Benzocaine


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Mouth/Throat
Surface anaesthesia of mouth and throat
Adult: As gel, paste, spray or soln up to 20%: Apply to affected area up to 4 times daily.

Mouth/Throat
Sore throat
Adult: As loz: Up to 10 mg to be dissolved slowly in the mouth and repeated 2 hrly, as necessary. As spray: 3 sprays (3 mg) to the back of throat, repeat 2-3 hrly. Max: 8 doses daily.
Child: 6-12 yr As spray: 1 spray (1 mg) to the back of throat, repeat 2-3 hrly. Max: 8 doses daily.

Topical/Cutaneous
Topical anaesthesia, Topical analgesia
Adult: As 5-20% spray, cream, oint, lotion, gel or soln: Apply 3-4 times daily.
Contraindications
Epiglottis (oral spray), methaemoglobinaemia.
Special Precautions
Patient w/ asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease; smokers. Childn. Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Localised burning or erythema, stinging sensation, contact dermatitis, rash, urticaria, methaemoglobinaemia, oedema, tenderness.
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor for signs and symptoms of methaemoglobinaemia.
Overdosage
Methaemoglobinaemia, manifested by cyanotic (greyish) skin discolouration, unusual breathing or breathlessness. Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. IV methylene blue 1% may be administered.
Drug Interactions
May antagonise the therapeutic effect of sulfonamides. Anticholinesterases may inhibit the metabolism benzocaine.
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Benzocaine, an ester local anaesthetic, blocks the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses by decreasing the neuronal membrane’s permeability to Na ions, which results in inhibition of depolarisation w/ resultant blockade of conduction.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Well absorbed from mucous membranes and traumatised skin; poorly absorbed from intact skin.
Metabolism: Metabolised in the liver (lesser extent) and plasma via hydrolysis by cholinesterase.
Excretion: Via urine, as metabolites.
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Benzocaine

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Database. Benzocaine, CID=2337, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Benzocaine (accessed on Jan. 21, 2020)

Storage
Store between 15-30°C.
MIMS Class
Anaesthetics - Local & General / Other Ear Preparations / Preparations for Oral Ulceration & Inflammation
ATC Classification
N01BA05 - benzocaine ; Belongs to the class of esters of aminobenzoic acid. Used as local anesthetics.
R02AD01 - benzocaine ; Belongs to the class of local anesthetics used in throat preparations.
C05AD03 - benzocaine ; Belongs to the class of local anesthetics. Used in the topical treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
D04AB04 - benzocaine ; Belongs to the class of topical anesthetics used in the treatment of pruritus.
References
Alcohol Prep Pad with Benzocaine (H and P Industries, Inc. dba Triad Group). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 17/08/2016.

Anon. Benzocaine. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 17/08/2016.

Buckingham R (ed). Benzocaine. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 17/08/2016.

Denti-Care Denti-Freeze Topical Anesthetic Bubblegum (AR Medicom Inc). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 17/08/2016.

McEvoy GK, Snow EK, Miller J et al (eds). Benzocaine (EENT). AHFS Drug Information (AHFS DI) [online]. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 17/08/2016.

McEvoy GK, Snow EK, Miller J et al (eds). Benzocaine (Topical). AHFS Drug Information (AHFS DI) [online]. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 17/08/2016.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Benzocaine from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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