Categories: Drugs & Medications

Absorbine, Jr: Side Effects and Allergic Reactions

Absorbine, Jr. is a popular brand of over the counter pain relief products made by W. F. Young, Inc. Absorbine was originally designed for horses. Absorbine is usually for horses, while Absorbine, Jr. is for humans. It’s not to be confused with Absorbine, Jr. Antifungal (tolnaftate), which is used for fungal infections such as ringworm, jock itch or athlete’s foot, although Absorbine, Jr. is promoted for use in sore feet.

If you ever apply Absorbine, Jr. to your skin and within a couple of hours have problems breathing, call your doctor immediately and wash the medication off.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in the line of Absorbine, Jr. products is methyl salicylate and/or menthol (depending on the particular products.) If that name seems familiar, it’s because this ingredient is featured in many over the counter pain-relieving creams, gels, patches and liniments like Ben-Gay and Icy Hot. Menthol in particular has such a strong scent that it can only be described as “sinus-draining.” However, a runny nose is not a usual side effect of Absorbine, Jr., although it does happen in some people.

Some inactive ingredients in the product line include isopropyl alcohol, calendula extract, wormwood extract, iodine, food dyes and acetone.

Allergic Reactions

The biggest danger is that a patient would be allergic to menthol or menthyl salicylate. Within a couple of hours of applying the medication, the patient will often start to vomit or experience strong nausea and may have a loud ringing in the ears. All of these symptoms can get worse if not treated. Call a doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

Never place Absorbine, Jr. on broken skin like a scratch or cut. The Absorbine, Jr. is absorbed too much too quickly and may lead to an overdose, which also causes ringing of the ears, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swelling of the throat or mouth. Also, never place Absorbine, Jr. on really sensitive skin like up the nostrils, in the eyes or on the genitals. Not only will one get overdose symptoms, but the burning pain may be so bad that you wish you were dead.

Other Side Effects

Less dramatic side effects should also be brought to the attention of your doctor but may not require a trip to the emergency room. These include a reddening of the skin, an itchiness of the skin or swelling where the medication came into contact with the skin. Wash it off as best you can.

If you already know that you have very sensitive skin, you are more prone to getting these side effects. You should talk to your doctor first before trying Absorbine, Jr. If your doctor gives the go-ahead, perform a patch test first. Dab a tiny drop on just one part of your skin and leave it on overnight. If nothing happens, then try more.

References:

Absorbine Blog. “The History of Absorbine.” http://absorbine.blogspot.com/2010/06/history-of-absorbine.html

W.F. Young. Absorbine Junior Original Fast Absorbing Pain Relieving Liquid.” http://www.absorbine.com/dealerpages/files/Absorbine_Junior_MSDS.pdf

Medicine Plus. “Methyl Salicylate Overdose.” http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002683.htm

Harvard Medical School. “Rubbing It In.” http://harvardpartnersinternational.staywellsolutionsonline.com/HealthNewsLetters/69,L1108c