What is this medicine?
BENZOCAINE (BEN zoe kane) relieves minor ear pain and itching.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Antipyrine-Benzocaine 5.4-1.4% Solution | BAUSCH & LOMB | 10/$46.06 or 20/$53.12 |
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
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness or drowsiness
- headache
- irregular heartbeat
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is only for use in the outer ear canal. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions carefully. Wash hands before and after use. Lie on your side or tilt head so that the ear is up. Pull the earlobe up and back (for adults), or down and back (for children), and instill the prescribed number of drops. Avoid touching the ear with the dropper tip. Keep head tilted for about 5 minutes to help the drops stay in the ear canal. A small piece of cotton may be gently inserted at the ear opening to prevent the solution from running out. Replace the cotton at least once a day. Do not use more, or more often than recommended.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other ear products without asking your doctor or health care professional.
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known or suspected hypersensitivity to benzocaine, other ester-type local anesthetics, or any ingredient in the formulation.
- Otic solution: Perforated tympanic membrane.
- Benzocaine 20% aerosol and Cetacaine® (benzocaine, butamben, and tetracaine hydrochloride fixed combination) aerosol, liquid, and gel: Injection or use in eyes; patients with cholinesterase deficiency; application to large areas of denuded or inflamed tissue (excessive systemic absorption could result). Do not apply Cetacaine® under dentures or cotton rolls (possible escharotic effect).
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
This medicine is not for long-term use. Do not use for more than one week without checking with your doctor or health care professional. Do not use if there is any discharge from the ear. Contact your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better within a few days or if you notice burning, redness, itching or swelling.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- ear discharge
- infection
- perforated eardrum
- an unusual or allergic reaction to benzocaine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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.
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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