds moist (and acne lesions are technically wounds), it could actually be the cause of breakouts, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Is Vicks safe for dogs to smell?

Dogs are compelled to smell everything that they come across and as they do, they process the smells into individual compartments. The smell of Vicks is a strong smell coming from the use of camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. All these chemicals and oils are toxic to dogs.

What is the main ingredient in Vicks VapoRub?

The main ingredients of Vicks VapoRub include camphor 4.8%, eucalyptus oil, menthol 2.6%, thymol, and several other ingredients.