Description:

Danrub is a topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory cream/ointment. 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.

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).