VAPORUB POMADA
SpainIt is used to relieve cough and nasal congestion symptoms that occur during a cold or the flu.
Frequently asked questions
How should VapoRub be applied?
A thin layer can be applied to the chest, neck, and back up to 3 times a day, avoiding contact with eyes and mucous membranes. It can also be used for inhalation by adding one tablespoon to a container of hot (not boiling) water and breathing in the vapors for 10-15 minutes.
Who should not use this medication?
It should not be used in children under 6 years of age, or in people allergic to its components. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What precautions should I take when using it?
Caution should be exercised in children under 7 years of age, especially if they have had seizures or epilepsy. A doctor should also be consulted if you suffer from bronchial asthma, other respiratory diseases, or if you are hypersensitive to perfumes or solvents.
What are the possible side effects of VapoRub?
Effects such as eye irritation (from inhalation), redness, skin irritation, allergic dermatitis, or burns in the area of application have been noted.
What should I do if accidentally ingested?
In case of ingestion, consult a doctor or pharmacist immediately. If it occurs in children, seek immediate medical attention and do not attempt to induce vomiting.
When should I consult a doctor?
You should consult a doctor if symptoms do not improve or if they worsen after 7 days of continuous use.
Instructions for use
Package leaflet: Information for the user
Introduction
Package leaflet: information for the user
VapoRub ointment
Read the entire leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine, because it contains important information for you.
Follow exactly the instructions for use of this medicine contained in this leaflet or those indicated by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Keep this leaflet, as you may need to read it again.
- If you need advice or more information, consult your pharmacist.
- If you experience any adverse effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
- You should consult a doctor if you worsen or do not improve after 7 days.
Contents of the leaflet
- What VapoRub is and what it is used for
- What you need to know before using VapoRub
- How to use VapoRub
- Possible adverse effects
- 5 Storage of VapoRub
- Contents of the pack and other information
1. What VapoRub is and what it is used for
VapoRub is an ointment used for the symptomatic relief of cough and nasal congestion associated with colds and flu. It may be applied directly to the skin (cutaneous use) or diluted in hot water for inhalation of the vapors.
You should consult a doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 days.
2. What you need to know before using VapoRub
Do not use VapoRub:
- if you are allergic to the active substances or to any of the other components of this medicine (listed in section 6),
- in children under 6 years of age.
Warnings and precautions
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using VapoRub:
- if you are hypersensitive to fragrances or solvents,
- if you currently have or have previously had seizures or epilepsy,
- if you currently have or have previously had respiratory conditions such as bronchial asthma or other respiratory diseases or hypersensitivities.
Children
Use with caution in children under 7 years of age, especially if they have previously experienced seizures or epilepsy.
Use of VapoRub with other medicines
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently using, have recently used, or might need to use any other medicines.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.
VapoRub is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Driving and using machines
VapoRub does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
3. How to use VapoRub
Follow exactly the instructions for use provided in this leaflet or those given by your doctor or pharmacist. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
The recommended dose is:
Adults and children over 6 years of age:
Cutaneous use
- Apply a thin layer of ointment to the chest, neck, and back. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Repeat application up to 3 times daily. Wear loose clothing to facilitate inhalation of vapors.
Inhalation
- Add one tablespoon of VapoRub to a container with hot water (not boiling). Inhale the vapors for 10–15 minutes.
Multi-dose container with cutaneous applicator stick: When using the product for the first time: remove the cap and seal, then rotate the bottom part of the stick 3–4 times. Then rotate the bottom part again to release the product. Wipe clean with a tissue after each use and replace the cap.
Caution: neither VapoRub nor the mixture should ever be reheated in a microwave.
Children must always be supervised by an adult when using this medicine.
VapoRub is for external use only. Do not exceed the recommended dose. It must not be swallowed or applied inside the nostrils or on the face. Do not apply to damaged or broken skin.
Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Use in children
VapoRub is contraindicated in children under 6 years of age.
If you use more VapoRub than you should
Cases of overdose have not been reported.
In case of accidental ingestion, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately or call the Toxicology Information Service at telephone number: 91 562 04 20, stating the medicine and the amount ingested.
In case of accidental ingestion of VapoRub by children, consult a doctor immediately to receive appropriate treatment. Do not attempt to induce vomiting.
4. Possible adverse effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause adverse effects, although not everyone will experience them.
The following adverse effects have been reported during the period of use of VapoRub, although their frequency could not be estimated from the available data:
- Eye irritation (due to inhalation)
- Skin redness, skin irritation, allergic dermatitis.
- Burning sensation at the application site
Reporting of adverse effects
If you experience any type of adverse effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible adverse effect not listed in this leaflet. You may also report them directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Medicines: https://www.notificaram.es. By reporting adverse effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. Storage of VapoRub
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
No special storage conditions are required.
Keep away from fire or flames.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the packaging after EXP. The expiry date is the last day of the month indicated.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater drains or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused medicines and their containers. This will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
Composition of VapoRub
- The active ingredients per 1 g of ointment are: 50 mg of camphor, 50 mg of turpentine oil, 27.5 mg of menthol, 15 mg of eucalyptus oil, and 2.5 mg of thymol.
- The other components are: cedarwood oil, petroleum jelly.
Appearance of the product and contents of the container
VapoRub is a greasy ointment with a thick, semi-solid consistency and a whitish colour. It is available in 35 g containers (multi-dose pack with a topical stick applicator), 50 g, and 100 g.
Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer
Laboratorios Vicks, S.L.U.
Avda. Bruselas, 24
28108 Alcobendas (MADRID)
Local representative
Procter & Gamble España S.A.U.
Avda. Bruselas, 24
28108 Alcobendas (MADRID)
Manufacturer
Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH
Procter & Gamble Strasse, 1
D-64521 Gross Gerau
Germany
Date of the most recent revision of this leaflet: March 2025
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) (http://www.aemps.gob.es/)
The original data is available in the language of the country of manufacture.
Data source: Online Medicines Information Centre (CIMA) — AEMPS
Data last verified: September 21, 2026