Improvements are needed in the existing packaging of medicated oils containing methyl salicylate

In view of the toxic potential of medicated oils containing methyl salicylate, we have studied the existing packaging of 10 commonly used preparations from Hong Kong and Singapore and identified areas for improvement with respect to the prevention of poisonings. They were all packed in translucent bottles without child-resistant closures. The methyl salicylate content ranged from 15 to 67%. Many preparations also contained other potentially toxic ingredients in significant amounts, such as turpentine oil and camphor. The contents of the larger bottles could generally be emptied more easily because of the greater size of their openings. The product with the highest methyl salicylate content also had the biggest opening of all. The threat from ingestion of medicated oils containing methyl salicylate can probably be 'reduced' by: (i) using child-restraint closures; (ii) restricting the size of both the openings and the bottles; and (iii) reducing the methyl salicylate content.