We often get mouth pain and gum problems. When a tooth comes in, when a mouth ulcer develops, or when a tooth is stuck... Sometimes we buy a gel from the pharmacy for this. Although these provide quick relief, there are things we need to be very careful about when using them. Today we are talking about products that contain a commonly used drug called Benzocaine.
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Simply put, what is Benzocaine?
Benzocaine is a medicine used to relieve minor aches and pains in your mouth and throat. It works by temporarily numbing the area where the pain is. This reduces the sensation of pain. It can come in the form of a gel, paste, or solution. It is commonly known by names like Anbesol and Orajel.
But even though this seems like a simple remedy, there are many things you need to know before using it.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before you use this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions.
| Illness or condition | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| G6PD deficiency | People with this condition are at risk of dangerous side effects. |
| Heart disease | Some side effects can affect the heart rate. |
| Lung or respiratory disease (e.g. asthma) | The risk of respiratory distress may increase. |
| Mouth sores or infections | Open wounds can cause more medication to be absorbed into the body and cause side effects. |
| Tobacco use | People who smoke are at higher risk of some side effects. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to seek medical advice before using any medication during pregnancy. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | You should talk to your doctor about the possibility of the medicine passing to your baby through breast milk. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | You should inform us if you are allergic to benzocaine or similar medications, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), or dyes. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is very easy to use, but it's important to do it correctly.
1. Wash your hands: Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the medicine.
2. Apply to the affected area: Apply only to the area of pain, as needed.
3. Follow the instructions: Follow the instructions on the package or your doctor's instructions exactly. Do not use more often than recommended.
Be especially careful when using on small children!
Here's the most important thing we all need to be aware of. Many of our mothers use gels like this to relieve the pain of teething in their little babies.
Warning: Never use products containing Benzocaine for teething pain or any other oral pain in children under 2 years of age.
This can lead to a very rare but very dangerous blood condition called methemoglobinemia. Simply put, this means that the blood is unable to carry oxygen properly. This can even be life-threatening for a child.
Even for children over 2 years of age, these should be used with extreme caution, only if recommended by a doctor.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken more of this medicine than you should, or if someone has accidentally swallowed it, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What are the expected side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of Methemoglobinemia | Headache, unusual weakness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips . |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Stiffness at the injection site | Redness, itching, or slight pain where the medicine was applied. |
Other things to be careful about
- Be aware of numbness: This medicine can cause numbness in that part of your mouth. So avoid eating or chewing gum until the numbness goes away. Otherwise, you may bite your tongue or cheek without realizing it.
- Do not use this medicine for a long time: This is not a medicine that is suitable for long-term use. If the pain does not subside after a few days of use, or if redness, itching, or swelling increases, be sure to see a doctor.
- Interactions with other medications: If you are taking sulfonamide antibiotics, this medicine may affect their effectiveness. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Benzocaine is a medicine that provides temporary relief from mouth pain and numbs the painful area.
- Most importantly: Do not use these for teething pain or for any other reason in children under 2 years of age. They can cause a dangerous condition called methemoglobinemia.
- If you notice symptoms such as blue skin or lips, difficulty breathing, or severe headache, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid eating after taking the medicine until the tingling sensation subsides. There is a risk of biting your tongue or cheeks.
- If symptoms do not improve within a few days, stop using this medicine and see your doctor.
- It is very important to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
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