Description:

Blopen Cool Gel 30g (by Entrance Pharmaceuticals) is a topical analgesic and cooling gel used for the symptomatic relief of minor muscle and joint pain, sprains, strains, bruises, backache, arthritis pain, and sports injuries. It provides a cooling sensation followed by a mild warming effect to soothe sore muscles, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. The gel is non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and has a menthol-based cooling action, making it popular for everyday aches, post-exercise soreness, and minor soft tissue injuries in Ghana (Accra) pharmacies.

Prescription:

Over-the-counter (OTC) topical product. No prescription required; freely available in pharmacies and retail outlets in Ghana. Consult a pharmacist or doctor if pain persists beyond 7–10 days, worsens, involves swelling/redness/heat (possible infection), or for use on broken skin, face, or children under 12 years.

Therapeutic Category:

Topical Analgesic / Counter-Irritant / Cooling Gel (Local pain relief with cooling/warming sensation.

Active Ingredients/Composition: Per 100g gel (typical formulation):

• Menthol – 5–10% w/w (primary cooling agent; provides initial cooling then mild warming).
• Methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil) – 10–15% w/w (counter-irritant; analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect).
• Camphor – 2–5% w/w (additional cooling and analgesic). Other ingredients: Carbomer (gelling agent), triethanolamine (pH adjuster), propylene glycol (humectant), ethanol/alcohol (solvent/cooling), purified water, fragrance, and preservatives. The gel is clear to translucent, blue/green-tinted, and has a strong menthol scent.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Blopen Cool Gel 30g (standard tube size). Related variants: Blopen Cool Gel in 50g or 100g tubes (larger sizes), Blopen Heat Gel (warming variant without strong cooling), or Blopen spray (aerosol form). The 30g tube is the most common retail size.

Consume Type:

Topical – Gel (applied externally to intact skin; not for oral, ophthalmic, or mucous membrane use).

Directions/Usage: Apply a thin layer to the affected area 2–4 times daily (or as needed).

• Gently massage the gel into the skin until absorbed.
• Wash hands thoroughly after application (avoid eye contact).
• Do not cover with tight bandages or heating pads (may increase absorption and irritation).
• Duration: Short-term (up to 7–10 days); do not use longer without medical advice.
• Avoid broken skin, open wounds, eyes, mouth, or sensitive areas.

Common Side Effects: Common (mild/local):

• Transient burning, stinging, or cooling sensation on application.
• Skin redness or irritation (usually temporary).
• Mild rash or itching (if sensitive to menthol/methyl salicylate). Rare: Allergic contact dermatitis (severe rash, swelling), or systemic absorption (rare with topical use).

Package Type:

Aluminium or laminated plastic tube of 30g (screw cap; often in individual carton with patient information and usage instructions).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep tightly closed. Do not freeze. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For external use only; avoid eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, or broken skin.
• Contraindicated if allergic to menthol, methyl salicylate, camphor, aspirin/NSAIDs, or ingredients.
• Caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding (limited data; use sparingly), children under 12 (consult doctor), or large areas/long-term use (risk of salicylate absorption).
• Do not use with heating pads or occlusive dressings (increased absorption risk).
• If severe irritation, rash, swelling, or systemic symptoms (e.g., tinnitus from salicylate) occur, stop use and seek medical advice.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk if ingested).

Product Substitutes: Similar topical analgesic/cooling gels in Ghana (often 30g/50g):

• Deep Heat Gel or Deep Freeze Gel (menthol/methyl salicylate-based).
• Counterpain Gel or Moov Gel (similar counter-irritant formulas).
• Voltaren Emulgel (diclofenac-based for inflammation).
• Generic menthol/methyl salicylate gels. Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Entrance Pharmaceuticals & Research Centre (Ghana-based; produces Blopen Cool Gel as part of its topical analgesic range). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by Entrance (Accra-based).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Entrance Pharmaceuticals; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies as a local product).