Benzocaine

N/A

For the temporary relief of pain due to minor injury or irritation of the mouth and gums like Toothache, Sore gums, Canker sores, Braces, Minor dental procedures, Dentures

N/A

Epiglottis (oral spray), methaemoglobinaemia.

Benzocaine, an ester local anaesthetic, blocks the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses by decreasing the neuronal membrane’s permeability to Na ions, which results in inhibition of depolarisation with resultant blockade of conduction.

May antagonise the therapeutic effect of sulfonamides. Anticholinesterases may inhibit the metabolism benzocaine.

Side effects are less common. The side effects include allergies, swelling in the mouth or throatetc.

Symptom: Methaemoglobinaemia, manifested by cyanotic (greyish) skin discolouration, unusual breathing or breathlessness. Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. IV methylene blue 1% may be administered.

Pregnancy Category C. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Patient with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease; smokers. Children, Pregnancy and lactation.