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.
Get the full details on precautions to take with this medication next.