Kwan Loong Medicated Oil

Kwan Loong Medicated Oil is a well-known aromatic medicated oil for external use, made by Haw Par Healthcare in Singapore and supplied over the counter in bottles. Malaysian retailer labelling lists menthol, methyl salicylate, camphor, eucalyptus oil, spike lavender oil and light liquid paraffin as its ingredients. It is a light, fast-spreading oil with a strong cooling aroma and a thin consistency that feels less greasy than many other oils.

Menthol and eucalyptus oil give the oil its cooling aroma, while methyl salicylate and camphor create a sensation of warmth when the oil is applied to the skin. Light liquid paraffin forms the base that carries the aromatic ingredients, and spike lavender oil adds to the fragrance. Because methyl salicylate is a salicylate related to aspirin and camphor can be harmful to very young children, the oil carries clear warnings on its label.

The label advises that the oil is for external use only, that it can cause convulsions, that it must not be used on infants below 2 years of age, that caution is needed with older children, and that it must not be applied directly inside the nostrils. It also advises applying it not more than 3 to 4 times a day. The oil is available in several bottle sizes, including 57 ml, so please check the product page for the sizes currently listed.

Wash and dry your hands and make sure the area of intact skin is clean and dry.

Place a small amount of oil on your fingertip, or on a clean cotton pad, and spread a thin layer over the area of skin.

Massage gently until the oil is absorbed. Test on a small area of skin first if you have not used it before.

For external use only. Do not apply directly inside the nostrils, and keep the oil away from the eyes, the mouth and broken skin.

Do not use external heat or a tight bandage over the area. Wash your hands after applying and close the bottle tightly.

Apply to the affected area of skin as necessary, but not more than 3 to 4 times a day, as stated on the label, or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not apply more often than directed, as larger amounts do not make the oil stronger and raise the chance of skin irritation and absorption of its ingredients.

If you miss an application, apply at the next usual time and do not double up. Stop using the oil and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if your skin does not improve after about 7 days, or gets worse. Do not use on infants below 2 years of age, and ask a doctor or pharmacist before using on older children.

Use before the expiry date printed on the bottle and carton. If the colour, smell or texture of the oil changes noticeably, stop using it and replace it with a new pack.

Store at room temperature, below 30 °C, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and open flames. Keep the bottle tightly closed after every use and keep it out of reach of children, as swallowing even a small amount can be dangerous.

• Common: A warm, tingling or cooling sensation on the skin where the oil is applied. This is expected with these ingredients and usually settles within minutes.
• Common: Mild redness, dryness or irritation of the skin, particularly with repeated use or on sensitive skin.
• Common: A strong aroma that some people find overwhelming, which may trigger a headache or nausea in sensitive individuals.
• Serious: Severe burning, blistering, swelling or a spreading rash where the oil was applied. Stop using it, wash the area with plenty of water and see a doctor, as this may be a chemical skin burn or a contact allergy.
• Serious: Nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, rapid breathing, drowsiness, confusion or seizures after swallowing the oil or applying large amounts over wide or broken areas of skin. These can be signs of poisoning from camphor or methyl salicylate and are a medical emergency.
• Serious: Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, hives or difficulty breathing. These are signs of a severe allergic reaction and need emergency medical care.

• Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredient in the oil, including menthol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptus oil, camphor, spike lavender oil or light liquid paraffin.
• Do not use on infants and children under 2 years of age. Menthol and camphor can cause breathing problems and seizures in very young children.
• Do not use if you have a history of seizures or epilepsy, as camphor has been linked to convulsions when absorbed in significant amounts.
• Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates, as methyl salicylate is a salicylate.
• Do not apply to broken, burnt, inflamed or irritated skin, wounds, the eyes, the inside of the nose or mouth, or other mucous membranes.
• Do not swallow the oil.

• Methyl salicylate can be absorbed through the skin and may increase the blood-thinning effect of warfarin and other anticoagulants. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before regular use, especially over large areas of skin.
• Avoid using the oil together with oral aspirin, other salicylates or high doses of anti-inflammatory medicines without advice, as the total salicylate exposure can add up.
• Do not use the oil with heating pads, hot water bottles or other external heat, and do not cover the area with a tight bandage, as this can increase absorption and cause burns or blistering.
• Avoid applying other creams, gels, patches or medicated products to the same area at the same time unless a pharmacist has advised it.
• No food interactions are known.

• Do a small patch test on the inner forearm and wait a few hours before the first full application, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Use only a small amount in a thin layer; applying more does not make it stronger and increases the chance of skin irritation.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying so that the oil does not reach your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Keep the oil away from open flames, candles, cigarettes and other heat sources, as the ingredients are flammable.
• Avoid applying it within an hour before a hot bath or shower, and wait at least 30 minutes after bathing, as warm, damp skin is more sensitive to these ingredients.
• Close the bottle tightly after each use and store it out of reach of children, as accidental swallowing can be dangerous.

Precautions: This oil is for external use only. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you have sensitive skin, asthma, a skin condition or a long-term medical condition, ask a doctor or pharmacist before use. Children aged 2 years and above should only use it under adult supervision, and a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted for older children before use. Avoid touching your eyes after applying, remove contact lenses before applying near the face, and never apply it over large areas of skin.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor or pharmacist if your skin becomes red, blistered or painful after applying the oil, if symptoms continue for more than about 7 days, or if they clear and return within a few days. If the oil is swallowed or gets into the eyes, rinse the eyes with plenty of water and get medical help immediately, and contact a poison centre or go to the nearest emergency department.