Benoxinate
Benoxinate (oxybuprocaine) is a topical ester-type local anesthetic used primarily in ophthalmology for diagnostic and minor surgical procedures involving the eye. It provides rapid, short-acting anesthesia by blocking nerve conduction in the treated area. This medication is typically reserved for clinical settings and is not intended for long-term or self-administered use.
Benoxinate is a short-acting topical anesthetic used mainly for eye procedures and examinations.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D04AB03
- RxNorm
- 18889
- Generic
- Benoxinate
- Class
- atc-d04
- Brands
- Altafluor
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- ophthalmic
- Forms
- solution
- 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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks to fetus
monitor for any adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks to fetus
monitor for any adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks to fetus
monitor for any adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment needed
use with caution, wipe excess from eye before nursing
monitor infant for any unusual symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenuse with caution, reduced concentration if available
use only under strict medical supervision in pediatric patients
close monitoring for adverse reactions and respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyuse with caution due to potential increased sensitivity
use lowest effective dose, monitor for dizziness and sedation
monitor blood pressure and heart rate
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderate renal impairmentno dosage adjustment typically required
use as directed for topical ophthalmic application
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentno dosage adjustment typically required
use as directed for topical ophthalmic application
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderate hepatic impairmentno dosage adjustment typically required
use as directed for topical ophthalmic application
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentno dosage adjustment typically required
use as directed for topical ophthalmic application
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Used for ophthalmic procedures such as tonometry, gonioscopy, corneal foreign body removal, and minor eye surgeries. May also be used for otologic (ear) procedures. Primarily administered by healthcare professionals in clinical or hospital settings.
Benoxinate is an ester-type local anesthetic that blocks sodium channels in nerve fibers, preventing the generation and conduction of nerve impulses. This results in temporary loss of sensation (anesthesia) in the applied area without causing loss of consciousness.
For topical use only; avoid contamination of dropper tip. May cause transient stinging or burning upon application. Should not be used for prolonged treatment due to risk of corneal damage. Patients should not rub eyes while anesthetized. Use with caution in patients with allergies to other ester-type anesthetics or para-aminobenzoic acid derivatives.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
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 August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy