Ralgex cream

Ralgex cream contains three active ingredients: glycol monosalicylate, methyl nicotinate and capsicum oleroresin.

What is it used for?

  • Muscle pain and stiffness, eg backache, fibrositis, sciatica and rheumatic pain.

How does it work?


Glycol monosalicylate has anti-inflammatory and painkilling actions. Methyl nicotinate and capsicum oleoresin are counter-irritants, which when applied to the skin, work by causing redness and heat to be produced. This distracts the brain from the original pain and therefore reduces perception of the pain.


The cream is used to relieve the symptoms of muscular aches and pains such as muscle stiffness, backache and fibrositis. The act of massaging the cream into the painful area also helps relieve symptoms.


  • This medicine is for external use only.
  • Do not apply to broken skin.
  • Use the cream on a small area of skin first to check for sensitivity.
  • Do not apply the cream near the eyes, mouth, or other sensitive areas of the body. Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.
  • Your skin may be more sensitive to this cream from day to day, and is likely to be more sensitive after taking a hot bath or shower, or in hot weather.

Use with caution in

  • People with sensitive skin.

Not to be used in

  • People allergic to salicylates, eg aspirin.
  • Children under 12 years, unless under medical advice.




Pregnancy and breastfeeding


  • The safety of this cream for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. The manufacturer states that it may be used with caution, but that as with all medicines, you should consult your doctor before using it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects


  • Skin irritation - burning sensation, reddening and swelling.
  • Rash.



How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This cream is not known to affect other medicines.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient


Last updated

Read Next:
Aches and Pains
Alka-Seltzer original
Buy these fizzy tablets without a prescription for fast relief of headaches and other aches and pains - we give advice on their use,...
Hangovers – who needs them?
Woman massages her aching back after a workout
How do I treat muscle and joint pain?
Man in pink shirt taking pill medicine with water
Aches and Pains
How do I take sumatriptan?
Botox injections now recommended for migraine
Study reveals why light worsens migraine
Aches and Pains
Sumatriptan: uses, dosage, warnings, side effects
woman frowning eyes closed touching temples
Treatments for migraine
Driven mad by cluster headaches
Stethoscope heart
Aches and Pains
Who shouldn't take sumatriptan?
Getting the most out of a GP appointment
Man holding pill with an unsure expression on his face
Aches and Pains
What are the possible side effects of sumatriptan?
woman making heart shape with hands
What everyone aged 50+ should know about their heart
Worried about high blood pressure
Hand with pills
Aches and Pains
Can I take sumatriptan with other medicines?
pill calendar pack
Imitrex and the Pill
Herbs in test tubes - herbal medicine
What you need to know if you take herbal remedies
Man in pink shirt taking pill medicine with water
Aches and Pains
Imigran recovery (sumatriptan)
Alternative treatment for migraines
Migraines and allergy
Aches and Pains
AAA sore throat spray (benzocaine)
Woman with doctor holding throat sore
The best way to get rid of a sore throat
thermometer showing normal temperature
Remedies for cold and flu symptoms
Aches and Pains
Ultra chloraseptic anaesthetic throat spray
Woman suffering from a cold blowing her nose with tissues
Cold and flu remedies: What REALLY works?
Woman with cold on the telephone
How to tell if you're too sick to go to work
Aches and Pains
How do you take diclofenac?
Pregnant woman in the pharmacy
9 things your pharmacist wishes you knew