Stopain Topical Pain Reliever Information

Stopain is one of the topical pain relievers available over-the-counter. It stands out with its bright red stop sign logo and the product name of Stopain.

With the initial onset of joint pain, some people try to self-treat before consulting a doctor. Typically, they check out what's available in the pain relief section of their local drugstore. There are oral medications, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Aleve (naproxen sodium), or Advil (ibuprofen)—and topical treatment options, too. Each of the products is indicated for the relief of pain. It's important for you to understand what's in each product that you are considering and how the product claims to work.

Stopain was created by a pharmacist in California and marketed locally in 1991. By 1999, it was presented on the QVC channel. The national exposure allowed it to move into its first retail store, Walgreens, in 2000. And now, it can be found in just about any food and drug store across the U.S. Plus, in 2012 the product became available in Canada.

In 2002, DRJ Group (owners of Stopain) selected Troy Manufacturing, Inc. as the sole manufacturer of Stopain. Manufacturing takes place at a plant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. In 2010, Troy Manufacturing, Inc. bought Stopain from the DRJ Group.

According to the Stopain website, the active ingredient in Stopain is menthol, which has analgesic (pain-relieving) properties and is used to temporarily relieve minor pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, muscle aches, strains, and backache. Stopain products also contain peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil, said to have analgesic properties as well. Some formulations of Stopain also contain glucosamine and MSM. Depending on the individual user, pain relief from Stopain may last several hours.

Topical analgesics containing menthol are referred to as counterirritants. The products work by causing a burning or cooling sensation which serves to distract your mind from the pain.

There are four formulations: Stopain Pain Relieving Liquid Spray (8 fl.oz.); Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relieving Spray (4 fl.oz.); Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relieving Roll-On (3 fl.oz.); Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relieving Gel (4 fl.oz.).

Stopain Pain Relieving Liquid Spray is the original formula of Stopain, providing menthol 6% in a convenient spray. The product also contains eucalyptus oil, isopropyl alcohol, peppermint oil, and water. Adults and children over 12 years old can spray Stopain on the affected area for pain relief, up to 4 times daily.

Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relieving Liquid Spray contains menthol 8% as the active ingredient. This formulation also contains MSM, glucosamine sulfate, citric acid, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, SD alcohol 39-C, and water. Adults and children up to 12 years old can spray extra-strength Stopain on the affected area up to 4 times daily.

Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relieving Roll-On is a convenient and fast way to apply the topical analgesic while keeping your hands clean. The roll-on formulation, which was marketed in 2005, contains menthol 8% as the active ingredient plus boswellia serrata extract, carbomer, MSM, eucalyptus oil, glucosamine sulfate, glycerin, peppermint oil, SD alcohol 39-C, triethanolamine, and water. Adults and children over 12 years old can roll the topical analgesic over the affected area up to 4 times daily.

Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relieving Gel is a non-greasy, non-staining topical analgesic that contains menthol 6% as the active ingredient. Inactive ingredients include arnica montana flower extract, carbomer, propylene glycol, SD alcohol 39-C, silica, triethanolamine, and water. Adults and children over 12 years old may apply the gel directly to the affected (painful) area, up to 4 times daily. The gel formulation became available in 2011.

You should not bandage the affected area tightly after applying Stopain gel, roll-on, or spray. You should not use a heating pad over the area and should not apply the product to open wounds or damaged skin. Avoid getting Stopain in or near your eyes.

According to the Stopain website, you should stop application of the product and consult your doctor if your symptoms worsen, if your symptoms persist for more than 7 days while using the product, or if symptoms recur a few days after disappearing. Also, observe the skin for redness, irritation, or development of a rash while using Stopain. Discontinue use if that occurs. Read all directions before using the product.

A Word From Verywell

There are several different topical pain-relieving products on the market. They are available in creams, ointments, gels, patches and they have different active ingredients. Some of the other products also contain menthol (e.g., BENGAY), while others may contain capsaicin (e.g., Zostrix) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (e.g., Voltaren (diclofenac) gel which requires a prescription). Since all topical treatments are not created equal, learn about any product you intend to use.