Information about the topical pain reliever Stopain

Stopain is one of the over-the-counter topical pain relievers. It is distinguished by its bright red stop logo and the product name Stopain.

With the initial onset of joint pain, some people try to self-treat before seeing a healthcare professional. Typically, they check what is available in the pain relief section of their local pharmacy. There are oral medications, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Aleve (naproxen sodium), or Advil (ibuprofen), as well as topical treatment options. Each of the products is indicated for pain relief. It is important that you understand the content of each product you are considering and how the product claims to work.

A little history

Stopain was created by a Californian pharmacist and marketed locally in 1991. In 1999, it was featured on the QVC channel. National exposure allowed him to move into his first retail store, Walgreens, in 2000. And now, he can be found in just about any food and drug store in the United States. , in 2012, the product became available in Canada.

In 2002, DRJ Group (owners of Stopain) selected Troy Manufacturing, Inc. as the sole manufacturer of Stopain. Manufacturing takes place at a factory in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. In 2010, Troy Manufacturing, Inc. acquired Stopain from the DRJ group.

Stopain ingredients

According to the Stopain website, the active ingredient in Stopain is menthol, which has analgesic (pain relieving) properties and is used to temporarily relieve minor aches and stiffness associated with arthritis, muscle aches, pains sprains and back pain. Stopain products also contain peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil, which are also believed to have pain relieving properties. Some formulations of Stoptain also contain glucosamine and MSM. Depending on the individual user, the pain relief from Stopain may last for several hours.

Topical pain relievers containing menthol are called counter-irritants. The products work by causing a burning or cooling sensation which serves to distract your mind from the pain.

Available formulations of Stopain

There are four formulations: Stopain Pain Relieving Liquid Spray (8 fl.oz.); Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relief Spray (4 fl.oz.); Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relief Roll-On (3 fl.oz.); Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relief Gel (4 fl.oz.).

Stopain Pain Relief Liquid Spray is the original Stopain formula, providing 6% menthol in a convenient spray. The product also contains eucalyptus oil, isopropyl alcohol, peppermint oil, and water. Adults and children over 12 years old can spray Stopain on the affected area for pain relief, up to 4 times a day.

Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relief Liquid Spray contains 8% menthol as an active ingredient. This formulation also contains MSM, Glucosamine Sulfate, Citric Acid, Eucalyptus Oil, Peppermint Oil, SD 39-C Alcohol and Water. Adults and children up to 12 years old can spray Stopain Extra Strength on the affected area up to 4 times a day.

Stopain extra strong pain relief roll-on is a quick and convenient way to apply the pain reliever topically while keeping your hands clean. The roll-on formulation, which was marketed in 2005, contains 8% menthol as an active ingredient plus boswellia serrata extract, carbomer, MSM, eucalyptus oil, glucosamine sulfate, glycerin, peppermint oil, SD 39-C alcohol, triethanolamine and water. Adults and children over 12 years old can apply the pain reliever topically to the affected area up to 4 times a day.

Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relief Gel is a non-greasy, non-staining topical pain reliever that contains 6% menthol as the active ingredient. Inactive ingredients include arnica montana flower extract, carbomer, propylene glycol, SD 39-C alcohol, silica, triethanolamine, and water. Adults and children over 12 years old can apply the gel directly to the affected (painful) area, up to 4 times a day. The gel formulation became available in 2011.

Precautions

You should not bandage the affected area tightly after applying Stopain gel, roll-on or spray. You should not use a heating pad on the area and should not apply the product to open wounds or damaged skin. Avoid getting Stopain in or near your eyes.

According to the Stopain website, you should stop applying the product and consult your healthcare practitioner if your symptoms worsen, if your symptoms persist for more than 7 days while using the product, or if symptoms return a few days later. their disappearance. Also observe the skin for any redness, irritation, or development of a rash while using Stopain. Discontinue use if this occurs. Read all instructions before using the product.

A word from Verywell

There are several topical pain relievers on the market. They are available in creams, ointments, gels, patches and they contain different active ingredients. Some of the other products also contain menthol (eg, BENGAY), while others may contain capsaicin (eg, Zostrix) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (eg, Voltaren gel (diclofenac) which requires a prescription). Since not all topical treatments are created equal, educate yourself about any product you intend to use.