Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Benzocaine is employed for short-term relief from pain associated with minor mouth issues, including toothaches, canker sores, sore gums or throat, and injuries to the mouth or gums. As a local anesthetic, it operates by numbing the painful area, providing temporary relief.
Uses and Dosage
Use this medication no more than four times a day unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Allow the medication to remain on the affected area for at least one minute before spitting out or rinsing the mouth.
Avoid exceeding the recommended dosage or frequency, as doing so increases the risk of serious side effects, including the rarely fatal condition known as methemoglobinemia.
Exercise caution to prevent the medication from coming into contact with your eyes.
Discontinue use of this medication and consult your doctor if your sore throat persists or intensifies beyond two days, if symptoms of a sore mouth persist for more than seven days, or if you experience fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting. Such symptoms may indicate a potentially serious medical issue requiring alternative treatment. If your condition persists, worsens, or if you suspect a severe medical problem, seek prompt medical assistance.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- mild stinging, burning, or itching where the medicine is applied
- skin tenderness or redness
- dry white flakes where the medicine was applied
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- severe burning, stinging, or sensitivity where the medicine is applied
- swelling, warmth, or redness
- oozing, blistering, or any signs of infection
- headache, tiredness, confusion
- fast heartbeats
- feeling light-headed or short of breath
Caution
- Before using benzocaine, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, especially if you are allergic to other “caine” anesthetics, such as procaine, or if you have other known allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- If you have specific health conditions, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product, especially if you have heart disease, certain blood disorders (like G6PD deficiency, pyruvate kinase deficiency, hemoglobin-M disease, NADH-methemoglobin reductase deficiency), or respiratory issues.
- During pregnancy, use this product only if it is clearly necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is not known whether this product passes into breast milk. Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor for guidance.
Form and Strength
Anbesol Maximum Strength Liquid is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Anbesol Maximum Strength Liquid liquid:
- 20 %
FAQ
How long does it take for Anbesol to work?
Anbesol begins to work as soon as it touches your gums.
Do you swallow Anbesol?
You must be very careful when using this medication to ensure you do not swallow it and keep it out of the hands of children.
Resources:
- https://www.columbiadental.com/anbesol-instant-pain-relief/#:~:text=You%20must%20be%20very%20careful,the%20surface%20and%20not%20internally
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8995/anbesol-benzocaine-maximum-strength-mucous-membrane/details
- https://reference.medscape.com/drug/anbesol-orajel-adult-benzocaine-oropharyngeal-999415
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzocaine-oral-route-oromucosal-route/side-effects/drg-20072824
- https://www.drugs.com/anbesol-gel.html#side-effects
