counterirritant

Actions and mechanisms of counterirritants on the muscular circulation.

The OTC preparations are formulated with low concentrations of various drug mixtures, such as local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, astringents, antiseptics, emollients/protectants, counterirritants, keratolytics, and wound healing agents.

The OTC preparations are formulated with low concentrations of various drug mixtures, such as local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, astringents, antiseptics, emollients / protectants, counterirritants, keratolytics, and wound healing agents.

(9) Since antihistamines do not benefit atopic-related pruritus, other options include emollients, counterirritants such as menthol/camphor or capsaicin, EMLA cream, topical pramoxine, topical corticosteroids, topical doxepin, topical immunomodulators such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus, topical aspirin, and phototherapy with psoralen ultraviolet A-range (PUVA).

Most other topical analgesics, by contrast, "just serve as counterirritants."

The exact mechanism by which they may relieve pain is not known, but they may help block pain signals by stimulating other nerve fibers--thus these ingredients are sometimes called counterirritants. The rubbing action when applying a liniment may also contribute to some pain relief.