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CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM › VASOPROTECTIVES › AGENTS FOR TREATMENT OF HEMORRHOIDS AND ANAL FISSURES FOR TOPICAL USE › Local anesthetics
benzocaine
C05AD03
Forms & Strengths
- Topical Gel: 5%, 10%, 20%
- Topical Ointment: 20%
- Topical Spray: 20%
- Topical Solution: 20%
- Lozenges: 15 mg
Adult Dosing
- Mucosal/Dental Pain: Apply a small amount to the affected area up to 4 times daily as needed
- Sore Throat (Lozenges): Dissolve 1 lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed
- Maxillary/Anesthetic Spray: Apply a 1-second spray to the target oral mucosa prior to procedures
Pediatric Dosing
- Children <2 years: Contraindicated due to risk of methemoglobinemia
- Children >=2 years: Apply a small amount of 10% to 20% preparation to affected oral area not more than 4 times daily
- Sore Throat Lozenges (>=6 years): Dissolve 1 lozenge every 2 hours as needed
Indications
- Temporary relief of pain associated with minor dental procedures
- Canker sores, oral ulcers, and denture irritation
- Sore throat and minor mouth irritation
- Topical local anesthesia for mucous membranes prior to instrumentation
Mechanism of Action
- Esters-type local anesthetic
- Reversibly binds to voltage-gated sodium channels in neuronal membranes
- Decreases nerve membrane permeability to sodium ions
- Inhibits depolarization and blocks the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses
Contraindications
- History of methemoglobinemia (idiopathic or congenital)
- Children under 2 years of age
- Known hypersensitivity to benzocaine or other ester-type local anesthetics
- Application to large, open, or severely traumatized skin/mucosal areas
Adverse Reactions
- Methemoglobinemia (cyanosis, headache, fatigue, dyspnea, tachycardia)
- Local irritation, tenderness, and edema at application site
- Contact dermatitis and allergic hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, rash)
- Burning or stinging sensation upon application
Drug Interactions
- Other drugs associated with methemoglobinemia (nitrates, sulfonamides, phenytoin, phenobarbital, acetaminophen)
- Cholinesterase inhibitors (may impair metabolism of ester local anesthetics)
- Sulfonamides (benzocaine metabolites may inhibit antibacterial activity of sulfonamides)
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use