Description:

Danrub is a topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory cream/ointment produced by Dannex Ayrton Starwin Plc (DAS Pharma), one of Ghana’s largest local pharmaceutical manufacturers. It is commonly used for the temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain, sprains, strains, bruises, backache, arthritis pain, rheumatic pain, and sports-related soreness. It provides a warming sensation (often due to methyl salicylate or similar counter-irritants) that helps soothe aching muscles, reduce stiffness, and improve local blood flow. In Ghana (Accra), Danrub is a very popular, affordable OTC topical pain relief product widely sold in pharmacies, supermarkets, and retail outlets.

Prescription: Over-the-counter (OTC). No prescription required in Ghana; freely available in pharmacies, supermarkets, herbal shops, and markets.

Therapeutic Category:

Topical Analgesic / Counter-Irritant / Rubefacient (Local pain relief and anti-inflammatory cream/ointment).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Typical formulation per 100 g (common for Danrub-type products):

• Methyl salicylate – 10–20% w/w (main analgesic and rubefacient – produces warming effect)
• Menthol – 2–10% w/w (cooling sensation followed by warming)
• Camphor – 2–5% w/w (additional counter-irritant and analgesic)
• Other possible additions: Eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil, or capsicum extract (in some warming rubs) Other ingredients: White soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, emulsifying wax, cetostearyl alcohol, purified water, preservatives, and fragrance. The product is usually a white to off-white cream or ointment with a strong menthol/methyl salicylate smell.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Danrub Cream/Ointment (standard warming rub). Related variants: Danrub variants (if any – e.g., stronger formula, gel form, or different pack sizes), or other local warming rubs (e.g., Deep Heat, Ralgex, or generic methyl salicylate + menthol products). The classic Danrub cream/ointment is the primary product.

Consume Type:

Topical – Cream or ointment (applied externally to intact skin; not for oral, ophthalmic, or mucosal use).

Directions/Usage:

• Apply a thin layer to the affected area (muscles, joints, back) 2–4 times daily or as needed.
• Gently massage the cream/ointment into the skin until absorbed.
• Wash hands thoroughly after application (avoid eye contact).
• Do not apply to broken skin, open wounds, face, eyes, mouth, or sensitive areas.
• Do not cover with tight bandages or use with heating pads (may increase absorption and irritation).
• Duration: Short-term (up to 7–10 days); do not use longer without medical advice.

Common Side Effects: Common (mild/local):

• Transient burning, warming, or stinging sensation on application (intended counter-irritant effect).
• Skin redness or mild irritation. Rare: Allergic contact dermatitis (severe rash, itching, swelling), systemic absorption (if used on large areas or broken skin – salicylate toxicity risk). Discontinue if severe irritation or allergic reaction occurs.

Package Type:

Plastic or aluminium tube of 20g, 30g, or 50g (screw cap; often in individual carton or no carton; labelled with uses, ingredients, dosage, and manufacturer details).

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, broken skin, or sensitive areas.
• Contraindicated if allergic to methyl salicylate, menthol, camphor, aspirin/NSAIDs, or any ingredient.
• 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., ringing in ears from salicylate) occur, stop use and seek medical advice.
• Keep out of reach of children (ingestion risk – salicylate toxicity).

Product Substitutes: Similar topical warming/analgesic rubs in Ghana (often 20–50g):

• Deep Heat Cream or Rub
• Ralgex Cream
• Counterpain Cream
• Moov Cream or Gel
• Generic methyl salicylate + menthol + camphor rubs
• Alternatives: Voltaren Emulgel (diclofenac-based), Fastum Gel (ketoprofen), or plain menthol rubs. Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Dannex Ayrton Starwin Plc (DAS Pharma) – Ghana’s largest indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturer (formed by merger of Dannex, Ayrton, and Starwin). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by DAS Pharma (Accra-based) and pharmacies.

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Dannex Ayrton Starwin Plc; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies and retail outlets as a local product).