Class: Local Anesthetics
ATC Class: R02AD01
VA Class: OR900
CAS Number: 94-09-7
Brands: Americaine, Anbesol, Hurricaine, Mycinettes, Topex, Zilactin-B
Introduction
Local anesthetic.
Uses for Benzocaine (EENT)
Oral Pain
Self-medication (alone or in fixed combination with various other drugs) for temporary relief of minor sore throat pain.
Self-medication (alone or in fixed combination with various other drugs) for temporary relief of pain associated with various oral or dental conditions (e.g., cold sores, ulcerations, canker sores, minor injury/irritation, toothache, sore gums, orthodontic appliances, denture irritation).
FDA states that benzocaine preparations are associated with serious risk (e.g., methemoglobinemia) and provide little to no benefit in treating oral pain. Do not use in infants and children <2 years of age. Use sparingly and only as needed in adults and children ≥2 years of age. (See Methemoglobinemia under Cautions.)
Do not use for teething pain in infants; risk of methemoglobinemia outweighs any potential benefits.
Local Anesthesia
Has been used topically for local anesthesia† of oral or other accessible mucous membranes (except eyes).
Fixed-combination preparation containing benzocaine with butamben and tetracaine also has been used for local anesthesia prior to surgical, endoscopic, or other medical procedures, and also for suppressing the gag reflex†.
However, methemoglobinemia has occurred and FDA states that benzocaine products are not approved for such uses. (See Methemoglobinemia under Cautions.)
Otic Pain
Has been used topically in fixed combination with antipyrine for temporary relief of ear pain† associated with acute otitis media of various causes. However, efficacy and safety not established.
Topical anesthetics may provide symptomatic ...
