Generic Name: benzocaine topical (BENZ oh kane TOP ik al)
Brand Names: Americaine, Americaine Hemorrhoidal, Anacaine, Anbesol Gel, Anbesol Liquid, Babee Teething Lotion, Benzo-O-Stetic, Boil Ease Pain Relieving, Cepacol Extra Strength, Cepacol Fizzlers, Dent-O-Kain, Dermoplast, Detane, Hurricaine, Lanacane, Maintain, Medicone Maximum Strength, Num-Zit, Numzident, Orabase, Orabase Gel-B, Orajel, Orajel Denture, Oral Pain Relief, OraMagic Plus, Outgro Pain Relief, Retre-Gel, Rid-A-Pain, Skeeter Stik, Solarcaine Aerosol, Sting-Kill, Topex, Trocaine, Vagisil Feminine Cream, zilactin-B
What is Maintain (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.
There are many brands and forms of benzocaine topical available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Benzocaine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Maintain (benzocaine topical)?
There are many brands and forms of benzocaine topical available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Benzocaine topical used in the mouth or throat may cause a life-threatening condition in which the amount of oxygen in your blood stream becomes dangerously low. This condition is called methemoglobinemia (met-HEEM-oh glo-bin-EE-mee-a) and it may occur after only one use of benzocaine or after several uses.
Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia may occur within minutes or up to 2 hours after using benzocaine topical in the mouth or throat. GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS: headache, tired feeling, confusion, fast heart rate, and feeling light-headed or short of breath, with a pale, blue, or gray appearance of your skin, lips, or fingernails.
Do not use benzocaine topical if you have ever had methemoglobinemia in the past. Do not use this medicine on a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice. 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).
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.
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.
Before using benzocaine topical, tell your doctor if you have any type of inherited enzyme deficiency, heart disease, a breathing disorder such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema, or if you smoke.
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 should I discuss with my health care provider before using Maintain (benzocaine topical)?
Do not use benzocaine topical if you have ever had methemoglobinemia in the past. 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).
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:
asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorder;
heart disease;
a personal or family history of methemoglobinemia, or any genetic (inherited) enzyme deficiency; or
if you smoke.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether benzocaine topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.. It is not known whether benzocaine topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medicine on a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.
How should I use Maintain (benzocaine topical)?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
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 medicine 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.
This medication comes with instructions for safe and effective application. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
To treat minor skin conditions, apply a thin layer of benzocaine topical to the affected area up to 4 times per day. If using the spray, hold the container 6 to 12 inches away from the skin. Do not spray this medication onto your face. Spray it instead on your hands and then rub it onto the face, avoiding contact with your eyes.
To treat hemorrhoids, clean the area with soap and water before applying benzocaine topical. Apply the medication up to 6 times per day. If you are using the rectal suppository, try to empty your bowel and bladder before inserting the suppository. Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.
Do not use benzocaine topical to treat large skin areas or deep puncture wounds. Avoid using the medicine on skin that is raw or blistered, such as a severe burn or abrasion.
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.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since benzocaine topical is used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of benzocaine topical applied to the skin can cause life-threatening side effects such as uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).
What should I avoid while taking Maintain (benzocaine topical)?
Avoid eating within 1 hour after using benzocaine topical on your gums or inside your mouth.
Benzocaine topical is for use only on the surface of your body, or just inside the mouth, vagina, or rectum. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. Avoid swallowing the gel, liquid, or ointment while applying it to your gums or the inside of your mouth. The throat spray or oral lozenge may be swallowed gradually during use.
Do not apply other medications to the same affected areas you treat with benzocaine topical, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
Maintain (benzocaine topical) side effects
Benzocaine topical used in the mouth or throat may cause a life-threatening condition in which the amount of oxygen in your blood stream becomes dangerously low. This condition is called methemoglobinemia (met-HEEM-oh glo-bin-EE-mee-a) and it may occur after only one use of benzocaine or after several uses.
Signs and symptoms may occur within minutes or up to 2 hours after using benzocaine topical in the mouth or throat. GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP IF YOU HAVE:
headache, tired feeling, confusion;
fast heart rate;
feeling light-headed or short of breath; and
pale, blue, or gray appearance of your skin, lips, or fingernails.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using benzocaine topical and call your doctor at once if you have any of these other serious side effects:
headache, weakness, dizziness, breathing problems, fast heart rate, and gray or bluish colored skin (rare but serious side effects of benzocaine);
severe burning, stinging, or sensitivity where the medicine is applied;
swelling, warmth, or redness; or
oozing, blistering, or any signs of infection.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild stinging, burning, or itching where the medicine is applied;
skin tenderness or redness; or
dry white flakes where the medicine was applied.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Maintain (benzocaine topical)?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied benzocaine topical. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Maintain resources
- Maintain Side Effects (in more detail)
- Maintain Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Maintain Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Maintain - Add your own review/rating
- Americaine Ointment MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Anacaine Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Anbesol Extra Strength Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Benz-O-Sthetic Gel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Lanacane Aerosol Spray MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- OraMagic Plus Suspension MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Rid-A-Pain Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
Compare Maintain with other medications
- Cold Sores
- Oral and Dental Conditions
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about benzocaine topical.
See also: Maintain side effects (in more detail)
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