What is benzocaine topical?
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, teething pain, 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 may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking benzocaine topical?
An overdose of numbing medications can cause fatal side effects if too
much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood.
This is more
likely to occur when using a numbing medicine without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a
cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats,
seizure (convulsions), coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).
Do not use benzocaine topical if you have a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use
this medication. Before using benzocaine topical, tell your doctor if you have:
-
asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorder;
-
heart disease;
-
a personal or family history of methemoglobinemia, or any
genetic enzyme deficiency; or
-
if you smoke.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is
harmful to an unborn baby. Before using benzocaine topical, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or
plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether benzocaine topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medicine on a child younger than 1 year old.
How should I take benzocaine topical?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your
doctor. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.
Your body may absorb more of this medication if you use too much, if you apply it over
large skin areas, or if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas. Skin that is cut
or irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.
Use the smallest amount of medicine needed to numb the skin or relieve pain.
Do not
use large amounts of benzocaine topical, or cover treated skin areas with a bandage or plastic
wrap without medical advice.
Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed
without a medical doctor present.
This medication comes with instructions for safe and effective application. Follow these
directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
To treat minor skin conditions, apply a thin layer of benzocaine topical to the affected area up to
4 times per day. If using the spray, hold the container 6 to 12 inches away from the skin. Do not spray
this medication onto your face. Spray it instead on your hands and then rub it onto the face, avoiding
contact with your eyes.
To treat hemorrhoids, clean the area with soap and water before applying benzocaine topical.
Apply the medication up to 6 times per day. If you are using the rectal suppository, try to empty your
bowel and bladder before inserting the suppository. Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository
before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.
Do not use benzocaine topical to treat large skin areas or deep puncture wounds. Avoid
using the medicine on skin that is raw or blistered, such as a severe burn or abrasion.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse within the first 7 days of
using benzocaine topical. Also call your doctor if your symptoms had cleared up but then came back.
If you are treating a sore throat, call your doctor if the pain is severe or lasts longer than 2 days,
especially if you also develop a fever, headache, skin rash, swelling, nausea, vomiting, cough, or
breathing problems.
Store benzocaine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the
liquid form of this medicine to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose of benzocaine topical?
Since benzocaine topical is used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are
using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for
the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about benzocaine topical?
Your pharmacist has information about benzocaine topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of benzocaine topical?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using benzocaine topical and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious
side effects:
-
severe burning, stinging, or sensitivity where the medicine is
applied;
-
swelling, warmth, or redness;
-
oozing, blistering, or any signs of infection; or
-
headache, weakness, dizziness, breathing problems, fast
heart rate, and gray or bluish colored skin (rare but serious side effects of benzocaine).
Less serious side effects 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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about benzocaine topical?
There are many brands and forms of benzocaine topical available and not all brands are listed
on this leaflet.
An overdose of numbing medications can cause fatal side effects if too
much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood.
This is more
likely to occur when using a numbing medicine without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a
cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats,
seizure (convulsions), coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).
Your body may absorb more of this medication if you use too much, if you apply it over
large skin areas, or if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas. Skin that is cut
or irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.
Use the smallest amount of this medication needed to numb the skin or relieve pain.
Do not use large amounts of benzocaine topical, or cover treated skin areas with a bandage or
plastic wrap without medical advice.
Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are
performed without a medical doctor present.
Do not use benzocaine topical if you have a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia.
Before using benzocaine topical, tell your doctor if you have any type of inherited enzyme
deficiency, a breathing disorder such as asthma or emphysema, or if you smoke.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse within the first 7 days of
using benzocaine topical. Also call your doctor if your symptoms had cleared up but then came back.
If you are treating a sore throat, call your doctor if the pain is severe or lasts longer than 2 days,
especially if you also develop a fever, headache, skin rash, swelling, nausea, vomiting, cough, or
breathing problems.
What should I avoid while taking benzocaine topical?
Benzocaine topical is for use only on the surface of your body, or just inside the vagina or
rectum. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. Avoid swallowing the gel, liquid, or ointment while
applying it to your gums or the inside of your mouth. The throat spray or oral lozenge may be
swallowed gradually during use.
Avoid eating within 1 hour after using benzocaine topical on your gums or inside your mouth.
What other drugs will affect benzocaine topical?
There may be other drugs that can affect benzocaine topical. Do not apply other medications to
the same affected areas you treat with benzocaine topical, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This
includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using
a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of benzocaine topical?
