Benzocaine - what is it? The use and action of benzocaine

Benzocaine - what is it? The answer to this difficult question can be found below. Also, in the materials of this article, we will provide information on what properties this substance has, how it works, what preparations it contains, and so on.

general information

Benzocaine - what is it, and what features are inherent in this substance? This remedy is a local anesthetic with a wide spectrum of action. Typically, it is used as an active ingredient to create a variety of different drugs for external and internal use.

Benzocaine - what is it? It is an active substance that exerts a local anesthetic effect, and also prevents the occurrence of pain.

According to specialists, with external use and application of this product to the mucous membranes, its effect develops almost immediately and lasts for 20-25 minutes.

Anesthetic Benzocaine is a white crystalline powder. It has no smell, but it has a weak bitter taste. After consuming the powder, a feeling of slight numbness appears on the tongue, which quickly passes.

This substance is soluble in water, ethers, certain fatty oils, ethanol, and also in chloroform.

List of medicines

Benzocaine - what is it, and what drugs does this substance contain? This remedy is contained in various medications. Consider the most popular of them:

• Pastilles "Sepptelle Plus";
• Alcohol solution, intended for external use of "Menovazine";
• Ointments for external use "Relief Advance", Heparin ointment and "Proctoside";
• Absorbent tablets "Geksoral Tabs", "Stopangin 2A Forte";
• Suspension for oral administration of "Almagel A";
• Rectal capsules "Anestezol", "Proctosedil M", "Olesesin" and "Genferon";
• Tablets "Anestezin", "Bellastesin", "Bellalgin";
• Aerosol (spray), intended for outdoor use of "Olazole".

Operating principle

The action of benzocaine begins to develop very quickly. This substance can reduce the permeability of membranes for the passage of sodium ions, displace calcium, and also block the occurrence of nerve impulses and their conduct.

With local and oral administration of the drug, its absorption is negligible. As for the carcinogenicity of benzocaine, no such clinical studies have been conducted. Also, its effect on fertility was not revealed.

If the substance in question is combined with cholinesterase inhibitors, its metabolism will be somewhat inhibited. This fact should be taken into account when taking these drugs at the same time.

Indications for use

For what purposes can a drug with such an active substance as benzocaine be used? The instruction informs that the indications of this remedy depend on what medicines it contains.

Medicinal forms in the form of capsules and tablets, including Benzocaine, are taken orally for diseases such as esophagitis and gastralgia. Also, these drugs are highly effective in peptic ulcer disease.

Tablets "Anestezin" are often prescribed as part of complex therapy for oral administration with the aim of anesthetizing mucous membranes for pain and spasms in the stomach or hypersensitivity of the esophagus.

Local application of Benzocaine is indicated in the following cases: discomfort and pain in the external auditory canal, as well as acute inflammation of the middle ear. In addition, such drugs are very effective in hives and skin diseases, including those accompanied by painful and severe itching.

At what diseases do creams and gels with an active substance, like Benzocaine, are used? Ointment based on this agent is often prescribed for inflammation of the hemorrhoids, as well as for the presence of perianal cracks.

It should also be noted that in addition to the listed conditions of the patient, benzocaine preparations are often used for diagnostic manipulations on the mucous membranes (for example, in gastroscopy, various gynecological procedures, rectoscopy, urethroscopy and otoscopy).

Also it should be said that the local anesthetic is the No. 1 remedy in dental practice. Doctors very often use drugs with Benzocaine for superficial anesthesia before dental treatment.

Before using such medications, you should always consult a doctor, as they can have a large list of side effects and contraindications.

Contraindications Benzocaine

Preparations based on this substance are not recommended for hypersensitivity to this component.

There are also other limitations to the use of such drugs. For example, they are not prescribed in childhood to two years, as well as during pregnancy. With extreme caution, Benzocaine preparations are recommended during breastfeeding.

Mode of application

External agents (solutions, ointments, powders, etc.) are applied directly to the lesion site and slightly triturated.

Local preparations (for example, drops) are used in different ways (depending on the drug). When the hearing aid is inflamed, the medication is injected into the external auditory canal in the amount of five drops. After the procedure, a tampon of gauze, cotton or cotton cloth is used. Such application is carried out if necessary (every two hours).

Before using the drug should always consult with an otorhinolaryngologist.

As for capsules and tablets, they are taken orally. Dosage, frequency and duration of treatment is determined on an individual basis (depending on the type of medication and indications).

In dental practice, benzocaine is used topically. To do this, use a 5-20% solution or a special paste. These drugs are applied to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. After a short period of time, an analgesic effect should occur.

Side effects

Like any medication, benzocaine-based medicines also have side effects.

With external application, the patient may develop a hypersensitivity reaction, contact dermatitis, burning sensation and tingling sensations, swelling, pruritus, erythema, urticaria and rash.

With local use of the medication, sensitivity in the application area can be reduced for a long time.

With prolonged use of the drug in young children, methaemoglobinaemia develops.

As for tablets and capsules, allergic reactions may occur against their background.