benzocaine/butamben/tetracaine topical

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

For benzocaine topical  

Local anesthetic benzocaine blocks nerve signals in the affected area to provide pain relief. It is frequently found in OTC goods such lotions, gels, sprays, and lozenges. When applied topically, benzocaine topical temporarily relieves minor pain and itching, such as that brought on by insect bites, sunburn, or other skin irritations.  

It is mostly utilised on mucous membranes and skin. The range of benzocaine’s effects is restricted to reducing itching and minor aches and pains. 

For butamben topical 

butamben is also a local anesthetic, but it is less commonly used compared to benzocaine. Its mechanism of action is like other local anesthetics, which involves blocking nerve signals. butamben’s topical spectrum of activity is broader than benzocaine due to its use in combination products for specific skin condition. 

For tetracaine topical  

tetracaine is a strong local anesthetic that blocks nerve signals to produce its effects. It is a prescription drug that is frequently used in medical settings. It is frequently used to numb the eyes or mucous membranes prior to some medical operations, as well as for procedures like spinal or epidural anesthesia.  

tetracaine topical has a wider range of applications, including more invasive surgeries that need for more intense anesthesia. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined  

1-10% 

Itching (2%) 

Alterations in temperature sensations (7%) 

>10% 

Paleness (37%) 

Erythema (30%) 

Edema (10%) 

Burning sensation (17%) 

Frequency not defined 

Apprehension  

Convulsions 

Tinnitus 

Confusion 

Hypotension 

Blurred or double vision 

Nervousness  

Twitching 

Discrete purpuric  

Allergic and anaphylactoid reactions 

Cardiovascular collapse leading to arrest 

Hyperpigmentation  

Bradycardia 

Vomiting 

Blistering of foreskin in neonates  

Tremors 

Drowsiness 

Sensations of hot, cold, or numbness 

Euphoria  

Redness 

Dizziness 

CNS excitement or depression 

Lightheadedness 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None  

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• benzocaine, butamben, tetracaine, or any other local anesthetics are known to cause sensitivities or allergies. 
• Use on mucous membranes, broken or injured skin, and open wounds. 
• Use with caution in patients who have a history of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) sensitivity because some topical anesthetics may include PABA derivatives. 

Caution: 

• Do not cover the treated area with occlusive dressings unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional. 
• Avoid contact with the eyes. If accidental eye exposure occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. 
• Avoid applying excessive amounts of the medication. 
• Use with caution in individuals with a history of methemoglobinemia 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: B 

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

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 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

Pharmacology  

For benzocaine topical  

benzocaine is a local anesthetic that works by temporarily obstructing the transmission of nerve impulses. By obstructing voltage-gated sodium channels in the nerve endings, it stops the start and spread of nerve signals. 

For butamben topical  

The local anesthetic butamben also works by obstructing nerve conduction. By preventing voltage-gated sodium channels from opening in nerve endings, it functions similarly to benzocaine. 

For tetracaine topical  

tetracaine is a strong local anesthetic that inhibits sodium ion inflow through voltage-gated sodium channels to stop nerve conduction. 

Pharmacodynamics 

For benzocaine topical  

When used topically, benzocaine temporarily relieves pain and itching by numbing the affected area. It has a local anesthetic effect on the skin or mucous membranes by acting predominantly on surface nerves. 

For butamben topical  

butamben’s local anesthetic effect reduces the pain and discomfort brought on by these disorders. 

For tetracaine topical  

Compared to butamben and benzocaine, tetracaine offers more potent and long-lasting local anesthesia. It can also be used for less invasive procedures like ocular or mucosal anesthesia, as well as more invasive ones like spinal or epidural anesthesia. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

For benzocaine topical  

benzocaine topical is minimally absorbed through intact skin or mucous membranes. Its primary action occurs locally at the site of application. 

For butamben topical  

butamben is applied topically, and systemic absorption through intact skin is limited. 

For tetracaine topical  

tetracaine topical can be absorbed systemically to some extent, especially if applied to large surface areas or used in high concentrations. 

Distribution 

For benzocaine topical  

benzocaine is mainly localised at the application site and produces local anesthesia due to its low systemic absorption. 

For butamben topical  

When applied topically, butamben does not show a considerable diffusion outside the area of application. 

For tetracaine topical  

tetracaine can enter the bloodstream following topical administration, although how much depends on the concentration used, the surface area applied to, and the time of exposure. 

Metabolism  

For benzocaine topical  

Enzymatic mechanisms, such as ester hydrolysis, mainly metabolize benzocaine in the liver.  

For butamben topical  

The metabolism of butamben following topical administration is poorly understood. 

For tetracaine topical  

tetracaine topical is hydrolyzed and oxidized in the liver before being metabolized.  

Elimination and excretion  

For benzocaine topical  

The metabolites of benzocaine are excreted primarily in the urine. 

For butamben topical  

The excretion pathway of butamben after topical use is not well-documented. 

For tetracaine topical  

The elimination of tetracaine and its metabolites occurs primarily through renal excretion. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

To the affected area, apply a thin coating of benzocaine topical cream or ointment. To absorb it, gently rub it into the skin. butamben topical is often found in combination with other medications, such as antifungals or corticosteroids, in creams, ointments, or lotions. For ophthalmic procedures, tetracaine may be administered as eye drops. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: benzocaine/butamben/ tetracaine topical 

Why do we use benzocaine/butamben/ tetracaine topical? 

benzocaine topical is frequently used to temporarily relieve minor discomfort and itching brought on by bug bites, sunburns, small cuts and scrapes, or mild skin irritations. butamben topical provides local anesthesia to relieve associated pain or itching.  

tetracaine topical is an effective local anesthetic that is frequently used for more invasive treatments that call for a deeper level of anesthesia. For spinal or epidural anesthesia, it can be utilised.