BENZOIN - TOPICAL
Phonetic Pronunciation: (BEN-zo-in, BEN-zoyn)
Information last revised May 2010
Uses:
This product is used on minor skin sores and wounds to protect the area from irritation and infection. Benzoin is also used on canker sores in and around the mouth to protect them so they can heal. Benzoin is also used to help relieve and soothe minor irritation of the nose, throat, and airways (e.g., laryngitis, croup) when it is mixed with hot water and the steam is inhaled.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How To Use
Use this product as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. When this product is used on the skin, clean and dry the affected area first. Then apply a small amount of benzoin with a cotton applicator as directed. If you are using this product by inhalation, mix it with hot water as directed and inhale the steam (vapors). Do not use large amounts, use this product more often, or use it for a longer time than directed. Do not use it more often than every 2 hours or for longer than 7 days unless your doctor directs you to do so. Your condition will not clear faster, but the chance for side effects may be increased. Do not use this product in children younger than 6 months without talking to the doctor first. Do not drink or swallow this product. Avoid contact in or around the eyes. If your condition does not improve in a few days, if it worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
Drug Interactions
If you are using this product under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.
Overdose
This product may be harmful if swallowed. If overdose or swallowing is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Precautions
Before using benzoin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: current infection. This product contains a large amount of alcohol. Carefully watch children while they are using this product. During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
This product is flammable. Store it at room temperature away from heat, flame, and direct sunlight. Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all drug products away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
Mild irritation, burning, or redness of the skin may occur as your body adjusts to this product. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
Copyright 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
