Last update Aug. 22, 2019

Benzocaine

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Local anesthetic indicated for the relief of cutaneous, vaginal, rectal, otic, dental and oral mucosa pain and itching.
Topical application.

Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breastmilk.

Topical anesthetics (dermatological, otological and stomatological preparations) when applied well have virtually no systemic absorption through intact or mucosal skin, so that levels in plasma and breastmilk are zero or insignificant and do not pose any danger to the infant (Hale 2019 p, PDR 2018, AEMPS 2018, Briggs 2017, AEMPS 2008, Nice 2000).

Benzocaine can produce methemoglobinemia and systemic toxicity if absorbed (PCR 2018, AEMPS 2018, Hoffman 2015, Lepe 2015, Bittmann 2011, Chung 2010, Bouziri 2010, Bong 2009).

Do not apply to the breast or, if necessary, apply after a feed and clean thoroughly with water before the next one.
Never apply to the nipple.

Alternatives

  • Lidocaine (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Benzocaine is also known as


Benzocaine in other languages or writings:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Benzocaine in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. < 10 %
Molecular weight 165 daltons

References

  1. Hale TW. Medications & Mothers' Milk. 1991- . Springer Publishing Company. Available from https://www.halesmeds.com Consulted on April 10, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  2. CINFA. Antihemorroidal. Ficha técnica. 2022 Full text (in our servers)
  3. AEMPS. Angileptol. Ficha técnica. 2019 Full text (in our servers)
  4. PDR.net. Benzocaine (Anbesol). Drug Summary. 2018 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. AEMPS. Benzocaína. Ficha técnica. 2018 Full text (in our servers)
  6. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Towers CV, Forinash AB. Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation: A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk. Wolters Kluwer Health. Tenth edition (acces on line) 2015
  7. Lepe-Zúñiga JL, Aguilar-Gómez LE, Godínez-Téllez NC. [Association of benzocaine and paracetamol with neonatal-acquired methemoglobinemia]. Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex. 2015 Abstract
  8. Hoffman C, Abubakar H, Kalikiri P, Green M. Nosocomial Methemoglobinemia Resulting from Self-Administration of Benzocaine Spray. Case Rep Anesthesiol. 2015 Abstract
  9. Bittmann S, Krüger C. Benzocaine-induced methaemoglobinaemia: a case study. Br J Nurs. 2011 Abstract
  10. Bouziri A, Khaldi A, Menif K, Ben Jaballah N. Unusual cause of severe toxic methemoglobinemia in an infant: a case report. Int J Emerg Med. 2010 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  11. Chung NY, Batra R, Itzkevitch M, Boruchov D, Baldauf M. Severe methemoglobinemia linked to gel-type topical benzocaine use: a case report. J Emerg Med. 2010 Abstract
  12. Bong CL, Hilliard J, Seefelder C. Severe methemoglobinemia from topical benzocaine 7.5% (baby orajel) use for teething pain in a toddler. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2009 Abstract
  13. AEMPS Hemoal (Benzocaína + Efedrina). Ficha técnica. 2008 Full text (in our servers)
  14. Nice FJ, Snyder JL, Kotansky BC. Breastfeeding and over-the-counter medications. J Hum Lact. 2000 Nov;16(4):319-31. Review. Erratum in: J Hum Lact 2001 Feb;17(1):90. Abstract

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