Benzocaine is a common numbing medication. It blocks nerve signals in your body, which helps lesson pain sensations. It is primarily used topically in creams and sprays, though it is available in lozenges and cough syrups. It reduces discomfort from hemorrhoids, sore throats, sunburn and toothaches. There are reports of benzocaine toxicity. Consult your doctor before taking benzocaine.
FDA Warning
On April 7, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a safety alert warning consumers and health care professionals that benzocaine can cause methemoglobinemia. This is a rare and serious blood condition in which your oxygen blood levels are severely reduced. Methemoglobinemia can cause death in severe cases. All benzocaine strengths can cause methemoglobinemia.
Signs and Symptoms
According to the FDA, signs and symptoms typically occur within minutes of applying benzocaine, but can take up to two hours to appear. It can occur after single or repeated use. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, rapid heart rate and feeling lightheaded. You may develop pale or blue-colored skin.
Treatment
According to the PubMed Health, in mild cases no treatment is necessary. However your health care provider will monitor your progress. In some cases, oxygen therapy and vitamin C therapy is needed. A medication called methylene blue is used in severe cases, however methylene blue is dangerous if you have or are at risk of having a blood condition known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, which prevents your blood cells from working properly.
Risks and Precautions
The benzocaine toxicity risk is greater in children ages 2 and younger. Do not use benzocaine on children in this age range without close doctor supervision, warns the FDA. The risk is also greater when benzocaine is taken orally. Using large amounts of benzocaine or covering large skin areas also increases toxicity risk, according to Drugs.com. Use on small areas and use the smallest amount needed to elicit numbness. Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child experiences toxicity symptoms.
Allergy
Some individuals are allergic to benzocaine. Seek immediate medical attention if you use benzocaine and experience hives, wheezing and coughing or swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
