Are you suffering from mouth ulcers? Let's learn about this Oral Gel (Benzocaine; Zinc Chloride; Benzalkonium Chloride)

When we get a sore or blister in our mouth, it's not only difficult to eat and drink, but it's also very difficult to talk, isn't it? Sometimes the pain is unbearable. So today we're talking about a gel that can be used in times like these. What this does is temporarily numb the area where the sore is and reduce the pain.

What kind of medicine is this?

Simply put, this is a gel that is used to relieve the pain caused by wounds, blisters, or other minor abrasions in your mouth. For example, it is used for things like canker sores, cold sores, or fever blisters.

This gel mainly contains ingredients called Benzocaine, Zinc Chloride, and Benzalkonium Chloride . Benzocaine is the one that mainly numbs the area of ​​pain and gives you relief.

Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before using this gel, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any of the following health conditions.

• If you have an enzyme deficiency called G6PD deficiency .
• If you have heart disease.
• If you have lung diseases, for example, asthma or COPD.
• If you have a severe infection with mouth sores.
• If you are a tobacco user.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to Benzocaine, Zinc, Benzalkonium chloride, or any other medicine, food, or dye contained in this gel.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

When you tell your doctor this information, he or she can determine exactly whether this medication is right for you or not.

How do you use this properly?

It's very simple to use, but you have to do it right.

1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.

2. Do not swallow: Although this is a medicine that is taken orally, it is not recommended to swallow it for any reason.

3. Do not let it get into your eyes: This is very harmful to your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately open your eyes and rinse them thoroughly with cool tap water for several minutes.

4. How to apply: Take a small amount of the medicine on your finger and apply a thin film to the painful area.Apply as needed. You don't need to apply too much. Follow the instructions on the label. Don't apply more than the doctor tells you to.

Can small children use this?

Although this can be given to children over 2 years of age in some cases, you should definitely consult your pediatrician about it, as there are special considerations when using it in young children.

What to do if you overdose on medication? (Overdose)

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, or if someone has swallowed it, you should immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Things to be careful about when using the medicine

• See if your symptoms improve or worsen. If your mouth sores don't heal after using this for about a week , be sure to see your doctor again.
• When you apply this gel, the area will feel numb. So you won't feel any pain. Be careful when eating or drinking during this time. You may accidentally bite your cheek, lips, or tongue.
• If you notice your mouth, lips, or fingernails turning blue or gray , stop using the medicine immediately and call your doctor. This could be a sign of a serious condition.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some are common. It is very important to be aware of this.

How should I store the medicine? How do I dispose of any leftovers?

• Storage: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not use expired medicine.
• Disposal: The best way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications is to ask your hospital or pharmacy if they have a special program for this. If there is no such program, check the label to make sure the medication is safe to throw away. If you are still unsure, ask your doctor. If it is safe to throw away, remove the medication from the tube, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and seal it in a bag or container and put it in the trash. This will help prevent the medication from being released into the environment.