Benzocaine mouth gel, ointment, solution, or dental paste

What is this medicine?

BENZOCAINE (BEN zoe kane) causes loss of feeling on the skin and in the mouth. This helps relieve mouth pain.

How should I use this medicine?

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

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be used in children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply. This medicine should not be used for teething pain.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• confusion

• dizziness

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• headache

• pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds

• seizures

• tiredness

• tremor

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

• redness, swelling, or pain

What may interact with this medicine?

• sulfonamides like sulfacetamide, sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole, and others

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

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

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• cigarette smoker

• G6PD deficiency

• heart disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• mouth sores or infection

• an unusual or allergic reaction to benzocaine, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This medicine is not for long-term use. Do not use for longer than directed on the label or your doctor or health care professional. Do not use on large areas of broken or damaged skin. Contact your doctor or health care professional 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.