There is provided a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising the following components and percentages: ester of salicylic or nicotinic acid—10-20%； menthol—5-10%； lower alcohol—15-35%； water—10-20%； propylene glycol and/or pentane-1,5-diol—15-35%； hydrophilic pharmaceutically-acceptable non-volatile non-solvent for menthol—2-16%； and, optionally, up to 5% camphor, all percentages being by weight. Also provided is a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising a volatile phase and a non-volatile phase, the non-volatile phase comprising from 32-81% of the total composition by weight, and comprising the following non-volatile constituents, expressed as % weight of the non-volatile phase: ester of salicylic or nicotinic acid—14-48%； menthol—7-27%； propylene glycol and/or pentane-1,5-diol—25-67%； hydrophilic pharmaceutically-acceptable non-volatile non-solvent for menthol—3-35%, and a concentrate comprising the non-volatile components of this composition. The compositions are useful in the treatment or prevention of pain.
