benzocaine 20 % mucosal gel

Generic name:
Benzocaine - mucous membrane

Pronunciation
(BEN-zoe-kane)

Brand name(s)
Anbesol , HurriCaine

Benzocaine is used short term to relieve pain from minor mouth problems (such as toothache, canker sores, sore gums/throat, mouth/gum injury). It is a local anesthetic that works by numbing the painful area.

Do not use this product for children younger than 2 years due to risk of serious side effects. Ask your doctor for more details.

Follow all directions on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use this medication more than 4 times a day unless directed by your doctor. Allow medication to stay on painful area for at least 1 minute before spitting out or rinsing the mouth.

Do not use large amounts of this drug or use more often than directed because the risk for serious side effects (including rarely fatal methemoglobinemia) will increase.

Avoid getting this medication in the eyes.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor if your sore throat is severe or if it lasts for more than 2 days, or if your sore mouth symptoms last more than 7 days, or if you have a fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting. You may have a serious medical problem that may require different treatment. If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Slight burning, tingling, or stinging may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication has rarely caused a very serious (possibly fatal) blood disorder (methemoglobinemia). This effect is more likely if you have breathing problems, certain diseases of the blood, or if you smoke (see also Precautions section). The symptoms of this disorder may occur within minutes to a couple of hours after using this medication. Stop using this medication and get medical help right away if you develop any symptoms of methemoglobinemia, including:

• pale/bluish/gray skin
• unusual tiredness
• shortness of breath
• fast heartbeat
• dizziness
• headache
• confusion

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using benzocaine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "caine" anesthetics (such as procaine) or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product:

• heart disease
• certain blood disorders (G6PD deficiency, pyruvate kinase deficiency, hemoglobin-M disease, NADH-methemoglobin reductase deficiency)
• breathing problems (such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, smoking history)

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow/shallow breathing, seizures, irregular heartbeat.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Not applicable.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.