Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Proprietary Topical Analgesic Sprays Containing 3-(Aminomethyl)-Pyridyl Salicylate

Abstract

Eleven cases of allergic contact dermatitis following the use of proprietary topical analgesic sprays (Algiospray® and Pangesic®) are described. Patch testing revealed that the adverse reactions were attributable to 3-(aminomethyl)-pyridine, which is present in these products as an ion pair with salicylic acid. The similarity between the two products investigated is not immediately apparent from the chemical nomenclature used by the manufacturers to describe the ingredients of their sprays.

Occupational contact dermatitis from methyl‐ter‐pyridine in a chemistry laboratory technician

“…However, we did not observe any immediate contact reaction in our patient. Contact dermatitis was also seen in patients using topical analgesic sprays which likely contained small quantities of free amine 3-(aminomethyl)-pyridine (8). Some pyridine derivatives like vinyl-4-pyridine seem to be potent allergens, and may induce active sensitization in subjects tested as controls resulting in delayed positive patch tests (2).…”

Allergic contact dermatitis from 3‐(aminomethyl)‐pyridyl salicylate

“…Allergic contact dermatitis from chemicals in analgesic sprays is well-known, though few reports have been published (1,2). Topical antiinflammatory and analgesic ointments or creams may also cause irritant, allergic and photoallergic contact dermatitis.…”