Overview Of Benzocaine

Potential Side Effects

Benzocaine has a variety of potential side effects, some of which can be serious. The most common side effects are stinging, itching, and burning around the application area. Patients often experience redness, tenderness, or dried-out skin and white flaky patches in this area as well. A serious condition to keep an eye out for is methemoglobinemia. This condition can cause fatal oxygen starvation in the body's tissues. Some patients develop this condition after several uses of benzocaine, while others develop it after one use. Symptoms might occur anywhere from minutes to two hours following the dosage.

Individuals must get emergency medical care if they begin experiencing fast heartbeats, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, confusion, lethargy, or an off-color appearance to the skin and lips. They also need emergency attention if they experience symptoms of an allergic reaction. If patients deal with any blistering, swelling, severe burning, or serious sensitivity, they should stop using the medication and call their doctor right away.

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Precautions To Remember

Before using the medication, patients should let their doctor know if they have had an allergic reaction to it or any other '-caine' medications in the past. Patients must also give their doctor a complete medical history. Doctors need to know if their patient has any history of infection in the affected body part, breathing issues, certain blood-related issues, or heart disease. If the medication is being used before a surgical procedure, patients should inform their dentist or doctor about all of their current medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

There may be some risk when using this medication during pregnancy, so experts recommend using it only when it is seriously needed. Patients can talk to their doctor regarding the different risks and potential benefits of using this medication during pregnancy. Since no studies have been done on the medication's effect on breast milk, a nursing mother should first consult their doctor.

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