Benzocaine
Bencocaine is a topical local anesthetic medication designed to provide temporary numbness and pain relief when applied to skin or mucous membranes. It is commonly used to relieve minor pain and discomfort from conditions such as sore throats, mouth irritations, sunburn, and insect bites. The medication works by blocking nerve signals in the area where it is applied, providing localized relief without affecting the rest of the body.
Bencocaine is a topical anesthetic that temporarily numbs skin and mucous membranes to relieve minor pain and irritation.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1541811
- Generic
- Bencocaine
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used for temporary relief of minor pain and irritation including sore throat, mouth sores, toothache pain, sunburn, minor burns, insect bites, and skin irritations. May also be used to numb tissues before minor medical procedures.
As a local anesthetic in the 'caine' family, Bencocaine works by blocking sodium channels in nerve endings, thereby preventing nerve impulses from transmitting pain signals. This results in temporary numbness in the area where it is applied.
For topical use only—do not swallow unless specifically formulated for oral use. Avoid applying to large areas of skin or broken/damaged skin. Not recommended for use in children without medical supervision due to risk of serious side effects. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Those with methemoglobinemia or sensitivity to other 'caine' anesthetics should avoid use.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed September 3, 2026. · Read our editorial policy