Benzocaine

General information

Benzocaine is a poorly soluble local anesthetic, an ester of para-aminobenzoic acid. It is used in many countries as a component of some free-sale formulations for topical use, for example in skin creams, as a dry powder for skin ulcers, as throat lozenges, and as teething formulations for young children. It is also used in aerosol sprays when anesthetizing the oropharynx. Relatively high concentrations of local anesthetic are required to be effective topically, increasing tissue penetration and the risk of subsequent toxicity. Benzocaine formulations are available in concentrations of 1–20%.

Organs and systems