Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a balm made by Procter & Gamble that contains Menthol + Camphor + Eucalyptus oil. It combines Menthol: cooling agent, Camphor: warming and decongestant agent and Eucalyptus oil: decongestant oil.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Menthol | see pack |
| Camphor | see pack |
| Eucalyptus oil | see pack |
Menthol
What it is used for
Gives a cooling feeling that soothes aches, itching or a blocked nose.
How it works
Menthol triggers the cold-sensing receptors of skin and nose, giving a cooling feeling that eases itch and ache and makes the nose feel clearer.
How to take it
Rubs and balms: apply a thin layer up to 3 or 4 times a day. Lozenges and inhalants: as directed on the pack.
Common side effects
Skin irritation or stinging
Get medical help straight away if
Breathing problems in a young child after it was used on or near the face
Be careful
External or as directed; avoid near the eyes. Not for babies' faces.
Other medicines and interactions
No important medicine interactions.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Generally fine in small amounts. Do not use on the breasts while breastfeeding or near a baby's face.
Camphor
What it is used for
Used in rubs and balms for a blocked nose, cough and muscle aches.
How it works
Camphor gives a warming, cooling and mild numbing effect on the skin and a strong vapour that makes breathing feel easier.
How to take it
Apply rubs and balms to the chest, back or aching muscles only. Never put inside the nose or near the eyes.
Common side effects
Skin irritation
Get medical help straight away if
Anyone swallows even a small amount (it can cause fits, especially in children)
Be careful
Poisonous if swallowed, especially for children; external use only.
Other medicines and interactions
No important medicine interactions.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid in pregnancy and on babies and young children.
Eucalyptus oil
What it is used for
Helps ease a blocked nose when inhaled or rubbed on the chest.
How it works
The vapour of eucalyptus oil (mainly cineole) gives a feeling of a clearer nose and loosens mucus.
How to take it
Add a few drops to hot water for steam inhalation, or use rubs on the chest. Do not swallow.
Common side effects
- Skin irritation
- Coughing if the vapour is too strong
Get medical help straight away if
- Anyone swallows it (it is poisonous)
- Breathing trouble in a young child
Be careful
External use only; keep away from young children.
Other medicines and interactions
No important medicine interactions.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Use sparingly in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not for use on or near the faces of babies and young children.
Common questions
What is Vicks VapoRub?
Vicks VapoRub is a balm by Procter & Gamble containing Menthol + Camphor + Eucalyptus oil.
What is Vicks VapoRub used for?
Gives a cooling feeling that soothes aches, itching or a blocked nose. Used in rubs and balms for a blocked nose, cough and muscle aches. Helps ease a blocked nose when inhaled or rubbed on the chest.
How should I take Vicks VapoRub?
Rubs and balms: apply a thin layer up to 3 or 4 times a day. Lozenges and inhalants: as directed on the pack. Apply rubs and balms to the chest, back or aching muscles only. Never put inside the nose or near the eyes. Add a few drops to hot water for steam inhalation, or use rubs on the chest. Do not swallow. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Vicks VapoRub?
Common side effects include: Skin irritation or stinging, Skin irritation, Skin irritation, coughing if the vapour is too strong. Get medical help straight away for: Breathing problems in a young child after it was used on or near the face, Anyone swallows even a small amount (it can cause fits, especially in children), Anyone swallows it (it is poisonous), breathing trouble in a young child.
Does Vicks VapoRub need a prescription?
It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.
Can I take Vicks VapoRub in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Generally fine in small amounts. Do not use on the breasts while breastfeeding or near a baby's face. Avoid in pregnancy and on babies and young children. Use sparingly in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not for use on or near the faces of babies and young children.
What are the substitutes for Vicks VapoRub?
We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.
Sources and further reading
- Menthol: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Camphor: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Eucalyptus oil: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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