Sore Throat Lozenge (benzocaine/menthol)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Benzocaine is a local anesthetic.
Benzocaine is used in the form of oral lozenges for the temporary relief of minor sore throat pain or in the form of topical aerosols, gels, creams, ointments, or solutions for the temporary relief of pain associated with various oral or dental conditions (e.g., toothache, sore gums, orthodontic appliances, denture irritation, cold sores, ulcerations, canker sores, minor injury/irritation); benzocaine is commercially available in a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) preparations as a single entity or in fixed combination with other drugs (e.g., dextromethorphan, menthol) for self-medication of these conditions. However, FDA states that OTC benzocaine products are associated with serious risk (e.g., methemoglobinemia) and provide little to no benefit in treating oral pain. (See Methemoglobinemia under Cautions: Precautions and Contraindications.) Benzocaine or other local anesthetics should not be used for the treatment of teething pain in infants because such therapy is not useful and is associated with a risk of methemoglobinemia that outweighs any potential benefit of the drug. Because of the risk of methemoglobinemia, OTC benzocaine preparations should not be used in infants and children younger than 2 years of age and should be used sparingly and only as needed in adults and children 2 years of age or older.
Generic name: benzocaine/menthol
Pronunciation: (BEN-zoe-kane/MEN-thol)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Sore Throat Lozenge
Indications
The following indications are listed for Sore Throat Lozenge:
- Sore Throat
Also known as: Burning Sensation Of Throat, Pharyngeal Pain, Pharyngeal Soreness, Sore Throat Symptom.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Benzocaine is administered orally as a lozenge or applied topically to mucous membranes as an aerosol spray, swab, gel, solution, cream, or ointment. The drug should not be administered as an injection. Benzocaine is commercially available alone or in fixed combination with other drugs (e.g., antitussives, analgesics, demulcents, other local anesthetics) in many dosage forms, some of which are intended for self-medication; the manufacturer's product labeling should be consulted for complete directions for appropriate dosage and administration of the specific product. The smallest amount required to produce the desired response should be administered.
Benzocaine lozenges are administered orally by dissolving the lozenge slowly in the mouth.
For topical application, benzocaine may be applied to any accessible mucous membrane except for the eyes.
When using aerosol preparations, the amount of benzocaine contained in a single spray varies based on the concentration of the solution, amount of time the actuator is depressed, residual volume in the can, and spatial orientation of the can during administration.
The manufacturer of benzocaine in fixed combination with butamben and tetracaine hydrochloride (Cetacaine(R)) recommends application directly to the site where pain control is required; it is not necessary to dry the tissue prior to application.
The manufacturers of some topical benzocaine products intended for self-medication suggest that adults supervise children younger than 12 years of age during drug administration.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
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There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
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No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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