The side effects and uses of Benzocaine

Introduction

Benzocaine is in many oral drug products currently used to relieve pain in the mouth and gums from a variety of conditions or for numbing the throat or airway for medical procedures. Benzocaine oral drug products come in the form of gels, sprays, liquids, and lozenges. Benzocaine sprays are not FDA-approved to numb the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat or to suppress the gag reflex during minor medical and surgical procedures.

Benzocaine gel

Benzocaine gel helps relieve mouth pain. It makes people lose their feelings in the mouth. Humans can apply this gel to the affected area in the mouth as directed.

Benzocaine menthol

Benzocaine menthol lozenge is an over-the-counter oral pain medication used to relieve sore throat and mouth pain. It can start to work within seconds after you put it in your mouth. Most people experience few to no side effects after taking this medication as directed.

Benzocaine spray

Benzocaine spray is used to numb the mouth and throat lining before certain medical procedures (such as intubation). It is also used to temporarily relieve pain from minor mouth/throat problems (such as sore throat, canker sores, minor dental procedures, and mouth/gum injury).

Side effects

However, Benzocaine can cause a condition in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood is greatly reduced. This condition, called methemoglobinemia, can be life-threatening and result in death. Consumers using benzocaine products to treat mouth pain should seek medical attention immediately for signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia. These include pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, and nail beds; shortness of breath; fatigue; confusion; headache; lightheadedness; and fast heart rate. Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia may appear within minutes to one to two hours after using Benzocaine. Symptoms may occur after using Benzocaine for the first time, as well as after prior uses.