Everything You Should Know about Benzocaine

Benzocaine is a topical local anesthetic that's applied to the skin, mouth or gums to numb nerve endings. It relieves pain and itching caused by conditions like insect bites, sore throats and toothaches.

 

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Benzocaine Powder

 

Benzocaine is a topical local anesthetic that's applied to the skin, mouth or gums to numb nerve endings. It relieves pain and itching caused by conditions like insect bites, sore throats and toothaches.

Benzocaine is found in many over-the-counter products, including creams, gels, liquids, ointments, pads, sprays, lozenges and swabs. It is also available in some prescription medications.

People use these products for their numbing effects. Orajel, Americaine and Cetacaine are among the many name-brand products that contain the anesthetic.

Minor side effects of benzocaine include skin rash and irritation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against using over-the-counter benzocaine products to relieve teething pain in infants because the anesthetic can cause a rare, sometimes fatal blood condition called methemoglobinemia.

 

What Is Benzocaine?

Benzocaine is a chemical compound derived from para-aminobenzoic acid and ethanol. It is a white, odorless, crystalline powder. It acts on neuronal membranes and blocks nerve signals in the body. Its numbing effects are temporary.

People use the anesthetic to relieve pain or discomfort. It is not recommended for long-term use. The gels, creams and other products can treat insect bites, minor cuts and scratches, and exposure to poison ivy, oak or sumac. The medication also provides relief for canker sores, cold sores and fever blisters. It's also used to treat vaginal and rectal irritation and is sometimes used in sexual enhancement products to desensitize male genitalia.

 

Products

Benzocaine is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter analgesic products. The gels and creams relieve pain, itching and other irritations. The numbing agent is also the main ingredient in a number of sprays and lozenges that can treat mouth and throat pain.

Some over-the-counter brands include:

ㆍAnbesol

ㆍTopex

ㆍOrajel

ㆍAnacaine

ㆍCetacaine

ㆍOrabase

ㆍMedicone

ㆍAmericaine

ㆍSolarcaine

ㆍHurriCaine

Health care professionals also use the sprays to numb the lining of the mouth and throat during procedures and to suppress the gag reflex. Such procedures include inserting instruments down the throat to view internal organs, and inserting breathing tubes and feeding tubes. Benzocaine products are not FDA-approved for these uses.

 

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Precautions

The FDA and the Mayo Clinic offer several precautions to take when using products that contain the topical anesthetic.

ㆍDon't use benzocaine products if you have ever had methemoglobinemia.

ㆍDon't use more than the smallest amount of this medication needed.

ㆍDon't apply benzocaine more than four times a day.

ㆍDon't get the product in your eyes.

ㆍAvoid swallowing the gel, liquid or ointment.

ㆍDon't apply benzocaine products to open wounds, burns, broken or inflamed skin.

ㆍDon't use the product near an open flame or while smoking because benzocaine is flammable.

ㆍDon't use benzocaine to treat certain kinds of skin infections or serious problems, such as severe burns.

ㆍStop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation of your skin.

The absorption of benzocaine into the bloodstream through the skin is more significant when you apply the product on broken skin, such as a wound or burn, and an overdose can be fatal. To avoid overdosing, use only the minimum amount needed. A doctor will be able to advise you on the proper dosage. If you suspect an overdose, contact poison control or an emergency room right away.

 

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