Benzocaine

This form:

Pronounced

"BEN-zoe-kane"

Common brand names:

Endocaine

Uses

Benzocaine spray is used to numb the lining of the mouth and throat 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, mouth/gum injury). It is also used to decrease pain while dentures are being fitted and while your gums are adjusting to the dentures. It should not be used long-term to decrease pain from poorly fitting dentures. It is a local anesthetic that starts to numb the lining of the mouth and throat 15 to 30 seconds after application and lasts about 15 minutes.

Do not use this product for children younger than 2 years due to risk of serious side effects. Ask your doctor for more details.

How to Use This Medication

Use this product as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is usually sprayed within the mouth by a health care professional immediately before your procedure.

Some products require shaking before use. If you are using this medication for self-treating a painful sore throat or mouth/gum problems, hold the product so the spray tube is 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 centimeters) away from the area to be sprayed. Spray for half a second. Allow the medication to stay in the painful area for at least 1 minute, then spit out. You may repeat the spray once if needed. Do not use more than 2 sprays at once or use more than 4 times a day unless directed by your doctor.

Avoid spraying in or near the eyes. Do not breathe in the spray.

Do not use large amounts or apply this more often than directed because the chance for serious side effects (including rarely fatal methemoglobinemia) will increase.

This medication numbs the mouth and throat. This effect may make swallowing difficult and increase your risk of choking or swallowing the wrong way. Do not eat or chew gum for 1 hour after this product is used or until your mouth/throat is no longer numb. It is especially important to make sure children do not eat or chew gum for at least 1 hour after use of this medication. Be careful not to accidentally bite your tongue or mouth.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor if your sore throat is severe, if it lasts more than 2 days, or if you have a fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting. You may have a serious medical problem that may require different treatment. If sore mouth symptoms last more than 7 days, stop using this medication and call your doctor or dentist. If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2024.