Addicted to Vicks Vaporub

Are you one of those moms who has a  readily supply of Vicks VapoRub lining up the medicine cabinet? Everytime my family has a cold or cough, we automatically use Vicks. My husband's family believes in it as well. That's why now that we have our own family, we still believe and follow this so called ritual. It's like a tradition. Chicken soup when you feel sick, Vicks when you have colds. Period. I feel that most Filipino families trust it too. Now that I have my own kids and read some recalls, hmmm it got me worried.

Here's the scoop, from Bruce Rubin, M.D., professor and vice chair of pediatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine:

The ingredients in Vicks VapoRub can irritate the airways and increase mucus production. The effect isn't huge, says Dr. Rubin, but it can be significant in infants and young children (under 2) who have very small airways to begin with. And when those pipes are already inflamed from a cold or other infection, a little bit of extra inflammation and mucus may narrow them quickly and severely. In fact, the researchers launched the study after an 18-month-old girl came to their ER with unexplained respiratory distress. After doctors could find no usual cause (like pneumonia or asthma), they discovered that her grandparents had placed a dab of Vicks under her nose and noticed that her symptoms quickly worsened after that. Since then, they've seen three additional young children with the same reaction.

Does this mean we cannot use Vicks anymore? (Oh dear) Not necessarily. The study findings actually support the recommended use: Don't use it for kids under 2 and never place it directly under the nose.  That sensation can make anyone feel calmer and more comfortable. Rubbing it on the chest of older kids (or yourself) is the safest way to go, and can certainly bring some sense of relief. The reason? The menthol vapors actually trigger cold receptors in the nose, which tricks the body into thinking you're breathing easier.

FROM DRUGS.COM

This medicine is available without prescription. However, you still need to use Vicks VapoRub carefully to get the best results from it.

What Vicks VapoRub is and what it is used for

Vicks VapoRub is an ointment which is used to relieve nasal catarrh (inflammation of mucous membranes in the nose and throat), congestion (a blocked nose), sore throat and coughs due to colds. Vicks VapoRub contains four active ingredients: Camphor, Turpentine oil, Levomenthol and Eucalyptus oil.

• Levomenthol and camphor calm a cough
• Eucalyptus oil and Levomenthol relieve nasal congestion (blocked nose)
• Eucalyptus oil relieves catarrh

Before you use Vicks VapoRub

Do not use Vicks VapoRub:

• if you are allergic to any of the actives or other ingredients (see section 6)
• in your nostrils or swallow Vicks VapoRub
• on babies under 6 months

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using Vicks VapoRub.

How to use Vicks VapoRub

Adults:

• Rub Vicks VapoRub liberally on the chest, throat and back
• Cover whole area for maximum effect
• Leave nightclothes loose to allow vapours to be inhaled easily.

Or

• Place hot (not boiling) water in a suitable bowl for inhalation
• Melt two teaspoons of VapoRub into the bowl of hot water
• Keep sufficient distance from mixture in bowl to avoid burning of the face due to hot vapors
• Inhale the medicated vapors for 10-15 minutes.

Caution: never re-heat the mixture or heat VapoRub in a microwave

Children: (infants and babies over 6 months)

• Apply Vicks VapoRub lightly to the chest and back
• Rub in gently
• Leave clothes loose to allow vapours to be inhaled easily.

Vicks VapoRub is for external use only
If symptoms persist or in case of fever, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Vicks Vaporub Side Effects

Like all medicines, Vicks VapoRub can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Occasionally Vicks VapoRub can cause a temporary reddening of the skin in the region where the product has been rubbed in. This 'skin reddening' fades and should disappear within hours without any further action from yourself. If the reddening does not disappear please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Vicks VapoRub

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Store below 25°C.
Do not use Vicks VapoRub after the expiry date which is printed on the jar or carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month stated.

What Vicks VapoRub contains:

Active ingredients: levomenthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil and turpentine oil.
Other ingredients: thymol, nutmeg oil, cedarwood oil and white soft paraffin.
This pack may contain 25, 50, or 100 grams of ointment.

As stated in the packaging itself, it is for the temporary symptomatic relief of clogged nose and colds, I guess it is our discretion to use it or not. 

For mommies who have babies, try the Vick's baby rub for three months and older which does not have Camphor anymore. As advertised :The gentle Vicks BabyRub formula is made for babies skin, and contains Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Lavender - know for their pleasant aromas, and Aloe Vera to help soothe fussy babies. I don't know if they sell it in the Philippines though.

Cheers!

Mommy Leaf