DESCRIPTION
A surface anesthetic that acts by preventing transmission of impulses along nerve fibers and at nerve endings. [PubChem]
CHEMICAL FORMULA
C9H11NO2
COMPOSITION
Benzocaine (NA), Chlorbutol (NA), Paradichlorobenzene (NA), Terpentine Oil (NA
INDICATION
For general use as a lubricant and topical anesthetic on esophagus, larynx, mouth, nasal cavity, rectum, respiratory tract or trachea, urinary tract, vagina. It is also used to suppress gag reflex.
PHARMACODYNAMICS
Benzocaine is a local anesthetic commonly used as a topical pain reliever. It is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter analgesic ointments. It is also indicated for general use as a lubricant and topical anesthetic on intratracheal catheters and pharyngeal and nasal airways to obtund the pharyngeal and tracheal reflexes; on nasogastric and endoscopic tubes; urinary catheters; laryngoscopes; proctoscopes; sigmoidoscopes and vaginal specula.
MECHANISM
Benzocaine binds to sodium channels and reversibly stabilizes the neuronal membrane which decreases its permeability to sodium ions. Depolarization of the neuronal membrane is inhibited thereby blocking the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses.