Bengay

Bengay, spelled Ben-Gay before 1995, is a topical analgesic heat rub for temporary relief from muscle and joint pain associated with arthritis, bruises, simple backaches, overuse, sprains and strains.[1]

For the American football running back, see Benjamin Gay. For the Arkansas community, see Ben-Gay, Arkansas.
Bengay
Product typeAnalgesic heat rub
OwnerJohnson & Johnson
Produced byJohnson & Johnson
CountryDeveloped in France by Dr. Jules Bengué
Introduced1898 (1898) (as Ben-Gay)
MarketsOver-the-counter drug
Previous ownersPfizer
Websitewww.bengay.com

Overview

Bengay was developed in France by Dr. Jules Bengué (French pronunciation: [ʒyl bɛ̃ɡe]) and brought to North America in 1898. The name Bengué was Anglicized and commercialized to Ben-Gay (later Bengay). It was originally produced by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, which was acquired by Johnson & Johnson. The product is advised to be used topically for adults and children 12 years of age and older, and no more than 3 to 4 times daily.[2] The manufacturer recommends storing it between 20 and 25 °C (68 and 77 °F).[2]

According to a study published by MIT Technology Review, the exact mechanism of its efficacy is not known. However, evidence indicates that it activates a neuron named TRPM8, which appears to keep minor pain signals in the brain from communicating with the spine.[3]

Hazards

Bengay and similar products, such as Flexall, Mentholatum, Capzasin and Icy Hot, variously contain menthol, methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), and capsaicin as active ingredients and have a potential to cause first-to-third-degree chemical burns.[4][5] Some people have been hospitalized after receiving such burns.[4]

Methyl salicylate can also be toxic when excessively large doses many multiples of the recommended amount are administered,[6][7] a rarity.[7]

In October 2007 in the United States, a teenage athlete overdosed and died from overexposure to methyl salicylate,[6][7] having "more than six times the safe amount of the ingredient in her body."[6]

Active ingredients

Active ingredients vary by product version, including:

  • Bengay: Original – 18.3% methyl salicylate and 16% menthol.[8]
  • Bengay: Muscle Pain/Ultra Strength – 30% methyl salicylate, 10% menthol, and 4% camphor.[8]
  • Bengay: Ice Extra Strength – 10% menthol.
  • Bengay: Muscle Pain/No Odor – 15% triethanolamine salicylate.
  • Bengay: Arthritis Extra Strength – 30% methyl salicylate and 8% menthol.[8]

Other uses

Bengay can be used to remove chewing gum from clothing, as the methyl salicylate serves to loosen and diffuse the gum base.[9][10]

See also

References
  1. "Self-medicate or see a doctor? A guide for 5 common ailments". AsiaOne. April 1, 2015. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  2. "Bengay official website".
  3. "The Mystery of BenGay". MIT Technology Review. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
  4. "Bengay may cause chemical burns". WSTM-TV. September 13, 2012. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  5. "Bengay, Icy Hot can cause serious burns: FDA". Chatham Daily News. September 13, 2012. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  6. Nazario, Brunilda (October 2007). "Bumpy Road". Women's Health. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  7. Mundell, E.J. (June 15, 2007). "Bengay Death Highlights OTC Dangers". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  8. Pray, W.S. (2006). Nonprescription Product Therapeutics. Nonprescription Product Therapeutics. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 335. ISBN 978-0-7817-3498-1. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  9. Janeway, Kimberly (June 24, 2016). "How to Remove Stains Like Mustard, Red Wine, and Ink". Consumer Reports. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  10. "How to get rid of chewing gum from clothes". Deccan Chronicle. June 28, 2016. Retrieved June 29, 2016.

Further reading
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