Benzocaine
Benzocaine is a topical local anesthetic that provides temporary numbness by blocking nerve signals in the area where it is applied. It is commonly used to relieve pain and discomfort from minor burns, sunburn, sore throats, mouth ulcers, and hemorrhoids, as well as for minor surgical and dental procedures.
A topical anesthetic that temporarily numbs skin and mucous membranes to relieve pain and discomfort.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C05AD04
- RxNorm
- 1399
- Generic
- Benzocaine
- Class
- atc-c05
- Brands
- Benzo-Jel, Lanacane, Little Ouchies, Cepacol Sore Throat Plus Cough, Chloraseptic Sore Throat + Cough, Anbesol Cold Sore Therapy, Tanac Liquid, Medicaine Sting, Bactimicina Sore Throat, Finafta Multi Oral, Benzodent, OraMagic Plus, Alpha-caine, Bucalsep, Brace Relief
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0.5
- Onset (min)
- 2
- Duration (h)
- 1
- Routes
- oral, topical, vaginal, rectal, otic
- Forms
- gel, cream, ointment, spray, lozenge, liquid, solution, suppository, powder, patch
- Regions
- United States, European Union, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, worldwide
- Monitoring
- methemoglobinemia, allergic reactions, local irritation
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
14 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
Use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks. Avoid on large areas of skin or broken skin.
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
Use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks. Avoid on large areas of skin or broken skin.
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
Use only if clearly needed. Avoid prolonged use or application to large body surface areas.
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
Avoid applying to breast or nipple area before breastfeeding. If applied, wash thoroughly before nursing.
monitor infant for unusual symptoms
pediatric_age
neonatescontraindicated
Do not use in neonates due to risk of methemoglobinemia. Avoid teething gels containing benzocaine.
watch for signs of methemoglobinemia cyanosis
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
infantsuse lowest effective dose
Use with extreme caution in infants under 2 years. Avoid teething gels. Do not use for more than 7 days.
monitor for signs of methemoglobinemia blue-gray lips
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenuse lowest effective dose
Use with caution in children. Do not exceed recommended dose. Avoid prolonged use.
monitor for signs of methemoglobinemia
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
adults over 65use with caution
Use with caution due to potential increased sensitivity. Start with lowest effective dose.
monitor for skin reactions and systemic absorption
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
No specific dose adjustment required for topical use.
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
moderateuse with caution
Use with caution on large areas of broken skin. Monitor for systemic absorption.
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
Avoid use on large areas of broken or inflamed skin. Use only on small areas for short durations.
monitor for systemic effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
No specific dose adjustment required for topical use.
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderateuse with caution
Use with caution on large areas of broken skin. Monitor for systemic effects.
monitor liver function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
Avoid use on large areas of broken or inflamed skin. Use only on small areas for short durations.
monitor for systemic effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for topical anesthetic
Drug class
Drug class information based on ATC classification N01BB02
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses including OTC products for oral and topical use
FDA Status
Regulatory status for benzocaine-containing products
Used for temporary relief of pain from minor burns, sunburn, skin irritation, insect bites, sore throats, mouth ulcers, gum pain, earaches, and hemorrhoids. Also applied topically before minor medical procedures, injections, and dental work.
Functions as a local anesthetic by blocking sodium channels in nerve endings, preventing the generation and transmission of nerve impulses. This action causes temporary loss of sensation in the applied area without causing general anesthesia.
Carries a risk of methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious condition affecting oxygen in the blood, particularly in children under 2 years old. Not recommended for teething pain in infants due to FDA warnings. Should not be applied to large areas, broken skin, or deep wounds. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue use and seek medical help if rash, swelling, or breathing difficulties occur.
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 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy