Benzocaine
About Benzocaine
Benzocaine is a localised pain relief medicine used to temporarily numb sore areas inside the mouth. It is medically designed to ease discomfort from mouth ulcers, toothaches, sore gums, and minor irritation caused by braces or dentures. Dulling local nerve sensitivity makes everyday activities like speaking and chewing much more comfortable.
You should use Benzocaine only when you feel discomfort, but do not use it more frequently than the packaging recommends. It is best to apply the gel after meals so it is not washed away, and you should avoid eating or drinking immediately after application. To support your recovery, try avoiding very hot, spicy, or highly acidic foods while your mouth is healing.
While using Benzocaine, you may experience mild, temporary stinging or localized numbness where you applied it. These effects are usually harmless and pass quickly. However, if you notice severe burning, swelling, or worsening redness in your mouth, stop using the product and talk to your doctor right away.
Do not use this medicine if you have a history of methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious blood condition that reduces the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. You should also consult your doctor before using Benzocaine if you suffer from breathing conditions like asthma or bronchitis, or if you have heart disease.
Before starting Benzocaine, inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, particularly sulfa antibiotics, as local anesthetics can reduce their effectiveness. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for an elderly individual, consult your doctor or pharmacist before use to ensure it is safe for your specific situation.
Uses of Benzocaine
• Oral Ulcer Treatment: Benzocaine promotes healing and reduces inflammation in painful mouth ulcers.
• Relief from Oral Mucositis: Benzocaine relieves oral mucositis, a painful condition that causes inflammation and ulceration in the mouth and frequently affects people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Sore Throat Relief: Benzocaine helps soothe sore throats by reducing inflammation and providing temporary pain relief, making it easier to swallow and feel more comfortable.
• Antimicrobial Action: Benzocaine can effectively kill a wide range of germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, helping to combat infections.
• Oral Hygiene: Using Benzocaine for regular gargling can lead to better oral health by minimizing plaque and tackling bad breath, all thanks to its germ-fighting abilities.
Medicinal Benefits
- Benzocaine offers rapid, targeted relief directly at the source of your pain. Because it is applied directly to the sore area, it begins to work within seconds to block discomfort, allowing you to carry on with your daily routine without constant distraction.
- By temporarily removing the barrier of mouth pain, this medicine helps you maintain proper nutrition and oral hygiene. Being able to brush your teeth and eat comfortably prevents further dental complications and supports your body's natural healing process.
Directions for Use
To use Benzocaine safely and get the best results, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before applying the medicine.
- Gently dry the sore area of your mouth with a clean cotton swab or tissue. This helps the gel stick to the tissue more effectively.
- Apply a small, pea-sized amount of the gel directly to the affected area using a clean finger or a cotton swab.
- Keep the medicine in place for at least one minute before spitting out any excess saliva. Do not swallow the gel.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or chewing gum for at least 30 to 60 minutes after application to prevent washing the medicine away or accidentally biting your tongue.
- Always follow your doctor's exact instructions regarding how often to apply this medicine.
Storage
Side Effects of Benzocaine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Mild, temporary stinging or burning at the application site
- Temporary numbness of the tongue, lips, or cheeks
- A slight, temporary change in your sense of taste
- Slightly pale or lighter-colored gums where the gel was applied
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat, severe itching, or hives
- Signs of methemoglobinemia, including pale, grey, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds
- Severe dizziness, a rapid heart rate, fatigue, headache, or shortness of breath
- Worsening redness, swelling, or open sores in your mouth
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
Never use in infants: Do not use Benzocaine for teething pain or mouth irritation in infants or children under the age of 2 due to the high risk of severe blood oxygen issues.
Inspect the seal: Check the tube's protective seal before your first use. Do not use the medicine if the packaging is punctured, leaking, or damaged.
Do not swallow: This medicine is for local oral use only. Always spit out excess saliva after application and avoid swallowing the product.
Watch for blue or gray skin: Monitor your skin, lips, and nail beds while using this product. If they look pale, gray, or blue, stop using it immediately and seek emergency medical care.
Do not apply to bleeding wounds: Avoid applying this gel to deep puncture wounds, severe bleeding gums, or large open areas inside the mouth.
Protect your eyes: Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the gel to avoid accidentally rubbing it into your eyes, which can cause severe irritation.
Drug Interactions
- Sulfonamides (sulfa antibiotics): Benzocaine can interfere with the antibacterial activity of these medications, reducing their effectiveness against infections.
- Nitric oxide-producing medications: Combining this gel with certain heart medications (like nitroglycerin) or local anaesthetics can significantly increase the risk of blood oxygen complications.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Benzocaine interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorLimited information is available regarding the usage of Benzocaine during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor. Your doctor may recommend this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorLimited information is available regarding the usage of Benzocaine during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Driving
cautionIt is unknown if Benzocaine affects your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Benzocaine in patients with liver impairment.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Benzocaine in patients with kidney impairment.
Children
cautionBenzocaine is not recommended for children below 2 years. Benzocaine should be used with caution in children and only if advised by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid irritating foods: Avoid very hot, spicy, salty, or highly acidic foods and beverages, as these can sting and delay the healing of open mouth sores.
- Choose soft foods: Opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods like yoghurt, oatmeal, mashed vegetables, and smoothies to minimise friction in your mouth.
- Use a soft toothbrush: Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid scraping sensitive gums or mouth sores.
- Keep your mouth hydrated: Drink plenty of cool water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist, which helps soothe irritated tissues.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco: Refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol, as both can irritate the delicate lining of your mouth and slow down your recovery.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Mouth ulcers: Mouth ulcers, also referred to as canker sores, are tiny, uncomfortable lesions that appear in the mouth or at the gum line. You might feel uneasy while eating, drinking, or conversing while wearing these. Mouth ulcers are not contagious and typically heal within a few weeks. Mouth ulcers are more likely to occur in people with a history of canker sores in their families. Mouth ulcers may be brought on by minor mouth trauma from dental work or hard brushing, acidic foods, a lack of essential vitamins, dental braces, emotional stress, and viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.
FAQs
Benzocaine is used to relieve pain and irritation associated with mouth ulcers, canker sores, mouth irritation, mouth and throat pain, and sore throat. It is also used to relieve pain associated with toothache, sore gums, braces, dentures, and minor dental procedures.
Benzocaine temporarily blocks the pain signals from the nerves (painful site) to the brain, thereby numbing the affected area and providing relief from pain.
Benzocaine should not be used for longer durations unless advised by a doctor. If your condition does not improve despite using Benzocaine for a week, consult your doctor, he/she may advise you on an alternate medicine.
Do not use Benzocaine in more than recommended doses, or on a large area of skin for a longer duration unless advised by the doctor. Use Benzocaine as advised by the doctor.
Avoid eating for at least 1 hour after using Benzocaine. Benzocaine numbs the skin, this might cause biting of the tongue.
Benzocaine is not recommended for use in children below 2 years. Benzocaine should not be used to treat teething pain in infants. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
No, you should never use Benzocaine for teething pain in infants or children under 2 years of age. It carries a risk of a rare but serious blood condition called methemoglobinemia. Talk to your doctor about safer teething remedies.
The numbing effect usually lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes. If your pain returns, consult your doctor or check the product packaging for safe reapplication intervals. Talk to your doctor if your pain worsens.
No, Benzocaine is not meant to be swallowed. It is designed only for local application on the tissues inside your mouth. Always spit out excess saliva after applying it. Talk to your doctor if you accidentally swallow a large amount.
You should consult your doctor before using Benzocaine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will help you weigh the benefits and risks for your specific situation.
No, Benzocaine does not cure mouth ulcers or treat the underlying cause of your sore. It only provides temporary pain relief while your body heals naturally. Talk to your doctor if your ulcers do not heal within 10 to 14 days.
If the medicine accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately with plenty of clean, cool water. Seek medical attention if you experience pain, redness, or changes in your vision. Talk to your doctor if irritation persists.
Yes, though rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to this medicine. Stop using it and seek immediate medical help if you experience swelling of the face, lips, or throat, severe hives, or difficulty breathing. Talk to your doctor if you suspect an allergy.
