THE HISTORY OF BENZOCAINE

Benzocaine is one type of local anesthetic that is used as a topical pain reliever. It is mainly used in pharmaceutical measures and rarely used in cosmetics. Dentists and doctors to prepare or “numb” an area for injection use this preparation. It is especially used on mucous surfaces like the mouth.

Benzocaine can be found in many types of preparations. Some of these are:

1. Sunburn remedies.

    

2. Oral and gingival products.

    

3. Creams for treatment of Poison Ivy.

    

4. Sore throat lozenges/ sprays.

    

5. Wound and burn preparations.

    

6. Hemorrhoid preparations.

    

7. Callous and wart remedies.

    

This para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) derivative often reacts with many other substances. It not only reacts with other benzoic acid derived local anesthetics (both injection and topical form) but also has the potential to react with sulfonamides, paraphenylenediamine found in permanent dyes, sulfonylureas, thiazide related diuretics and PABA- based sunscreens.

The reactions which benzocaine sensitivity causes are the classic allergic contact dermatitis reactions. Many a times it has been seen that it caused an existing treated rash to spread or flare. It has been observed that when a PABA derived local anesthetic injection is given to benzocaine allergic individuals it results in a swelling of the oral mucosa at the site of the injection given. However, severe reactions like generalized urticaria or anaphylaxis can rarely occur.