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Deep Hit

Medical expert of the article

Orthopedist, onco-orthopedist, traumatologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Deep Heat is a medical product that is commonly used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in muscle strains, bruises, rheumatic pain and other conditions involving muscles and joints. It contains several active ingredients:

  1. Methyl salicylate is an anti-pain substance that has properties similar to aspirin. It relieves pain and reduces inflammation.
  2. Racemic menthol is a mentholated alcohol that creates a cooling sensation and may help reduce feelings of pain and itching.
  3. Eucalyptus oil – known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
  4. Turpentine oil is a liquid extracted from coniferous trees such as pine. It has a warming effect and can help soothe pain and reduce inflammation.

These ingredients combined provide relief from pain and inflammation symptoms that often accompany muscle and joint problems.

ATC classification

M02AC Препараты, содержащие производные салициловой кислоты

Active ingredients

Метилсалицилат
Ментол
Эвкалиптовое масло
Масло терпентинное

Pharmacological group

Местнораздражающие средства в комбинациях
Ненаркотические анальгетики

Pharmachologic effect

Местнораздражающие препараты
Анальгезирующие (ненаркотические) препараты

Indications Deep Hit

  1. Muscle and joint pain: This medication can help relieve pain caused by muscle strains, bruises, rheumatic pain and other similar conditions.
  2. Inflammation: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Deep Heat can reduce inflammation associated with various muscle and joint problems.
  3. Sports Injury Pain: This medication may be useful in relieving pain and reducing inflammation from sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and bruises.
  4. Myalgia: Deep Heat can be used to relieve pain from muscle pain such as myalgia caused by exercise or strain.
  5. Arthritis and other joint conditions: Since Deep Heat has anti-pain and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be useful in relieving pain and discomfort in various joint conditions such as arthritis.

Release form

The ointment or gel form ensures easy application and absorption of the drug through the skin into the area of pain or inflammation.

Pharmacodynamics

  1. Methyl salicylate:

    • It is a salicylate that exhibits analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
    • The mechanism of action of methyl salicylate is its ability to suppress the production of prostaglandins, substances that play a key role in the occurrence of pain and inflammation.
  2. Menthol:

    • Menthol has a cooling and anesthetic effect, which helps reduce sensitivity to pain.
    • It can also stimulate receptors in the skin, causing a sensation of cold, which may alleviate the sensation of pain.
  3. Eucalyptus oil:

    • Eucalyptus oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
    • It can help relieve inflammation and ease breathing when your nose is stuffy.
  4. Turpentine oil:

    • Turpentine oil also has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in muscles and joints.

Pharmacokinetics

  1. Methyl salicylate:

    • Absorption: Methyl salicylate is generally well absorbed through the skin when applied topically.
    • Distribution: After absorption, methyl salicylate is distributed into tissues and has a local analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
    • Metabolism: Methyl salicylate can be metabolized in the liver to salicylic acid.
    • Excretion: Methyl salicylate and its metabolites are excreted from the body primarily through the kidneys.
  2. Menthol racemic:

    • Absorption: Menthol is also well absorbed through the skin.
    • Distribution: It is distributed into the tissues and has a local cooling effect.
    • Metabolism and excretion: Menthol can be metabolized in the liver and excreted from the body, primarily through the kidneys.
  3. Eucalyptus oil and turpentine oil:

    • Absorption and Distribution: These oils can also be absorbed through the skin and have a local irritant and anti-inflammatory effect.
    • Metabolism and excretion: Their metabolism and excretion may be influenced by the metabolism and excretion of other components of the drug.
  4. Interactions: Due to topical application and often short-term use, interactions with other medications are generally unlikely. However, avoid using other topical medications on the same area of skin without consulting a doctor.

  5. Side effects: Local side effects may include skin irritation, redness and rarely allergic reactions.

Dosing and administration

  1. Directions for use:

    • Deep Heat ointment or gel is applied in a thin layer to the skin in the area of pain.
    • The product should be applied with light massaging movements until completely absorbed.
    • It is recommended to avoid application to irritated or damaged skin, as well as avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
  2. Dosage:

    • The dosage depends on the intensity of pain, the size of the area to be treated, and the individual characteristics of the patient.
    • Usually, applying a small amount of ointment or gel to the skin is enough to cover the painful area.
    • Reapplication may be required after a few hours depending on individual needs.
  3. Frequency of use:

    • Deep Heat ointment or gel can be applied up to several times a day depending on how often symptoms occur and how severe they are.

Use Deep Hit during pregnancy

There may be some risks associated with using products containing methyl salicylate (including Deep Heat), menthol, eucalyptus oil, and turpentine oil during pregnancy. Methyl salicylate and other components in these mixtures can be absorbed through the skin, potentially causing toxic effects, especially if used in large amounts or over large areas of the body.

Special limitations and risks include:

  • Methyl salicylate: This component may cause systemic reactions similar to aspirin, which is a salicylate. Use of aspirin preparations during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, may result in prolongation of pregnancy, increased duration of labor, and other health risks to the mother and fetus (Collins & Turner, 1981).
  • Menthol: Although menthol is commonly used as a topical analgesic, using it in large amounts may promote excessive absorption through the skin, potentially leading to side effects.
  • Eucalyptus and turpentine oils: These oils can cause skin irritation and have the potential for allergic reactions, which may also affect pregnancy.

In general, due to the potential risk of adverse effects on pregnancy and the fetus, use of Deep Heat and other products containing these ingredients should be limited or avoided.

Contraindications

  1. Hypersensitivity: People with known hypersensitivity to methyl salicylate, menthol, eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil or any of the ingredients of the product should not use Deep Heat.
  2. Asthma: Deep Heat may be contraindicated in patients with asthma as some of its ingredients may cause an allergic reaction or exacerbation of symptoms.
  3. Broken or irritated skin: Using Deep Heat on broken or irritated skin may increase irritation and cause burning or allergic reactions.
  4. Children: For children under 2 years of age, the use of menthol and eucalyptus oil may be contraindicated due to the risk of developing serious complications such as obstructive bronchitis.
  5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited information on the safety of Deep Heat during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so its use during this period should only be carried out on the advice of a doctor.

Side effects Deep Hit

  1. Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to one or more of the ingredients in Deep Heat. This may manifest as skin rash, itching, hives, or even more serious allergic reactions.
  2. Skin Irritation: Applying Deep Heat to the skin may cause irritation in some people, especially if they have sensitive skin or wounds.
  3. Redness and Burns: The cooling and warming effects of menthol and turpentine oil can cause redness and even burns, especially if applied in large quantities or to broken skin.
  4. Overcooling or overheating: Using Deep Heat may result in excessive cooling or warming of the skin depending on the sensitivity of the skin and individual reaction to the product.
  5. Respiratory Problems: Inhaling eucalyptus oil and turpentine oil vapors may cause respiratory irritation in some people, which may result in coughing or difficulty breathing.

Overdose

  1. Methyl salicylate poisoning:

    • Methyl salicylate contained in Deep Heat is a derivative of acylated salicylaldehyde and can cause serious adverse effects in overdose, such as nausea, vomiting, burning sensation in the stomach, abdominal pain, dizziness, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, hypertension, CNS excitation, as well as extremely dangerous consequences such as metabolic acidosis, convulsions, arrhythmias and respiratory arrest.
  2. Toxic effects of menthol:

    • Menthol can cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, and in case of overdose - serious respiratory problems, fainting, arrhythmia, extreme lethargy and coma.
  3. Risks of Eucalyptus and Turpentine Oils:

    • Overdosing on eucalyptus and turpentine oils can cause severe allergic reactions, respiratory problems, hypertension, heart rhythm disturbances, and toxic effects on the central nervous system and kidneys.
  4. Other complications:

    • Overdose may also cause skin irritation, burns, allergic reactions and other serious complications.

Interactions with other drugs

  1. Topical preparations: Using other topical preparations on the same area of skin at the same time as Deep Heat may increase local irritation or allergic reactions.
  2. Systemic NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): When systemic NSAIDs are used concomitantly with methyl salicylate from Deep Heat, there may be an increase in systemic side effects such as gastric ulcers and bleeding.
  3. Anticoagulants: Methyl salicylate may increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulants such as warfarin.
  4. Drugs that enhance cutaneous absorption: Certain drugs may enhance the absorption of topical Deep Heat ingredients through the skin, which may result in increased blood concentrations and increased systemic side effects.
  5. Menthol and eucalyptus oil: These ingredients may affect the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. When used in parallel with other drugs for the treatment of respiratory diseases, caution should be exercised to avoid unwanted effects.

Storage conditions

  1. Temperature: The product should be stored at temperatures up to 25°C. Deep Heat is generally stable at room temperature, but avoid storing in places with extreme temperatures or exposure to direct sunlight.
  2. Packaging: Before use, make sure that the packaging of the drug is intact. If the packaging is damaged or expired, the drug should be disposed of in accordance with local rules and regulations.
  3. Child Reach: Keep Deep Heat out of reach of children to prevent accidental consumption.
  4. Before use: Before using the drug, carefully read the instructions for use to ensure proper use of the drug.


Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Deep Hit" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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