TITLE:
Multi-Symptom Relief for Cough & Cold: Benefits of Adding Vicks VapoRub to the Treatment Regimen
AUTHORS:
Delyth Whiteford, Juana Rios, David Hengehold, Sue Aspley
KEYWORDS:
Common Cold, Vicks VapoRub, Therapeutic Ointment, Survey, Multi-Symptom Relief
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Respiratory Diseases,
Vol.13 No.2,
May
30,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background:The common cold is inarguably a multi-symptom syndrome. Thus, patients
commonly use several medicinal products simultaneously to treat a range of
co-existing clinical manifestations. Topical ointments with medicated vapours
are a popular and effective treatment for the relief of various respiratory
tract symptoms. Vicks VapoRub (VVR), a paraffin-based therapeutic ointment
containing levomenthol, eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil and camphor, is
frequently combined with other cough and cold treatments. However, little is
known about which medications are commonly taken together and how patients
experience the combined efficacy. Methods: A 20-question online survey to assess habits and
beliefs amongst cold sufferers was conducted using the Toluna Start platform. A total of 1513
adults that had suffered from a cold or mild COVID-19 infection in the
preceding 12 months were recruited from five European countries. Results: Most cold sufferers combined VVR with other cold medicines, such as paracetamol
(75.9%), multi-symptom relief (MSR) products (64.0%) or nasal decongestants (57.0%)
to treat their symptoms. VVR was mainly used topically, at night, and on days 3
- 4 of the disease. The addition of VVR to the treatment regimen was perceived
as highly effective at relieving multiple cold symptoms. Furthermore, improved
sleep and a free breathing sensation were attributed to VVR when used in
combination with other cold remedies. Statements on VVR regarding
effectiveness, sleep, sleep + effectiveness, speed of action and user
satisfaction were agreed upon by a total of 74.8% to 88.3% of panellists. Conclusion: Our survey confirms that in Europe, VVR is commonly used as part of a
regimen to manage cold symptoms, and contributes to better overall perceived
relief as part of a multi-facetted treatment approach. Prospective clinical
data are needed to further confirm these results.