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Benzocaine

Colourless or white crystals or a white odourless crystalline powder. M.p. 88° to 92°.

Benzocaine is a surface anaesthetic of the ester type with low systemic toxicity. It is used, often in combination with other drugs, such as analgesics, antiseptics, antibacterial and antifungal agents, and antipruritics, for the temporal local relief of pain associated with dental conditions, sore throats, haemorrhoids, anal pruritus, and ear pain. It has also been used for pain relief in minor cuts, scrapes, burns and sunburns, and muscular pains, strains and sprains.

Lozenges containing benzocaine in usual doses of up to 10 mg are dissolved slowly in the mouth for the relief of sore throat. They should not be used as self-medication for longer than 5 days. Gels, pastes, solutions and sprays containing benzocaine in concentrations of up to 20% have been used for surface anaesthesia in the mouth and throat. Benzocaine has also been used as the hydrochloride in preparations for dental pain, sore throat, and inflammatory ear disorders.

Ear drops containing benzocaine in concentrations up to 20% have been used for temporary relief of ear pain. They should not be used in conditions with ear discharge or perforated tympanic membrane.

Benzocaine is used in creams, ointments, lotions, solutions, sprays, gels, and suppositories in concentrations up to 20% for topical analgesia and anaesthesia.

(Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society. 31st edition, 1996)