Hovid Methyl Salicylate 25% Liniment

Hovid Methyl Salicylate 25% Liniment is a topical liniment manufactured by Hovid Berhad, a Malaysian pharmaceutical company. The formulation contains Methyl Salicylate at a concentration of 25% w/v as its active ingredient, presented as a liquid liniment intended for external application to the skin.

As an OTC product, this liniment is sold in pharmacies across Malaysia without requiring a doctor’s prescription. It is typically sold in a 60ml bottle and is applied topically by rubbing a small amount onto the skin, distinguishing it from oral or injectable products. Methyl salicylate belongs to the salicylate family of compounds, chemically related to but formulated differently from oral aspirin.

Hovid Berhad manufactures a range of topical products for external application, and this liniment is one of the company’s established musculoskeletal topical formulations. As with any topical liniment, it should only be applied to intact, unbroken skin, and should never be taken by mouth.

Apply a small amount of the liniment to the affected area and rub in gently until it is absorbed into the skin.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after application, unless the hands themselves are the area being treated.

Do not apply to broken, blistered, sunburned, or irritated skin, and avoid contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, and other mucous membranes. If contact does occur, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.

Do not cover the treated area with a tight bandage, plaster, or heating pad, as this can increase absorption through the skin and raise the risk of irritation.

This product is for external use only and must never be swallowed.

For adults, apply a small amount of the liniment to the affected area 2 to 3 times daily, or as directed by a pharmacist or doctor. Only enough liniment to cover the area thinly is needed — using more does not improve the result and increases the risk of skin irritation.

Do not use on children without first seeking medical advice, as dosing and suitability for younger age groups should be confirmed by a healthcare professional. If the treated area shows no improvement after 7 days of regular use, or if pain or discomfort worsens, stop use and consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Use before the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer carton.

Refer to the package insert for guidance on how long the liniment remains suitable for use once opened, and discard the product if you notice any change in colour, smell, or consistency.

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and open flame, as liniments of this type can be flammable.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed after use, and store it out of the reach and sight of children.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to methyl salicylate, aspirin, or other salicylate compounds.
• Application to broken, blistered, infected, or sunburned skin.
• Use on children without prior medical advice, due to a higher risk of excessive absorption relative to body size.
• Must not be taken orally or applied inside the mouth, nose, eyes, or other mucous membranes.

• Using this liniment together with oral aspirin or other salicylate-containing medicines may increase total salicylate exposure — check with a pharmacist if you are already taking aspirin or other salicylate medicines regularly.
• Applying this liniment at the same time as other topical products on the same area, such as other counter-irritant or analgesic creams or heat patches, is not recommended, as this can increase skin irritation and absorption.
• Individuals taking oral blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants) should check with a doctor or pharmacist before regular use, due to the salicylate content.
• No specific food interactions are known, as this is a topical product not intended for oral use.

• Apply only a thin layer — a larger amount does not work faster and raises the chance of skin irritation.
• Wash your hands after every application unless treating the hands themselves.
• Avoid using immediately before or after a hot shower or bath, as heat can increase skin absorption.
• Do not bandage or wrap the treated area unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional.
• Keep the bottle away from open flame, as the liniment base can be flammable.
• Test on a small area of skin first if you have sensitive skin or have not used the product before.

Precautions: This liniment is for external use on intact skin only and must never be swallowed or applied near the eyes, nose, mouth, or other mucous membranes. Individuals with a known allergy to aspirin or other salicylates should not use this product. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and anyone with kidney or liver conditions, should seek medical advice before regular use, since salicylates can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, particularly with prolonged or extensive application.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if pain or discomfort does not improve after 7 days of regular use, if the treated area becomes more painful, red, or swollen, or if you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as a spreading rash, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency care immediately if the liniment is accidentally swallowed or if symptoms such as ringing in the ears, rapid breathing, or vomiting occur.