benzocaine oropharyngeal (Anbesol, Orajel Adult, Anbesol Baby, Anbesol Cold Sore Therapy, Anbesol Jr, Baby Orajel Teething Nighttime Formula, Baby Orajel Teething Pain Gel, Baby Orajel Teething Swabs, Baby Orajel Teething Pain Liquid, Benzodent, Cepacol Dual Relief Sore Throat, Cepacol Sensations Hydra, Cepacol Sensations Warming, Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat Lozenges, Kids Chloraseptic Sore Throat Lollipops, Maximum Strength Anbesol, Orabase, Orajel Mouth-Aid, Orajel Cold Sore Cream, Orajel Regular Strength Toothache Pain Relief, Orajel Maximum Strength Toothache Pain Relief, Viroxyn Professional Use)
Classes: Anesthetics, Oropharyngeal
Dosing and uses of Anbesol, Orajel Adult (benzocaine oropharyngeal)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
ointment
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
geL
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
liquid
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
paste/cream
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
oral spray
- 5%
lozenge
- 3mg (Cepacol Sensations Hydra)
- 4mg (Cepacol Sensations Warming)
- 6mg (Kids Chloraseptic Sore Throat Lollipops)
- 15mg (Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat Lozenges)
Dental/Gum Pain/Cold Sores
Apply to gum/oral mucosa, allow to remain in place for 1 minute, then expectorate
May apply up to 4 times/day; not to exceed 7 days
Lozenge: Allow lozenge to dissolve slowly in mouth; may repeat q2hr prn
Pharyngitis
Oral spray: Spray into oral mucosa (about 0.5 seconds); may repeat up to QId
Lozenge: Allow lozenge to dissolve slowly in mouth; may repeat q2hr prn
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
ointment
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
geL
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
liquid
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
paste
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
oral spray
- 5%
lozenge
- 3mg (Cepacol Sensations Hydra)
- 4mg (Cepacol Sensations Warming)
- 6mg (Kids Chloraseptic Sore Throat Lollipops)
- 15mg (Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat Lozenges)
Teething
2 years or older: Apply to gum/oral mucosa, allow to remain in place for 1 minute, then expectorate
May apply up to QID; not to exceed 7 days
Pharyngitis
Oral spray (2 years or older): Spray into oral mucosa (about 0.5 seconds); may repeat up to QId
Lozenge (5 years or older): Allow lozenge to dissolve slowly in mouth; may repeat q2hr prn
Anbesol, Orajel Adult (benzocaine oropharyngeal) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Burning
Contact dermatitis
Erythema
Pruritus
Rash
Stinging
Tenderness
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cross-sensitivity to other ester local anesthetics (eg, procaine) or PABA-containing products
Cautions
Contact physician if pharyngitis persists >48 hr
Avoid eyes
Rare reports of methemoglobinemia
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Anbesol, Orajel Adult (benzocaine oropharyngeal)
Mechanism of action
Local anesthetic; decreases the neuronal membrane's permeability to sodium ions, which inhibits depolarization and subsequently blocks conduction of nerve impulses
Absorption
Higher absorption at mucous membranes and traumatized skin; poor absorption at intact skin
Metabolism
Via hydrolysis by cholinesterase into metabolites
Elimination
Excretion: Urine (metabolites)
