An overdose of numbing medications can cause fatal side effects if too
much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. This is
more likely to occur when using a numbing medicine without the advice of a medical doctor
(such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Overdose symptoms may include
uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory failure
(breathing stops).
Your body may absorb more of this medication if you use too much, if you apply it
over large skin areas, or if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas. Skin
that is cut or irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.
Use the smallest amount of this medication needed to numb the skin or relieve pain. Do not use large amounts of benzocaine topical, or cover treated skin areas with a
bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice. Be aware that many cosmetic
procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.
Do not use benzocaine topical if you have a blood cell disorder called
methemoglobinemia.
Before using benzocaine topical, tell your doctor if you have any type of inherited enzyme
deficiency, a breathing disorder such as asthma or emphysema, or if you smoke.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse within the first 7
days of using benzocaine topical. Also call your doctor if your symptoms had cleared up but then
came back.
If you are treating a sore throat, call your doctor if the pain is severe or lasts longer than 2
days, especially if you also develop a fever, headache, skin rash, swelling, nausea, vomiting,
cough, or breathing problems.
What is benzocaine topical?
Benzocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve
signals in your body.
Benzocaine topical is used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by minor skin irritations,
sore throat, sunburn, teething pain, vaginal or rectal irritation, ingrown toenails, hemorrhoids,
and many other sources of minor pain on a surface of the body. Benzocaine is also used to numb
the skin or surfaces inside the mouth, nose, throat, vagina, or rectum to lessen the pain of
inserting a medical instrument such as a tube or speculum.
Benzocaine topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
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