Benzocaine
Generic medicine reference
Not yet clinically reviewed
This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.
Overview
Benzocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.
Benzocaine topical is used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by minor skin irritations, sore throat , sunburn , vaginal or rectal irritation, ingrown toenails, hemorrhoids , and many other sources of minor pain on a surface of the body. Benzocaine is also used to numb the skin or surfaces inside the mouth, nose, throat, vagina, or rectum to lessen the pain of inserting a medical instrument such as a tube or speculum.
Benzocaine topical should not be used to treat teething pain in infants, and is not approved for use in a child younger than 2 years old. There are many brands and forms of benzocaine topical available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Benzocaine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Indications
Benzocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.
Benzocaine topical is used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by minor skin irritations, sore throat , sunburn , vaginal or rectal irritation, ingrown toenails, hemorrhoids , and many other sources of minor pain on a surface of the body. Benzocaine is also used to numb the skin or surfaces inside the mouth, nose, throat, vagina, or rectum to lessen the pain of inserting a medical instrument such as a tube or speculum.
Benzocaine topical should not be used to treat teething pain in infants, and is not approved for use in a child younger than 2 years old. There are many brands and forms of benzocaine topical available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Benzocaine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Contraindications
Do not use benzocaine topical if you have ever had methemoglobinemia in the past.
Do not use benzocaine topical on a child younger than 2 years old.
An overdose of numbing medication can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. This can happen if you apply more than the recommended dose.
Fatal overdoses have occurred when numbing medicines were used without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:
a personal or family history of methemoglobinemia, or any genetic (inherited) enzyme deficiency; asthma , bronchitis , emphysema , or other breathing disorder; heart disease ; or if you smoke.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you apply benzocaine topical to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.
Side Effects
Benzocaine topical used in the mouth may cause a condition in which the oxygen in your body tissues can become dangerously low. This is a potentially fatal condition called methemoglobinemia (met-HEEM-oh glo-bin-EE-mee-a). This condition may occur after only one use of benzocaine or after several uses.
Signs and symptoms may occur within minutes or up to 2 hours after using benzocaine topical in the mouth or throat. GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP IF YOU HAVE :
a headache , tiredness, confusion; fast heartbeats; feeling light-headed or short of breath; and pale, blue, or gray appearance of your skin, lips, or fingernails.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Benzocaine topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using benzocaine topical and call your doctor at once if you have:
severe burning, stinging, or sensitivity where the medicine is applied; swelling, warmth, or redness; or oozing, blistering, or any signs of infection .
Common side effects of benzocaine topical may include:
mild stinging, burning, or itching where the medicine is applied; skin tenderness or redness; or dry white flakes where the medicine was applied.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Benzocaine topical used in the mouth may cause a condition in which the oxygen in your body tissues can become dangerously low. This is a potentially fatal condition called methemoglobinemia (met-HEEM-oh glo-bin-EE-mee-a). Do not use benzocaine topical if you have ever had methemoglobinemia.
GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF METHEMOGLOBINEMIA: headache, tired feeling, confusion, fast heart rate , and feeling light-headed or short of breath, with a pale, blue, or gray appearance of your skin, lips, or fingernails.
An overdose of numbing medication can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. Use the smallest amount needed.
Do not use benzocaine topical on a child younger than 2 years old.
High Risk Groups
Benzocaine topical used in the mouth may cause a condition in which the oxygen in your body tissues can become dangerously low. This is a potentially fatal condition called methemoglobinemia (met-HEEM-oh glo-bin-EE-mee-a). Do not use benzocaine topical if you have ever had methemoglobinemia.
GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF METHEMOGLOBINEMIA: headache, tired feeling, confusion, fast heart rate , and feeling light-headed or short of breath, with a pale, blue, or gray appearance of your skin, lips, or fingernails.
An overdose of numbing medication can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. Use the smallest amount needed.
Do not use benzocaine topical on a child younger than 2 years old.
Adult Dosage
1.5 to 3 mg (2.2 (2.25)) 8 hourly Ear —
Child Dosage
1.5 to 3 mg (2.2 (2.25)) 8 hourly Ear — -
Neonatal Dosage
( ) — Not recommended in this age group
Drug Interactions
Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products .
Storage
Lozenges Store in a well closed container, at room temperature. Protect from Moisture. Skin Oint, Cream, Mouth Gel, Oint or Soln, Ear Soln, Aerosol Store at room temperature. Do not Freeze. Protect from Sunlight and Heat.
Available Brands in Pakistan
No brands are recorded for this generic.
