What is benzocaine ointment used for?
Benzocaine is used to relieve pain and itching caused by conditions such as sunburn or other minor burns, insect bites or stings, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, minor cuts, or scratches. Benzocaine belongs to a group of medicines known as topical local anesthetics. It deadens the nerve endings in the skin.
Is benzocaine topical over-the-counter?
Facts about benzocaine and prescription local anesthetics Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic contained in some marketed over-the-counter (OTC) oral drug products intended to relieve pain from a variety of conditions such as sore throats, canker sores, and irritation of the mouth and gums.
How do you use benzocaine ointment?
Adults, teenagers, and children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
How long does it take topical benzocaine to work?
Benzocaine is a water-insoluble ester-type local anesthetic agent that is mainly useful for topical application. The onset of action is rapid (<1 minute), and the effective duration is 5 to 10 minutes.
Is topical benzocaine safe?
Benzocaine can cause a serious condition in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood is greatly reduced. This condition, called methemoglobinemia, is life-threatening and can result in death.
Do you need a prescription for benzocaine?
It deadens the nerve endings in the skin. Benzocaine does not cause unconsciousness like general anesthetics do when used for surgery. Benzocaine is available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use and dose for your medical condition.
Is lidocaine or benzocaine stronger?
Lidocaine and benzocaine were equally efficient, and both were better than placebo in reducing pain caused by insertion of needles into the palate.
Where do you get benzocaine?
Benzocaine is found in many over-the-counter products, including creams, gels, liquids, ointments, pads, sprays, lozenges and swabs. It is also available in some prescription medications.
Why benzocaine is used in condoms?
Best condoms with lubrication These condoms contain benzocaine to desensitize the penis and prolong sexual activity. They contain a lubricant on the outside to increase moisture for a partner.
What’s better lidocaine or benzocaine?
Results: Twenty percent benzocaine did not significantly alter pain perception as measured by the pain rating score and visual analog scale with these 3 methods of stimulation. In contrast, 60% lidocaine significantly reduced pain perception according to these measurements.