Benzocaine

Clinical data
Trade names	Anbesol, Lanacane, Orajel, others
AHFS/Drugs.com	Monograph
Routes of administration	Topical, Oral
ATC code	C05AD03 (WHO) D04AB04 (WHO), QN01AX92 (WHO), N01BA05 (WHO), R02AD01 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	UK: GSL, P US: OTC
Identifiers
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CAS Number	94-09-7
PubChem CID	2337
DrugBank	DB01086
ChemSpider	13854242
UNII	U3RSY48JW5
KEGG	D00552
ChEBI	CHEBI:116735
ChEMBL	ChEMBL278172
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID8021804
ECHA InfoCard	100.002.094
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C9H11NO2
Molar mass	165.192 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
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Benzocaine, sold under the brand name Orajel amongst others, is an ester local anesthetic commonly used as a topical pain reliever or in cough drops. It is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter anesthetic ointments such as products for oral ulcers. It is also combined with antipyrine to form A/B otic drops to relieve ear pain and remove earwax. In the US, products containing benzocaine for oral application are contraindicated in children younger than two years old. In the European Union, the contraindication applies to children under 12 years of age.^{[medical citation needed]}

It was first synthesised in 1890 in Germany and approved for medical use in 1902.

Medical uses

Benzocaine is indicated to treat a variety of pain-related conditions. It may be used for:

• Local anesthesia of oral and pharyngeal mucous membranes (sore throat, cold sores, mouth ulcers, toothache, sore gums, denture irritation)
• Otic pain (earache)
• Surgical or procedural local anesthesia

Other uses

Benzocaine is used as a key ingredient in numerous pharmaceuticals:

• Some glycerol-based ear medications for use in removing excess wax as well as relieving ear conditions such as otitis media and swimmers ear.
• Some previous diet products such as Ayds.
• Some condoms designed to prevent premature ejaculation. Benzocaine largely inhibits sensitivity on the penis, and can allow for an erection to be maintained longer (in a continuous act) by delaying ejaculation. Conversely, an erection will also fade faster if stimulus is interrupted.
• Benzocaine mucoadhesive patches have been used in reducing orthodontic pain.
• In Poland it is included, together with menthol and zinc oxide, in the liquid powder (not to be confused with the liquid face powder) used mainly after mosquito bites. Today's ready-made Pudrodermwas once used there as pharmaceutical compound.