This drug is sometimes included in compounded prescription drugs as a component of a formula consisting of two or more drugs. These drugs are sometimes prescribed for pain, inflammation and fever reduction. Salicylamide is less active than some analgesics and anti-pyretics. For this reason, it is often used for minor cases including headaches, back pain, minor arthritis pain and minor joint or muscle pains.

Over the counter formulations containing salicylamide often contain caffein, aspirin or acetaminophen. The combination of the drug with caffein is intended to speed the dispersion of the drug to the parts of the body affected by pain. When intended as a fever-reducer, it is not normally combined with caffein. Combining salacylamide with other pain relievers is an attempt to relieve different types of minor aches and pains with one medication.