benzyl benzoate/disulfiram

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

benzyl benzoate is an organic compound used primarily as an acaricide to treat scabies, a contagious skin condition. It works by killing the mites and their eggs, effectively treating the infestation.  

disulfiram is used to treat chronic alcoholism. It works by inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is involved in the metabolism of alcohol.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Mental or mood problems 

Tiredness  

Vomiting 

Nausea 

Numbness or tingling of the arms or legs 

Seizures 

Severe allergic reactions   

Dark urine 

Loss of appetite 

Weakness 

Yellowing of the eyes or skin 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to benzyl benzoate/disulfiram or any of its components should not use this medication. 

Caution: 

• benzyl benzoate should be used with caution in children and infants.  
• disulfiram should be used with caution in individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

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  

benzyl benzoate displays its action by disrupting the mite’s physiology and metabolism. It penetrates the mite’s exoskeleton and interferes with the mite’s nervous system and respiration, ultimately leading to its death. 

disulfiram’s mechanism of action is based on its ability to inhibit the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. This enzyme is responsible for metabolizing acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, into acetic acid. 

Pharmacodynamics 

benzyl benzoate works by penetrating the exoskeleton of the mites and disrupting their nervous system and respiration. 

disulfiram inhibits the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which is responsible for metabolizing acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. This leads to an accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body when alcohol is consumed. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

benzyl benzoate/disulfiram is applied topically to the skin, and it is absorbed through the skin. 

Distribution 

benzyl benzoate/disulfiram is distributing throughout the body via the bloodstream. 

Metabolism 

benzyl benzoate/disulfiram is metabolized in the liver. 

Elimination and excretion 

benzyl benzoate/disulfiram are excreted in the urine.

Adminstartion

Administration 

benzyl benzoate/disulfiram is a combination drug applied topically onto the body surface and available in form of emulsion/lotion. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: benzyl benzoate/disulfiram 

Why do we use benzyl benzoate/disulfiram? 

Tenutex (benzyl benzoate/disulfiram) disulfiram is a combination drug is used in the treatment of scabies.  

It is also used to treat head lice and pubic lice (crabs).