Benzyl benzoate (Topical)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 21, 2022.
Chemical Class: Benzoic Acid
Uses for benzyl benzoate
Benzyl benzoate is used to treat lice and scabies infestations. Benzyl benzoate is believed to be absorbed by the lice and mites and to destroy them by acting on their nervous system.
Benzyl benzoate is available without a prescription.
Before using benzyl benzoate
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For benzyl benzoate, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to benzyl benzoate or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Although there is no specific information comparing use of benzyl benzoate in children with use in other age groups, benzyl benzoate is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.
Geriatric
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of benzyl benzoate in the elderly with use in other age groups. However, older people may have dry skin and the medicine may make the condition worse.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of benzyl benzoate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Inflammation of the skin (severe)—Use of benzyl benzoate may make the condition worse
Proper use of benzyl benzoate
Benzyl benzoate usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using benzyl benzoate.
Use benzyl benzoate only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than recommended on the label. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of side effects.
Keep benzyl benzoa...
