Benzocaine Dental or Oral Gel, Paste, or Solution

What is this medication?

BENZOCAINE (BEN zoe kane) relieves minor pain and irritation in your mouth and throat. It works by numbing the affected area.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Anbesol, Anbesol Baby, Anbesol Jr, Benz-O-Sthetic, Benzodent, Boil-Ease, Comfort Caine, Dry Socket Remedy, Freez Eez, Little Remedies for Teethers, Orabase, Orajel, Orajel Baby, Orajel Denture Plus, Orajel Maximum Strength, Orajel Protective, Orajel Severe Pain, Orajel Swabs, Oral Pain Relief, Pro-Caine, Topicale Xtra, Zilactin-B

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• G6PD deficiency
• Heart disease
• Lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• Mouth sores or infection
• Tobacco use
• An unusual or allergic reaction to benzocaine, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is applied to the affected area of the mouth or gums. Wash your hands before and after using this medication. Follow the directions on the label or those given to you by your care team. Do not use this medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be used in children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Do not use this medication to treat teething or mouth pain in children younger than 2 years. It can cause a rare but serious blood condition.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following:

• Sulfonamides like sulfacetamide, sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole, and others

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

This medication is not for long-term use. Do not use for longer than directed on the label or by your care team. Do not use on large areas of broken or damaged skin. Contact your care team if your condition does not start to get better within a few days or if you notice redness, itching or swelling.

The affected area of your mouth will be numb. Try to avoid injury to that area. To avoid biting the tongue or cheek, or difficulty swallowing, do not chew gum or food until the numbness wears off.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Headache, unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips, which may be signs of methemoglobinemia
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Irritation at application site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.