Used to treat occasional minor irritation, pain, sore mouth, and sore throat as well as cough associated with a cold or inhaled irritants.
Menthol primarily activates the cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the skin. Menthol, after topical application, causes a feeling of coolness due to stimulation of 'cold' receptors by inhibiting Ca++ currents of neuronal membranes. It may also yield analgesic properties via kappa-opioid receptor agonism.
Menthol, DL: ORAL (LD50): Acute: 2900 mg/kg [Rat], 3100 mg/kg [Mouse]. DERMAL (LD50): Acute: 5001 mg/kg [Rabbit].