benzocaine topical

Pronunciation:	BENZ oh kayn TOP ik al
Brand:	Americaine, Anacaine, Anbesol Gel, Cepacol Extra Strength Cherry, Chiggerex, Chloraseptic, Dermoplast, Detane, Foille Plus, Hem-Prep, Hurricaine, Isodettes, Lanacane, Maintain, Medicone, Mosco Nail A Cain, Num-Zit, Numzident, Orabase with Benzocaine, Orajel, Outgro Pain Relief, Rid-A-Pain, Skeeter Stik, Solarcaine Aerosol, Spec-T, Sting-Kill, Topex, Vagisil Feminine Cream, Zilactin-B

What is the most important information I should know about benzocaine topical?

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 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 purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using benzocaine topical?

Do not use benzocaine topical if you have a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia.

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.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use benzocaine topical, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. 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 use 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.

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.

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?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of benzocaine topical is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

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 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).

Continue using benzocaine topical and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

mild stinging, burning, or itching where the medicine is applied;
skin tenderness or redness; or
dry white flakes where the medicine was applied.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about benzocaine topical written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Benzocaine topical is available over-the-counter (without a prescription) under many different brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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