Monograph: |
DESCRIPTION:
Benzocaine, a local anesthetic, is chemically ethyl P-aminobenzoate, C9H11NO2,
with a molecular weight of 165.19.
ACTIONS/CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:
Benzocaine 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.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE:
LIGNOCAINE Anesthetic Lubricant is 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.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Known allergy or hypersensitivity to benzocaine.
PRECAUTIONS:
GENERAL: Medication should be discontinued if sensitivity or irritation occurs.
CARCINOGENESIS, MUTAGENESIS, IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY: Long-term studies in
animals or humans to evaluate the carcinogenic and mutagenic potential or the
effect on fertility have not been conducted.
PREGNANCY: PREGNANCY CATEGORY C: Animal reproduction studies have not been
conducted with LIGNOCAINE Anesthetic Lubricant. It is also not known whether
LIGNOCAINE Anesthetic Lubricant can cause fetal harm when administered to a
pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. LIGNOCAINE Anesthetic
Lubricant should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk.
Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when
LIGNOCAINE Anesthetic Lubricant is administered to a nursing woman.
PEDIATRIC USE: Do not use in infants under 1 year of age.
ADVERSE REACTIONS:
Contact dermatitis and/or hypersensitivity to benzocaine can cause burning,
stinging, pruritus, tenderness, erythema, rash, urticaria and edema. Rarely,
benzocaine may induce methemoglobinemia causing respiratory distress and
cyanosis. Intravenous methylene blue is the specific therapy for this condition.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:
Apply evenly to exterior of tube or instrument prior to use.
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