Ear, Nose & Throat Treatment Using Vicks VapoRub to Treat Cough and Muscle Aches The popular topical remedy is not suitable for everyone By Kristin Hayes, RN facebook twitter Kristin Hayes, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders for both adults and children. Learn about our editorial process Kristin Hayes, RN Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by John Carew, MD on December 02, 2019 twitter linkedin John Carew, MD, is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. He is an adjunct assistant professor at Mount Sinai Medical Center and NYU Medical Center. Learn about our Medical Review Board John Carew, MD on December 02, 2019 Print Vicks VapoRub is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) medication that is applied to the skin to treat coughs and relieve muscle aches and pain. Both symptoms are frequently caused by the common cold. There's no evidence that Vicks VapoRub can cure upper respiratory symptoms, but it may help lessen congestion and cough. For the temporary treatment of mild myalgia (muscle aches), it definitely does provide symptomatic relief. The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub are camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. The inactive ingredients include cedar leaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol, and turpentine oil. jaminwell / Getty Images Uses Most people over the age of 2 can safely use Vicks VapoRub. However, you should consult a doctor before using Vicks VapoRub if you: Are pregnant or breastfeeding Have a chronic cough caused by smokingHave been diagnosed with emphysema You should not use Vicks VapoRub if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub including camphor, eucalyptus oil, or menthol. Vicks VapoRub should never be used on children under 2. Studies have shown that the application of camphor on children under 3 can cause seizures as well as severe leukocytosis (high white blood cell count) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Application To treat a cough, rub Vicks VapoRub on your chest—never under your nostrils. To treat muscle aches, rub Vicks VapoRub directly over the muscle. Vicks VapoRub should never be used internally or in a manner not directed. Do not use on broken skin or burns. A 2010 study conducted at Penn State College of Medicine reported that Vicks VapoRub was over 98% effective in relieving cough, congestion, and sleep difficulty in children ages 2 to 11 but less effective in alleviating rhinorrhea (runny nose). Some people use Vicks VapoRub for unconventional purposes, such as toenail fungus or hemorrhoids. These off-label uses haven't been well studied or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They may be dangerous, causing excess absorption of camphor and other ingredients through vulnerable or broken tissue. The 7 Best Toenail Fungus Treatments of 2021 Side Effects There are few documented side effects for Vicks VapoRub but some have occurred. Because the medication is topical (applied to the skin) the most likely side effects are skin irritations, rash, redness, or hives. If you notice these side effects, you should discontinue the medication and call your doctor. There have also been reports that Vicks VapoRub has caused difficulty breathing, especially in children under the age of two. There have been isolated cases involving elderly adults wherein the overuse of Vicks VapoRub may have been responsible for the development of respiratory distress and pneumonia. If you or your child experiences difficulty breathing, dizziness, hives, or irregular heartbeat after using Vicks VapoRub, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Khine H, Weiss D, Graber N, Hoffman RS, Esteban-Cruciani N, Avner JR. A cluster of children with seizures caused by camphor poisoning. Pediatrics. 2009 May;123(5):1269-72. doi:10.1542/peds.2008-2097 Paul IM, Beiler JS, King TS, Clapp ER, Vallati J, Berlin CM. Vapor rub, petrolatum, and no treatment for children with nocturnal cough and cold symptoms. Pediatrics. 2010;126(6):1092-9. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-1601 Cherrez Ojeda, I., Calderon, J.C., Guevara, J. et al. Exogenous lipid pneumonia related to long-term use of Vicks VapoRub by an adult patient: a case report. BMC Ear Nose Throat Disord. 2016;16:11. doi:10.1186/s12901-016-0032-6