Uses
Benzocaine spray is used to numb the lining of the mouth and throat before certain medical procedures (such as intubation). It is also used to temporarily relieve pain from minor mouth/throat problems (such as sore throat, canker sores, minor dental procedures, mouth/gum injury). It is also used to decrease pain while dentures are being fitted and while your gums are adjusting to the dentures. It should not be used long-term to decrease pain from poorly fitting dentures. It is a local anesthetic that starts to numb the lining of the mouth and throat 15 to 30 seconds after application and lasts about 15 minutes.Do not use this product for children younger than 2 years due to risk of serious side effects. Ask your doctor for more details.
How to use Benzocaine (Topical) mucous membrane
Use this product as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is usually sprayed within the mouth by a health care professional immediately before your procedure.
Some products require shaking before use. If you are using this medication for self-treating a painful sore throat or mouth/gum problems, hold the product so the spray tube is 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 centimeters) away from the area to be sprayed. Spray for half a second. Allow the medication to stay in the painful area for at least 1 minute, then spit out. You may repeat the spray once if needed. Do not use more than 2 sprays at once or use more than 4 times a day unless directed by your doctor.
Avoid spraying in or near the eyes. Do not breathe in the spray.
Do not use large amounts or apply this more often than directed because the chance for serious side effects (including rarely fatal methemoglobinemia) will increase.
This medication numbs the mouth and throat. This effect may make swallowing difficult and increase your risk of choking or swallowing the wrong way. Do not eat or chew gum for 1 hour after this product is used or until your mouth/throat is no longer numb. It is especially important to make sure children do not eat or chew gum for at least 1 hour after use of this medication. Be careful not to accidentally bite your tongue or mouth.
Stop using this medication and tell your doctor if your sore throat is severe, if it lasts more than 2 days, or if you have a fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting. You may have a serious medical problem that may require different treatment. If sore mouth symptoms last more than 7 days, stop using this medication and call your doctor or dentist. If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
Side Effects
Slight burning, tingling, or stinging may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication has rarely caused a very serious (possibly fatal) blood disorder (methemoglobinemia). This effect is more likely if you have breathing problems, certain diseases of the blood, or if you smoke (see also Precautions section). The symptoms of this disorder may occur within minutes to a couple of hours after using this medication. Stop using this medication and get medical help right away if you develop any symptoms of methemoglobinemia, including: pale/bluish/gray skin, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, dizziness, headache, confusion.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using benzocaine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "caine" anesthetics (such as procaine) or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: certain blood disorders (G6PD deficiency, pyruvate kinase deficiency, hemoglobin-M disease, NADH-methemoglobin reductase deficiency), breathing problems (such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, smoking history), heart disease.
During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, seizures, slow/irregular heartbeat.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Not applicable.
Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.