What is this medicine?
BENZOCAINE (BEN zoe kane) causes loss of feeling in the skin. This helps relieve pain from insect bites, minor burns, small wounds, or other skin irritations.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- dizziness or drowsiness
- fast or slow heartbeat
- headache
- increased sweating
- restlessness, nervousness, anxiety
- seizures
- tremor
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- redness, swelling, or pain
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How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the label or those given to you by your doctor or health care professional. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Do not use this medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be used on children as young as 2 years, precautions do apply.
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What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
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What may interact with this medicine?
- sulfonamides like sulfacetamide, sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole, and others
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to benzocaine, other ester-type local anesthetics, or any ingredient in the formulation.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
This medicine is not for long-term use. Do not use for longer than directed on the label or your doctor or health care professional. Do not use on large areas of broken or damaged skin. Contact your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better within a few days or if you notice redness, itching or swelling.
If the product you are using contains alcohol, keep away from lighted matches, cigarettes and other open flames.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- skin infection
- an unusual or allergic reaction to benzocaine, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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