Microplastics and Misinformation: What Science Really Says
November 12, 2025
Brand Name :
EjectDelay
Synonyms :
benzocaine, amben ethyl ester
Class :
Local anesthetic, Oropharyngeal
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Liquid
5%
6.3%
7.5%
10%
20%
Gel/Topical Solution
6.3%
7.5%
10%
20%
apply 5-10% to the affected area every 4 hours externally
Insect bites, Sunburn,Minor burns
apply 5-20% to the affected area every 6 to 8 hours when necessary
Mouth pain/Sore throat
Dissolve one lozenge in mouth, repeat every 2 hours when necessary
Dental pain
use 2.5-20% solution when necessary
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Liquid
5%
6.3%
7.5%
10%
20%
Gel/Topical Solution
6.3%
7.5%
10%
20%
Mouth pain/Sore throat
>5 years: Dissolve one lozenge in mouth, repeat every 2 hours when necessary
<5 years: Safety and efficacy not established
Teething pain
>4 years: apply 7.5-10% to the affected gum area. Do not exceed every 6 hours
<4 years: Safety and efficacy not established
Refer adult dosing
benzocaine: it may increase the risk or severity of CNS depression of mianserin
may increase the risk or severity of methemoglobinemia when miltefosine is combined
there is a higher risk of methemoglobinemia when used in combination with ribostamycin
may increase the toxic effect of methemoglobinemia associated agents
may increase the toxic effect of methemoglobinemia associated agents
may increase the toxic effect of methemoglobinemia associated agents
may increase the toxic effect of methemoglobinemia associated agents
may increase the toxic effect of methemoglobinemia associated agents
may increase the toxic effect of local anesthetics
may increase the toxic effect of local anesthetics
may increase the toxic effect of local anesthetics
may increase the toxic effect of local anesthetics
may increase the toxic effect of local anesthetics
may increase the toxic effect of local anesthetics
may increase the toxic effect of local anesthetics
The potential for increased CNS depression risk or seriousness occurs when benzocaine is used together with pinazepam
When benzocaine is used together with bromisoval, the risk or seriousness of CNS depression is enhanced
When captodiame is used together with benzocaine, There is a risk or seriousness of CNS depression is enhanced
The potential for CNS depression may enhanced when benzocaine is used together with fencamfamin
The potential for methemoglobinemia to occur or its seriousness may be enhanced when mepartricin is used together with benzocaine
When benzocaine is used together with niaprazine, the risk or seriousness of CNS depression is enhanced
When benzocaine is used together with levosulpiride, the risk or seriousness of CNS depression is enhanced
When dexrabeprazole and benzocaine is used together, this leads to reduction in the dexrabeprazole’s metabolism
When domeperidone and benzocaine is used together, this leads to reduction in the domeperidone’s metabolism
When benzocaine is used together with fluconazole, this leads to reduction in the benzocaine metabolism
When chlordiazepoxide is used together with benzocaine, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of CNS depression
When benzocaine is used together with capsaicin, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of methemoglobinemia
When benzocaine is used together with somatotropin, this leads to a rise in benzocaine’s metabolism
When cyclacillin is used together with benzocaine, this leads to increased risk or seriousness of methemoglobinemia
When encainide is used together with benzocaine, this leads to a rise in the encainide’s metabolism
When temocillin is used together with benzocaine, this leads to increased risk or seriousness of methemoglobinemia
When benzocaine is used together with melitracen, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of CNS depression
When artemotil is used together with benzocaine, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of methemoglobinemia
When emylcamate is used together with benzocaine, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of CNS depression
When benzocaine is used together with etizolam, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of CNS depression
When acepromazine is used together with benzocaine, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of CNS depression
the chances of methemoglobinemia may be increased when protionamide is combined
when combined with remacemide, the risk or severity of methemoglobinemia associated with benzocaine may be increased
benzocaine: it may increase the risk of CNS depression with pipotiazine
benzocaine: it may increase the risk of respiratory depression with pridinol
combining benzocaine with carbomycin may enhance the risk or extent of methemoglobinemia
When clomocycline is used together with benzocaine, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of methemoglobinemia
there may be an increased risk or extent of methemoglobinemia when rokitamycin is combined with benzocaine
the risk or extent of methemoglobinemia can be raised when sulfanilamide is combined with benzocaine
combining brexucabtagene autoleucel with benzocaine may elevate the risk or severity of methemoglobinemia
the risk of methemoglobinemia may be increased
the risk of methemoglobinemia may be increased
the risk of methemoglobinemia can be increased
combining beloranib with benzocaine may raise the risk or extent of methemoglobinemia
combining roquinimex with benzocaine may raise the chances of methemoglobinemia
the risk of methemoglobinemia may be increased
the risk of methemoglobinemia may be increased
the risk of methemoglobinemia may be increased
the risk of methemoglobinemia may be increased
the risk of methemoglobinemia may be increased
the risk of CNS depression may be increased
when combined with benzocaine, metabolism of bufylline may be reduced
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of benzocaine is based on its ability to interfere with the generation and conduction of nerve impulses. benzocaine acts on the sodium channels in the nerve membrane and prevents the influx of sodium ions necessary for initiating and transmitting nerve impulses. As a result, benzocaine inhibits the propagation of pain signals, producing a localized anesthetic effect
Spectrum
benzocaine has a narrow spectrum of activity, meaning it is only effective against specific pain and sensations. It is primarily used as a topical anesthetic for pain relief in various conditions such as toothache, sore throat, sunburn, and minor skin irritations. It is also used as a local anesthetic in some over-the-counter products for oral and genital mucosal analgesia
Frequency undefined:
contact dermatitis
pruritis
rash
urticaria
burning
edema
erythema
stinging tenderness
methemoglobinemia
Contraindications
Caution
Pregnancy consideration: C
Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown
Pregnancy category:
Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology
benzocaine is a local anesthetic that blocks the transmission of pain impulses along nerve fibers. It is commonly used as a topical anesthetic to relieve pain and itching associated with minor skin irritations, cuts, burns, and insect bites
Pharmacodynamics
benzocaine works by blocking the transmission of pain impulses along nerve fibers. It does this by inhibiting the sodium ion influx through voltage-gated sodium channels in the nerve fibers. This reduces the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses, leading to a temporary loss of sensation
Duration of action: The duration of action of benzocaine varies depending on the dose and the route of administration, but it is generally short-acting, with effects lasting for 15-60 minutes
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
When applied topically, benzocaine is absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, and its effects are localized to the application area. Systemic absorption of benzocaine is minimal when used as recommended
Distribution
benzocaine is distributed throughout the body, but its effects are primarily localized to the application area due to its low systemic absorption
Metabolism
benzocaine is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine
Elimination/Excretion
benzocaine is rapidly metabolized and eliminated from the body. The half-life of benzocaine is estimated to be about 1-2 hours.
Administration
The administration of benzocaine may vary depending on the product form and the condition being treated. Here are some common ways benzocaine is used:
Topical application: benzocaine is available in various topical forms, including creams, gels, sprays, and ointments. These products are applied to the affected area and absorbed through the skin to relieve local pain.
Lozenges and gum: benzocaine is also available in the form of lozenges and gum, which are used to relieve sore throat pain and toothache
Suppositories: benzocaine suppositories relieve pain and itching associated with hemorrhoids
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: benzocain
Pronounced: ( BENZ-oh-kane)
Why do we use benzocaine?
benzocaine is a local anesthetic commonly used to relieve pain and itching. Here are some common uses of benzocaine:
Topical analgesia: benzocaine is used as a topical anesthetic to relieve pain and itching associated with minor skin irritations, cuts, burns, and insect bites.
Sore throat: benzocaine lozenges and gum relieve sore throat pain.
Toothache: benzocaine is used in some over-the-counter toothache medications to relieve pain.
Hemorrhoids: benzocaine suppositories relieve pain and itching associated with hemorrhoids