Benzocaine - what is it? You can find the answer to this difficult question below. Also, in the materials of this article, we will provide information on what properties the substance mentioned has, how it acts, which preparations are included, etc.
general information
Benzocaine - what is it, and what features are inherent in this substance? The said agent is a local anesthetic with a wide spectrum of action. As a rule, it is used as an active ingredient to create many different preparations intended for external and internal use.
Benzocaine - what is it? This is an active substance that has a local anesthetic effect, and also prevents the occurrence of pain.
According to experts, with external use and application of this product to the mucous membranes, its action develops almost immediately and lasts for 20-25 minutes.
Anesthetic Benzocaine is a white crystalline powder. It has no smell, but has a weak bitter taste. After using the powder, a numbness sensation appears on the tongue, which quickly passes.
This substance is soluble in water, ethers, certain fatty oils, ethanol, as well as in chloroform.
Drug List
Benzocaine - what is it and what drugs does this substance contain? The drug in question is contained in various medications. Consider the most popular of them:
- Septolete Plus lozenges;
- alcohol solution intended for external use "Menovazin";
- ointments for external use "Relief Advance", Heparin ointment and "Proctosedil";
- absorbable tablets "Hexoral Tabs", "Stopangin 2A Forte";
- suspension for oral administration "Almagel A";
- rectal capsules "Anestezol", "Proctosedil M", "Olestesin" and "Genferon";
- tablets "Anestezin", "Bellastesin", "Bellalgin";
- aerosol (spray) intended for external use "Olazol".
Operating principle
The action of benzocaine begins to develop very quickly. This substance is able to reduce the permeability of membranes for the passage of sodium ions, displace calcium, and also block the occurrence of nerve impulses and their conduction.
With local and oral administration of the drug, its absorption is negligible. As for the carcinogenicity of benzocaine, such clinical studies have not been conducted. Also, its effect on fertility was not identified.
If the substance in question is combined with cholinesterase inhibitors, then its metabolism will be somewhat inhibited. This fact should be taken into account while taking these drugs.
Indications for use
For what purposes can a drug with an active substance such as benzocaine be used? The instruction says that the evidence of this remedy depends on what kind of medication it contains.
Dosage forms in the form of capsules and tablets, including benzocaine, are taken orally for diseases such as esophagitis and gastralgia. Also, these drugs are highly effective for peptic ulcer.
Anestezin tablets are often prescribed as part of complex therapy for oral administration in order to anesthetize the mucous membranes with pain and cramping in the stomach or increased sensitivity of the esophagus.
Local use of benzocaine is indicated in the following cases: discomfort and pain in the external auditory canal, as well as acute inflammation of the middle ear. In addition, such drugs are very effective for hives and skin diseases, including those accompanied by painful and severe itching.
What diseases use creams and gels with an active substance such as benzocaine? An ointment based on this remedy is often prescribed for inflammation of hemorrhoids, as well as in the presence of perianal cracks.
It should also be noted that, in addition to the listed conditions of the patient, Benzocaine preparations are often used for diagnostic procedures on the mucous membranes (for example, during gastroscopy, various gynecological procedures, rectoscopy, urethroscopy and otoscopy).
It should also be said that the local anesthetic is the number 1 tool in dental practice. Doctors very often use drugs with benzocaine for superficial pain relief before dentistry.
Before using such medicines, you should definitely consult a doctor, as they can have a large list of side effects and contraindications.
Benzocaine contraindications
Preparations based on the aforementioned substance are not recommended for use with hypersensitivity to this component.
There are also other restrictions on the use of such medicines. For example, they are not prescribed in children under two years of age, as well as during pregnancy. With extreme caution, benzocaine preparations are recommended during breastfeeding.
Mode of application
External agents (solutions, ointments, powders, etc.) are applied directly to the affected area and slightly rubbed.
Local drugs (for example, drops) are used in different ways (depending on the drug). With inflammation of the auditory apparatus, the drug is injected into the external auditory canal in the amount of five drops. After the procedure, use a swab of gauze, cotton wool or cotton. This application is carried out if necessary (every two hours).
Before using the drug, be sure to consult an ENT specialist.
As for capsules and tablets, they are taken orally. Dosage, frequency of administration and duration of treatment is determined individually (depending on the type of medication and indications).
In dental practice, benzocaine is used topically. To do this, use a 5–20% solution or a special paste. These funds are applied to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. After a short period of time, an analgesic effect should occur.
Side effects
Like any medication, benzocaine-based medicines also have side effects.
For external use, the patient may develop a hypersensitivity reaction, contact dermatitis, a burning sensation and tingling sensation, swelling, itching, erythema, urticaria, and rash.
With topical use of the drug, sensitivity in the area of application may decrease for a long time.
With prolonged use of the drug in young children, methemoglobinemia develops.
As for tablets and capsules, then against the background of their intake, allergic reactions can occur.