Important notes about Benzocaine Topical

If you have a methemoglobinemia (blood cell disorder) you should not use benzocaine topical. Before using benzocaine topical, tell your doctor if you have any type of inherited enzyme deficiency, a breathing disorder such as asthma or emphysema, or if you smoke.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse within the first 7 days of using benzocaine topical. Also call your doctor if your symptoms had cleared up but then came back.

If you are treating a sore throat, call your doctor if the pain is severe or lasts longer than 2 days, especially if you also develop a fever, headache, skin rash, swelling, nausea, vomiting, cough, or breathing problems.
Know about Benzocaine

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic and it works by blocking nerve signals in your body. Benzocaine topical is used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by minor skin irritations, sore throat, sunburn, teething pain, vaginal or rectal irritation, ingrown toenails, hemorrhoids, and many other sources of minor pain on a surface of the body. Benzocaine is also used to numb the skin or surfaces inside the mouth, nose, throat, vagina, or rectum to lessen the pain of inserting a medical instrument such as a tube or speculum.

Benzocaine topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before using benzocaine topical?

Do not use benzocaine topical if you have a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia.

Before using benzocaine topical, tell your doctor if you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorder; heart disease; a personal or family history of methemoglobinemia, or any genetic enzyme deficiency; or if you smoke.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use benzocaine topical, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether benzocaine topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medicine on a child younger than 1 year old.
Usage instructions of Benzocaine

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.

To treat minor skin conditions, apply a thin layer of benzocaine topical to the affected area up to 4 times per day. If using the spray, hold the container 6 to 12 inches away from the skin. Do not spray this medication onto your face. Spray it instead on your hands and then rub it onto the face, avoiding contact with your eyes.

To treat hemorrhoids, clean the area with soap and water before applying benzocaine topical. Apply the medication up to 6 times per day. If you are using the rectal suppository, try to empty your bowel and bladder before inserting the suppository. Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.

Do not use benzocaine topical to treat large skin areas or deep puncture wounds. Avoid using the medicine on skin that is raw or blistered, such as a severe burn or abrasion.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse within the first 7 days of using benzocaine topical. Also call your doctor if your symptoms had cleared up but then came back.

If you are treating a sore throat, call your doctor if the pain is severe or lasts longer than 2 days, especially if you also develop a fever, headache, skin rash, swelling, nausea, vomiting, cough, or breathing problems.
Store this drug at room temperature away from moisture. Don’t expose it to heat. Do not allow the liquid form of this medicine to freeze.