Benzocaine topical: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

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Topical benzocaine is primarily used to relieve pain and itching of the skin from small cuts, scrapes, burns, or bug bites. It can also be used to help prevent premature ejaculation. It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals that cause you to feel pain and sensation. The most common side effects are temporary stinging, burning, or redness where it is applied. Topical benzocaine is available in several forms, including a liquid, spray, and gel.

Uses

What is topical benzocaine used for?

Topical benzocaine is commonly used to relieve pain and itching of the skin from small cuts, scrapes, burns, or bug bites. It can also be used to help prevent premature ejaculation.

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

How does topical benzocaine work (mechanism of action)?

Benzocaine works by blocking nerve signals for pain and sensation.

How is topical benzocaine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

Americaine
Outgro

Example dosage forms and strengths

20% topical liquid
20% topical spray
5%, 20% topical gel

How should I store topical benzocaine?

Topical Spray. Benzocaine topical spray should be stored between 59 F and 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Do not expose it to heat, flames, or fire.

Topical Gel. Benzocaine topical gel should be stored below 86 F (30 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.

Topical Liquid. Benzocaine topical liquid should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from heat. Do not expose it to flames or fire. Do not use it while smoking until the product has dried.

Check the product label for specific storage information. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to store your topical benzocaine product.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical benzocaine?

The most common side effects of topical 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 topical 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. 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 topical benzocaine?

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

Methemoglobinemia. Topical 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. 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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical benzocaine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical 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, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical benzocaine?

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

Americaine
Outgro
Benzocaine
Any of the ingredients in the specific product you are using

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

What should I know about topical benzocaine before using it?

Keep topical benzocaine out of the reach of children.

Do not use topical benzocaine on large areas of your body or on skin that is seriously damaged. This helps reduce your risk for serious side effects.

Topical benzocaine should only be used on the outside of your skin. Do not allow it to come in contact with your eyes. If the medicine gets in your eye, wash your eye with water or saline right away and protect the eye until the numbing effect has worn off.

If your symptoms get worse or last longer than seven days, contact your health care professional.

There are multiple forms of topical benzocaine available. Follow the instructions on the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical 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 determine if topical benzocaine is right for you.

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

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

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

Interactions

Does topical benzocaine interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical benzocaine.

Does topical benzocaine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between topical 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 topical benzocaine?

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