Topical anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAID combination with counterirritants)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a topical pain-relief gel or cream that combines four active ingredients: diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory painkiller), methyl salicylate and menthol (which create a warming and cooling sensation to soothe pain), and linseed oil (which helps the medicine absorb into the skin). It works by reducing swelling and blocking pain signals right where you apply it.
Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and local inflammation; while methyl salicylate and menthol provide counterirritant effects through topical irritation and transient activation of TRPV3 receptors, creating a cooling/warming sensation that gates pain perception and enhances drug penetration, with linseed oil serving as an emollient carrier.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
Since you apply this gel only when you feel pain, there is no strict dosing schedule. If you forget to apply it at your usual time, just apply it when you remember. Do not double the amount to make up for a missed application.
Buy only from reputable pharmacies, avoiding purchasing from roadside sellers or open markets where the product may have been exposed to extreme heat, which can spoil it. Do not cover the applied area with tight bandages or airtight wrapping unless a doctor tells you to. Do not use this gel and then expose the area to direct sunlight or heat, as it may cause skin reactions.
Do not apply this gel at the same time as other pain-relief creams, balms, or patches (like hot rubs or other mentholated products) on the same area, as it can cause serious skin irritation. If you are already taking oral painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac tablets, be cautious as combining them may increase side effects. Avoid applying near areas where you have used traditional herbal rubs or ointments.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Diclofenac with your other drugs?
Do not use this product during pregnancy, especially in the last three months, and consult your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, as Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near a window. Keep the tube tightly closed after use and store it where children cannot reach it.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.