Bengay Explained

Bengay
Producttype:Analgesic heat rub
Currentowner:Johnson & Johnson
Producedby:Johnson & Johnson
Country:Developed in France by Dr. Jules Bengué
Introduced: (as Ben-Gay)
Markets:Over-the-counter drug
Previousowners:Pfizer

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]

Overview

Bengay was developed in France by Dr. Jules Bengué (in French pronounced as /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 20and.

According to a study published by MIT Technology Review, the exact mechanism of its efficacy is not known. However, evidence indicates that it activates the neuron receptor 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] however it's an extreme 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:

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

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Self-medicate or see a doctor? A guide for 5 common ailments . . April 1, 2015 . June 29, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161220161854/http://health.asiaone.com/health/body-mind/self-medicate-or-see-doctor-guide-5-common-ailments . December 20, 2016 . dead .
  2. Web site: Bengay official website.
  3. Web site: The Mystery of BenGay . 2022-04-26 . MIT Technology Review . en.
  4. Web site: Bengay may cause chemical burns . . September 13, 2012 . June 29, 2016.
  5. Web site: Bengay, Icy Hot can cause serious burns: FDA . Chatham Daily News . September 13, 2012 . June 29, 2016.
  6. Web site: Bumpy Road . Women's Health . October 2007 . 29 June 2016 . Nazario, Brunilda.
  7. News: Mundell . E.J. . Bengay Death Highlights OTC Dangers . . June 15, 2007 . June 29, 2016.
  8. Book: Pray, W.S. . Nonprescription Product Therapeutics . . Nonprescription Product Therapeutics . 2006 . 978-0-7817-3498-1 . June 29, 2016 . 335.
  9. Web site: Janeway . Kimberly . How to Remove Stains Like Mustard, Red Wine, and Ink . . June 24, 2016 . June 29, 2016.
  10. Web site: How to get rid of chewing gum from clothes . . June 28, 2016 . June 29, 2016.

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