Vicks Vapor Rub brand has been marketed for treatment of cough and congestion, such as from colds or allergies, and muscle aches. Vapor Rub contains the chemicals menthol and camphor, which provide numbing and counter-irritant action on sore muscles. When applied to the chest and nose areas, the pungent odor of the combined chemicals may suppress cough and seems to open stuffy airways and nasal passages; however, it is likely that the decongestant benefits are superficial and that the chemicals provide a cooling effect to make breathing easier for short time periods. Regardless, Vicks Vapor Rub is used frequently in adults and children older than two years of age, and care should be taken to avoid side effects.
Local Side Effects
Vicks Vapor Rub may cause local irritation directly on the skin and surrounding areas. Camphor and menthol can irritate open skin and can cause redness at application sites. In addition, Vicks Vapor Rub use around the chest and nose can cause watery eyes and nose and a burning sensation above the lip and below the nostrils. Local side effects can be reduced by using only a thin layer of Vapor Rub, by keeping the area where Vicks was applied open instead of covered and by avoiding excess heat at the applied area.
Impaired Breathing
In January 2009, B.K. Rubin and researchers reported the first known cases of breathing problems occurring after Vicks Vapor Rub use, particularly in children. In the initial patient and in ongoing follow-up studies in animals and reports in patients, Vicks appeared to increase mucus production, increase fluids in the lungs and make airways less clear, causing worsened breathing in patients. In particular, application of Vicks Vapor Rub ointment into the nasal passages can result in respiratory distress and lung problems, such as pneumonia; however, Rubin suggests that even application of Vicks away from the chest and nasal areas is not warranted. As of April 2010, additional published information is necessary to identify people most at risk, although young children with smaller airways are likely at high risk.
Camphor Overdose
Accidental ingestion of Vicks Vapor Rub into the stomach, whether by overuse or misuse, can cause camphor overdose. Camphor is an irritant and may cause burning, vomiting, thirst, and pain throughout the esophagus and stomach. Side effects in the body from overdose include excitement and agitation, muscle spasm or rigidity, twitching even to convulsions and possibly unconsciousness. Although it is a side effect, vomiting should not be induced in case of camphor overdose, so that the irritating substance is not in contact with the esophagus again. Instead, emergency treatment is necessary and may include binding of camphor in the stomach with activated charcoal before removal by lavage.
