Is Vicks VapoRub Safe and Effective for Colds and Flu?

What Does Research Say About Vicks VapoRub and the Flu?

There has been some debate among health experts on the efficacy and safety of using Vicks VapoRub for treating influenza symptoms. Here is what researchers have found:

Some Studies Suggest Benefits

A number of studies indicate Vicks VapoRub may temporarily relieve congestion and coughing from the flu virus when applied topically to the throat and chest:

• A 1998 study found applying Vicks to the soles of the feet improved cough and congestion in children with upper respiratory infections better than placebo.
• A small 2010 study concluded Vicks was beneficial for nighttime cough and congestion relief in flu patients ages 1 and older.
• A 2011 review suggested that inhaling camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oils from Vicks can help clear nasal congestion.

Researchers theorize the menthol and camphor trigger cold receptors, causing a cooling sensation and temporary relief of stuffy noses and chest congestion. Increased airflow may also help loosen and thin mucus.

But Other Studies Question Efficacy

However, some reviews suggest Vicks provides no measurable benefit for flu symptoms:

• A 2014 Cochrane review found no clear evidence that topical Vicks improved cold symptoms in children under 10 years old.
• A 2014 pediatric study concluded Vicks did not significantly improve upper respiratory symptoms versus placebo.
• A 2016 review stated there is "little justification" for using Vicks in infants and young children due to questionable efficacy.

Critics argue the cooling sensation from Vicks only provides temporary, perceived symptom relief without treating the underlying viral infection.

Safety Concerns Over Camphor and Misuse

Some health professionals have raised concerns over the safety of Vicks, especially in children:

• Exposure to camphor, a primary ingredient, may carry health risks like seizure, confusion, and respiratory distress if used incorrectly.
• Incorrect administration like spread under the nose or on the feet of infants may cause breathing issues.
• There are no studies demonstrating the long-term safety of chronically inhaling Vicks.

These potential dangers have led some experts to recommend avoiding Vicks in children under 2 years old and using it sparingly in older children for short durations.

Is Vicks VapoRub Safe For Adults and Children?

Here is what you need to know about using Vicks VapoRub safely for flu symptom relief:

Dosage Matters

Using small amounts of Vicks externally as directed is generally safe for most children and adults. Risks mainly arise from accidentally ingesting or inhaling large quantities of camphor:

• Adults and children over 2 years old can safely use up to 4 times daily.
• Never apply Vicks under the nose or inside the mouth or nose where it may be inhaled or swallowed.
• Do not overapply thick layers which may transfer to clothing, toys, or bedding.

Monitor young children closely when using topical Vicks to prevent accidental ingestion and eye contact which can cause irritation.

Avoid Use in Infants

Children under 2 years old should not use Vicks except under medical supervision. Camphor is extremely dangerous if ingested by infants or applied near the nose where it can restrict breathing.

Never put Vicks on the feet or chest of babies or young toddlers who may inhale large amounts into their lungs.

Ask a Doctor Before Use in High-Risk Groups

Check with a pediatrician before using Vicks topically on high-risk children with:

• Asthma or breathing issues
• Eczema or broken skin
• Liver or kidney problems
• Seizure disorders

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their physician before short-term Vicks use.

How to Use Vicks Safely and Correctly

When used externally in healthy older children and adults, Vicks VapoRub can temporarily relieve congestion and cough from the flu virus. Follow these tips for safe, effective application:

Check the Label for Warnings

Read medication labels carefully and never exceed recommended doses. Vicks is for external use only unless specified by a doctor.

Avoid Direct Contact with Skin

Apply Vicks to the chest or throat over clothing. Do not rub directly on irritated skin as ingredients may cause stinging or burning.

Spread Thin Layers

Use sparingly - a thick layer of Vicks will not provide added symptom relief. Too much can transfer to clothing, bedding, and toys which children may inhale or ingest.

Wash Hands After Application

Wash hands thoroughly after use, especially before touching eyes or mouth. Avoid touching the eyes after applying Vicks which can cause irritation.

Do Not Overheat

Never microwave or heat Vicks containers as breathing in hot vapors can burn airways. Use only as directed for short-term relief.

Monitor Children Closely

Keep young children under supervision when using Vicks to prevent accidental ingestion or excess inhalation. Discontinue use if side effects occur.

Using Vicks externally as directed on the label is generally considered safe by most physicians for temporary symptom relief in adults and children over 2 years old. Just take precautions against misuse.

What Are the Active Ingredients in Vicks VapoRub?

The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub include:

Camphor 4.8%

Camphor produces cooling sensations on skin and acts as a mild anesthetic. It minimizes cough by numbing throat nerves. Inhaling camphor may help open congested airways.

Eucalyptus Oil 1.2%

Eucalyptus contains menthol and other volatile oils that may help relieve coughs, colds, and congestion when inhaled or applied topically.

Menthol 2.6%

Menthol triggers cold receptors in the skin that provide a cooling sensation. It minimizes the urge to cough. Menthol also has mild anesthetic effects.

Other inactive ingredients like petroleum jelly help deliver active compounds and soothe irritated skin and nasal passages.

How Does Vicks VapoRub Work?

The combination of camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil in Vicks VapoRub produces several effects that may temporarily lessen flu symptoms:

1. Cooling and Soothing

The camphor and menthol create cooling sensations by stimulating cold receptors when applied to the throat, chest, and nasal passages. This helps temporarily relieve congestion and overwhelmed nerves.

2. Increased Airflow

Inhaling the vapors from Vicks may stimulate mucus thinning and coughing to expel phlegm from congested airways and lungs.

3. Changed Perceptions

The strong scent of eucalyptus and menthol distracts the brain from cough and stuffy nose sensations, providing perceived relief.

4. Pain Relief

Menthol and camphor have mild topical anesthetic effects that help soothe sore throats and chests temporarily.

Research on how effective and long-lasting these symptom changes are is limited. But the mechanisms provide temporary relief for some flu sufferers.

Tips for Using Vicks VapoRub for Colds and Flu

When used externally and safely on children over 2 and adults, Vicks VapoRub can temporarily relieve congestion, coughing, and minor aches from influenza viruses. Consider these tips for use:

Apply a Thin Layer to Chest and Throat

Massage a thin layer onto the throat, chest, upper back, and under nose over clothing. Avoid applying inside the nose or mouth.

Try Vicks Shower Bombs

Hot showers open congested airways. Vicks shower bombs release vapors without direct contact for easier inhalation.

Use Vicks on Feet

Covering feet with socks after applying Vicks may help relieve cough and congestion overnight. Not recommended for children.

Plug In a Vicks Humidifier or Vaporizer

Vicks humidifiers and steam vaporizers allow for easier inhalation of medicated vapors that may clear congestion.

Drink Warm Fluids

Sipping warm tea, broth, or lemon water may thin mucus while inhaling Vicks vapors.

Avoid chronic, excessive use of Vicks which has not been studied for long-term safety. Discontinue use if side effects develop.

What Are the Side Effects of Vicks VapoRub?

When used occasionally as directed, Vicks is unlikely to cause side effects in most healthy people. But improper use may lead to:

Skin Irritation

Direct contact with irritated skin or eczema may cause stinging, redness, and swelling. Discontinue use if rashes develop.

Eye Irritation

Rubbing eyes after applying Vicks can cause severe stinging, watering, and burning. Wash hands after use.

Breathing Problems

Placing Vicks too close to the nose or inhaling large amounts may restrict breathing, especially in infants and those with asthma or COPD.

Confusion, Drowsiness, Seizures

Consuming Vicks orally can cause nerve problems like dizziness, confusion, tremors, and loss of consciousness from camphor overdose.

See a doctor immediately if swallowing Vicks or adverse side effects develop with proper use.

When to See a Doctor About Flu Symptoms

While Vicks VapoRub may help temporarily relieve congestion, cough, and body aches from influenza, see a physician if you experience:

• High fever over 102°F that lasts more than 3 days
• Severe shortness of breath or chest pain
• Lips or face turning blueish
• Severe dehydration symptoms like dizziness upon standing
• Flu symptoms that worsen or don't improve after 7 days

People at high risk for flu complications like pneumonia should contact a doctor quickly when sick. This includes infants, elderly adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.

A doctor can determine if prescription antiviral medication is needed for severe seasonal or novel flu strains.

Ask a Pharmacist About Possible Interactions

Always inform your pharmacist about any medications you take to avoid potentially dangerous interactions with Vicks VapoRub. Some possible concerns include:

Blood Pressure Medications

Vicks may interfere with some blood pressure control drugs by increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels.

Cholestyramine

This cholesterol medication should not be taken within 4-6 hours of applying Vicks which may reduce its efficacy.

Benzodiazepines like Ativan, Valium, Xanax

Vicks may increase drowsiness and sedation when combined with these anti-anxiety medications.

Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before using any new medication like Vicks when taking other drugs.

The Bottom Line

Vicks VapoRub has been used for over a century to temporarily relieve cough, congestion, and minor aches from colds and the flu virus. Evidence on its efficacy is mixed, with some studies showing symptom relief while others demonstrate no measurable benefits.

When applied externally to the throat and chest in adults and children over 2 years old, Vicks is generally safe and well tolerated. But misuse like ingestion or application on infants can be dangerous.

Use care when administering Vicks to children to avoid ingestion and adverse effects. Temporary, external use on older children and adults as directed on the label can safely provide soothing, cooling relief when you have the flu.

But see a doctor if symptoms worsen or persist beyond one week, especially for those at high risk for complications. Vicks VapoRub serves as a temporary remedy rather than a cure for the underlying viral infection.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.