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Overview: Benzocaine is used for short-term pain relief in your mouth or throat. Benzocaine works by temporarily blocking nerve signals for pain. The most common side effects are a temporary stinging or burning sensation where it is applied. Stop using benzocaine and get emergency help if you or your child has trouble breathing, dizziness, chest pain, or skin that is pale or looks gray or blue. Benzocaine is available in several forms, including a liquid, lozenge, gel, and spray.

Uses

What is benzocaine used for?

Benzocaine is commonly used for short-term pain relief in your mouth or throat from the following.

Benzocaine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Benzocaine is also available in a form that is applied to the skin. See Benzocaine topical for more information.

How does benzocaine work (mechanism of action)?

Benzocaine is an anesthetic. It works by blocking nerve signals for pain.

How is benzocaine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Anbesol
  • HurriCaine
  • Kank-A
  • Orabase
  • Orajel
  • Zilactin-B

Example dosage forms and strengths

Benzocaine is available in various strengths and dosage forms that are applied to the gums, mouth, or throat.

How should I store benzocaine?

Store benzocaine according to the directions on the product you are using. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight. If you are not sure how to store benzocaine, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of benzocaine?

The most common side effects of benzocaine are temporary stinging, burning, or redness where it is applied. Tell your health care provider if these side effects bother you.

There may be other side effects of benzocaine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of benzocaine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of benzocaine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Benzocaine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using benzocaine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Methemoglobinemia. Benzocaine can cause a serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. Hemoglobin is a protein that normally carries oxygen in your blood. Methemoglobinemia is when you have too much of a form of hemoglobin called methemoglobin. If you have methemoglobinemia, it is harder for your body to get oxygen to your tissues. Stop using benzocaine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of methemoglobinemia.

  • Changes in the color of your skin, including pale-, gray-, or blue-colored skin
  • Headache
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Tiredness or weakness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use benzocaine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use benzocaine.

  • Anbesol
  • Benzocaine
  • HurriCaine
  • Kank-A
  • Orabase
  • Orajel
  • Procaine, butacaine, or any other medicine ending with “caine”
  • Zilactin-B
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product 

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific benzocaine products they stock.

Teething. Benzocaine should not be used in babies or children who are teething.

What should I know about benzocaine before using it?

There are multiple forms of benzocaine available. Some products can be swallowed, while others should be spit out instead of swallowed. Follow the instructions on the product you have or use it as recommended by your health care provider. Do not use more than the recommended amount. Make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Keep benzocaine out of the reach of children.

Do not get benzocaine in your eyes. If you get benzocaine in your eyes, rinse them with water right away. If you have pain or irritation after rinsing with water, contact your health care provider.

This medicine can cause numbness in the mouth or throat. This may increase your risk for accidentally biting your tongue or choking on food. Do not eat or chew gum while your mouth or throat is numb.

Stop using benzocaine and contact your health care provider if any of the following apply to you.

  • Your sore throat lasts more than two days or your sore mouth lasts more than seven days
  • You have other symptoms, such as a swelling, fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting
  • The pain, irritation, or redness seems to be getting worse instead of better

Some benzocaine products may stain fabric or clothing. Use them carefully to avoid getting the product on clothing, fabric, or furniture.

If the benzocaine product you are using has an applicator, do not share this with other people. Sharing the applicator could spread germs.

If you are using benzocaine because of pain or irritation from dentures, do not put your dentures back in your mouth until the pain or irritation is better. Rinse your mouth with water before putting dentures back in place. Ask your pharmacist or dental health care provider if you have questions.

Some benzocaine products can catch on fire. Read the label of the product you have. Do not use flammable products near fire or flame.

What should I tell my health care provider before using benzocaine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if benzocaine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how benzocaine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if benzocaine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does benzocaine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between benzocaine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect benzocaine.

Does benzocaine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between benzocaine and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much benzocaine?

If you or someone else has used too much benzocaine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of benzocaine?

Benzocaine is meant to be used only when needed. Use it according to the product label or as recommended by your health care provider. Do not use double or extra doses.