Axe Med Oil No.6

Axe Med Oil No.6 is a topical medicated oil from the Axe Brand range, supplied on DoctorOnCall in a compact 3ml bottle. Its active ingredients are menthol crystals, eucalyptus oil, methyl salicylate, essential oil and camphor, and its inactive ingredients are eucalyptus oil, lavender oil and mineral oil. It is categorised as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) product and is for external use only.

Axe Brand was founded in Singapore in 1928, and the same medicated oil is widely known in Malaysia as Minyak Angin Cap Kapak. The numbering in the Axe Med Oil range reflects bottle size, and No.6 is the smallest, pocket-sized 3ml bottle, while larger numbers such as No.1 and No.2 hold considerably more oil. The cooling, aromatic character of the oil comes from menthol, camphor and eucalyptus oil, with methyl salicylate contributing to its distinctive scent.

Axe Med Oil No.6 is different from Axe Minyak Panas Cap Kapak (Axe Brand Heat Oil), which is a warming formulation with a different ingredient list, so check the name on the carton. Only a few drops are needed at a time, and the oil should never be swallowed or applied to the eyes or broken skin. Wash your hands after each use, keep the bottle tightly closed, and store it out of sight and reach of children.

Apply a few drops of the oil to the area of skin and massage it in gently. For adults and children aged 3 years and above, apply 3 to 4 times a day, and do not use it on children under 3 years of age.

Alternative methods of application described on the label: place 2 to 3 drops on a handkerchief or tissue and inhale gently from a short distance, without applying the oil inside the nostrils; or apply a small amount of the oil around the navel and cover it with a warm towel, repeating the warm towel as needed.

Apply only to intact skin and avoid the eyes, lips and other mucous membranes. Wash your hands after use and keep the cap tightly closed. For external use only; do not swallow.

Adults and children aged 3 years and above: apply a few drops to the area and gently rub in, not more than 3 to 4 times daily.

Children under 3 years of age: do not use; consult a doctor.

Maximum: use only a few drops each time and do not exceed 4 applications a day. Missed application: simply apply the next dose when needed; do not apply extra to make up for it. If the skin becomes irritated or symptoms continue for more than about 7 days or get worse, stop using the oil and consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Use before the expiry date printed on the bottle and carton. Do not use the oil after this date.

Store at 15°C to 30°C, keeping the container tightly closed, away from direct sunlight and away from open flames. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

• Common: Mild skin irritation, redness or itching at the application site.
• Common: A cooling, warm or tingling sensation on the skin.
• Common: The strong aroma may cause headache or nausea in sensitive people.
• Serious: Allergic contact dermatitis with a spreading rash, blistering or swelling; stop use and ask a pharmacist.
• Serious: Severe allergic reaction with facial swelling or difficulty breathing; seek emergency care.
• Serious: Vomiting, confusion, drowsiness or seizures if the oil is swallowed or used excessively, because of camphor and menthol; this is an emergency.
• Serious: Ringing in the ears, rapid breathing or persistent nausea after heavy or prolonged use, which may indicate too much salicylate absorption.

• Known hypersensitivity to menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, methyl salicylate, aspirin or other salicylates.
• Children under 3 years of age.
• Broken, irritated or inflamed skin, and open wounds.
• Application to the eyes, lips, inside the nose or other mucous membranes.
• Swallowing the oil; it is for external use only.

• Warfarin and other blood thinners or antiplatelet medicines: methyl salicylate can be absorbed through the skin and may increase bleeding risk, especially with repeated or large-area use.
• Oral aspirin, other salicylates and anti-inflammatory tablets: the total salicylate load may add up, so tell a pharmacist if you take them regularly.
• Other topical products, rubs or patches on the same area: avoid using them together, as this may increase irritation.
• Heat sources such as heating pads and hot compresses over the treated area: they can increase absorption and the risk of burns.
• Food: no food interactions are known.

• Use only a few drops at a time, as more oil does not add anything.
• When using the inhalation method, hold the tissue a short distance away and never apply the oil inside the nostrils.
• Wash your hands after use and avoid touching your eyes or face.
• Do not use it on children under 3 years of age, and keep the bottle out of their reach.
• Keep the cap tightly closed and store the bottle between 15°C and 30°C, away from flames.
• Check the carton for the name and bottle size so you do not confuse No.6 with other Axe Brand products.

Precautions: Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an allergy to aspirin or salicylates, take blood-thinning medicines, or have sensitive skin. Camphor can trigger seizures in susceptible people, so use with caution if you have epilepsy or a history of seizures. Do not apply to large areas of the body, and do not apply near the nose or face of infants. Children aged 3 years and above should only use it under adult supervision. Keep away from open flames and out of the reach of children. For external use only.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Stop using the oil if you develop a spreading rash, blistering, swelling or persistent irritation. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, difficulty breathing, ringing in the ears, persistent vomiting, confusion or seizures, and contact your local poison information centre or go to hospital straight away if the oil has been swallowed, particularly by a child. See a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms continue for more than about 7 days or get worse, or if you take blood thinners and notice unusual bruising.