Monograph: |
Benzyl Benzoate
Colourless or almost colourless crystals or a clear colourless
or almost colourless oily liquid with a faintly aromatic odour.
F.p. is not below 17Β° or 18Β°. Practically Insoluble in water and
in glycerol: miscible with alcohol, with chloroform, with
dichloromethanc, with ether, and with fatty and essential oils.
Store at a temperature not exceeding 40Β° in well-filled air'-
tight containers. Protect from light.
Adverse Effects and Treatment
Benzyl benzoate is irritant to the eyes and mucous mem-
branes and it may be irritant to the skin. Hypersensitivity re-
actions have been reported. If ingested, benzyl benzoate may
cause stimulation of the CNS and convulsions. Systemic
symptoms have Been reported following excessive topical
use. Treatment of poisoning involves gastric lavage if acci-
dentally ingested or washing of the skin following topical use:
appropriate symptomatic measures should also be instituted.
Uses and Administration
Benzyl benzoate is an acaricide used in the treatment of sca-
bies although other treatments are generally pre-
ferred. It is customary to apply benzyl benzoate as a 25%
application to the whole body, usually from the neck down:
the application is repeated, without bathing, on the next day
and washed off 24 hours later: a third application may some-
times be necessary. Benzyl benzoate is not generally recom-
mended for infants and children, but if used the application
should be diluted to minimise the risk of irritation, although
this also reduces efficacy.
Benzyl benzoate has also been used as a pediculicide.
Benzyl benzoate is also used as a solubilising agent.
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