Counterpain (Pain Relief Cream) 120g
05 Tube $90.00
Counterpain by Taisho is a warming analgesic cream with methyl salicylate, menthol and eugenol for stiff shoulders, backache and sore muscles. Ships from India. Delivery to the USA takes 7–14 days, 100% delivery guaranteed. Free shipping on orders over $100.
| Strength | Methyl salicylate 10.2% + menthol 5.44% + eugenol 1.36% |
|---|---|
| Pack | 120 g tube |
| Used For | Stiff neck and shoulders, backache, muscle soreness, minor sprains |
| How to Use | Massage in up to 3–4 times a day |
| Pharmaceutical Company | Taisho Pharmaceutical |
- Discreet packaging on every order
- Tracked worldwide shipping
- Reship or refund if your parcel does not arrive
Category: Painkiller
On this page
What is Counterpain?
Counterpain is a warming analgesic cream made by Taisho Pharmaceutical, a household name across Thailand, Malaysia and Southeast Asia. This large 120 g tube contains methyl salicylate 10.2%, menthol 5.44% and eugenol 1.36%.
It is used for everyday aches: stiff shoulders and neck, backache, muscle soreness after exercise, and minor sprains. Counterpain Hot — this version — gives a strong, lasting warmth.
How It Works
Counter-irritants work by creating a sensation on the skin — heat, cold or tingling — that competes with the deeper ache for your nervous system’s attention. Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) also has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. Cochrane reviewers found salicylate rubs give modest relief for short-term aches, with better evidence for strains and sprains than for arthritis.
How to Use Counterpain
- Massage a small amount into the sore area until absorbed.
- Use up to 3 or 4 times a day.
- A little goes a long way — start with a pea-sized amount for a shoulder or calf.
- Wash your hands well afterwards and keep away from the eyes.
- Apply only to unbroken skin — never to cuts, grazes, eczema or infected skin.
- Keep it away from the eyes, mouth, nose and genitals. Wash your hands after applying, unless you are treating your hands.
- Do not cover the area with a tight bandage or use a heating pad over it.
- Do not use more than one pain-relief rub on the same area at the same time.
- Stop and see a doctor if the pain has not improved after 7 days, or gets worse.
Counterpain vs Counterpain PLUS
| Counterpain (120 g) | Counterpain PLUS (50 g) | |
| Type | Warming counter-irritant cream | Counter-irritant with an added anti-inflammatory |
| Best for | Everyday stiffness and post-exercise aches | Sprains and joint pain with swelling |
Side Effects
Most people only notice warmth and redness where they applied it.
Common and usually mild:
- Warmth and redness of the skin
- Mild stinging
Stop and get medical help right away if you have:
- Blistering, peeling, severe burning or a spreading rash where you applied it.
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Black stools, vomiting blood or stomach pain (rare with gels, but possible with heavy use).
Who Should Not Use It
Do not use Counterpain if you:
- Are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates.
- Take a blood thinner such as warfarin — salicylate absorbed through the skin can increase bleeding risk.
- Want to use it on a child under 12, or on broken or irritated skin.
Talk to a doctor first if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have asthma triggered by aspirin.
- Take daily aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Never use with a heating pad, hot water bottle or tight bandage — serious burns have been reported with salicylate rubs.
Please consult your doctor before using this medicine.
How to Store It
- Store at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C). Do not freeze.
- Close the cap tightly after each use.
- Keep out of reach of children — swallowing a medicated gel or balm can be harmful.
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the tube.
Shipping, Delivery and Discreet Packaging
- Ships from: India
- Delivery to the USA: 7–14 days, with a tracking number provided once your order ships
- Shipping: free on orders over $100
- Delivery guarantee: 100% delivery guaranteed — see our shipping policy
- Discreet packaging: the outer box does not show the name Counterpain or the drug name
- Pack sizes: choose a pack above to see the current price
Sources and Medical Review
The medical information on this page is drawn from U.S. National Library of Medicine references, published prescribing information and independent evidence reviews.
Methyl salicylate and menthol rubs are sold over the counter in the USA. Counterpain is manufactured in India and is not an FDA-approved product. The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace advice from a licensed doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Counterpain?
Methyl salicylate 10.2%, menthol 5.44% and eugenol (clove oil) 1.36%.
What is Counterpain good for?
Stiff neck and shoulders, backache, muscle soreness after exercise and minor sprains.
How often can I use Counterpain?
Up to 3 or 4 times a day.
Can I use Counterpain with a heating pad?
No. Heat over a salicylate rub can cause burns.
Is Counterpain safe if I take warfarin?
No. Methyl salicylate can be absorbed through the skin and increase bleeding risk with blood thinners.
Can children use Counterpain?
Not under 12 years old.
