Vapor rub: what the label says, how to use it, and who should skip it
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- Vicks VapoRub. Best for: Cold-related cough relief on the chest and throat. See options on Amazon
- Store-brand medicated chest rub. Best for: The same actives under a store label. See options on Amazon
- Vicks VapoRub Advanced Plus. Best for: People who want the name brand's newer formula. See options on Amazon
What is in a vapor rub
| Product label | Active ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vicks VapoRub (lavender scent) | Camphor 4.7%, eucalyptus oil 1.2%, menthol 2.6% | Cough suppressant and topical analgesic |
| Vicks VapoRub Advanced Plus | Camphor 4.8%, eucalyptus oil 1.2%, menthol 2.6% | Store at no greater than 25 C (77 F) |
| Kroger Medicated Chest Rub | Camphor 4.8%, eucalyptus oil 1.2%, menthol 2.6% | Same uses, warnings and directions |
Details are from each product's Drug Facts label on DailyMed. A store-brand chest rub can have the same three actives as the name brand, so compare the active ingredient panel rather than the package design.
Inactive ingredients to check
Beyond the three actives, the labels list several inactive ingredients, which matter if you react to fragrances or plant oils:
- Vicks VapoRub (lavender scent): cedarleaf oil, fragrance, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol and turpentine oil.
- Vicks VapoRub Advanced Plus: cedarleaf oil, nutmeg oil, paraffin, petrolatum, a cooling agent listed as menthane carboxamidoethyl acetate, thymol and turpentine oil.
- Kroger Medicated Chest Rub: cedarleaf oil, nutmeg oil, paraffin, petrolatum, thymol and turpentine oil.
If you have had a skin reaction to any of these, read the panel before buying and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. The VapoRub lavender label also notes that only selected information is listed on the jar, so keep the carton for reference.
What the label says it does
The labels list two uses:
- Cough. When applied to the chest and throat, it temporarily relieves cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold.
- Aches. When applied to muscles and joints, it temporarily relieves minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.
The labels do not list other uses that circulate online, so stick to the uses on the Drug Facts panel.
How to use it
For adults and children 2 years and over, the labels say:
- For cough, rub a thick layer on the throat and chest.
- Cover with a warm, dry cloth if you like.
- Keep clothing loose about the throat and chest to help vapors reach the nose and mouth.
- Use up to three times daily, or as directed by a doctor.
- For minor muscle or joint aches, apply to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily.
For children under 2 years, the labels say do not use.
Where not to put it
The labels say vapor rub is for external use only and to avoid contact with the eyes. Do not use it:
- By mouth.
- In the nostrils.
- On wounds or damaged skin.
- With tight bandages.
For a stuffy nose, see our saline nasal spray guide instead of putting rub inside the nose.
Never heat it
The labels warn not to heat vapor rub, microwave it, or add it to hot water or any container where water is being heated, because it may cause splattering and result in burns. If you want steam, use a device made for it, and see our cool mist humidifier guide for adding moisture to a room.
When to ask a doctor
- Before use, ask a doctor if you have a cough with too much phlegm, or a persistent or chronic cough such as with smoking, asthma or emphysema.
- Stop and ask a doctor if a cough lasts more than 1 week, keeps coming back, or comes with fever, rash or a persistent headache; the labels say a persistent cough may be a sign of a serious condition.
- Stop and ask a doctor if muscle aches worsen or last more than 7 days, or clear up and return within a few days.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding: ask a health professional before use.
- Keep it from children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact Poison Control right away.
What to look for when you buy
Vicks VapoRub
Best for: Cold-related cough relief on the chest and throat
Its label lists camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol as a cough suppressant and topical analgesic.
Watch out: Not for children under 2 or inside the nostrils.
See options on AmazonStore-brand medicated chest rub
Best for: The same actives under a store label
Kroger's chest rub label lists camphor 4.8%, eucalyptus oil 1.2% and menthol 2.6%.
Watch out: Compare the Drug Facts active ingredients before you buy.
See options on AmazonVicks VapoRub Advanced Plus
Best for: People who want the name brand's newer formula
Its label lists the same three actives at camphor 4.8%, eucalyptus oil 1.2% and menthol 2.6%.
Watch out: Store at no greater than 25 C (77 F), per the label.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Can I put vapor rub in my nose?
- No. The labels say do not use in nostrils.
- Can babies use vapor rub?
- The labels say do not use on children under 2 years.
- How often can I use vapor rub?
- For cough, up to three times daily for ages 2 and up, or as a doctor directs.
- Can I add vapor rub to hot water for steam?
- No. The labels warn heating it may cause splattering and burns.
- When should I see a doctor for a cough?
- If it lasts more than 1 week, recurs, or comes with fever, rash or persistent headache.
Sources
- Vicks VapoRub (camphor, eucalyptus oil, menthol) ointment label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Vicks VapoRub Advanced Plus ointment label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Kroger Medicated Chest Rub ointment label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine