User:Mr. Ibrahem/Benzocaine

Benzocaine, sold under the brand name Orajel amongst others, is a local anesthetic. Applied to the skin it may be used to help with minor skin injury, hemorrhoids, and premature ejaculation. It may also be used mouth or ear pain. Use in not recommended in those under 2 years old.

While generally well tolerated, contact dermatitis may occur. Other side effects may include methemoglobinemia, seizures, and respiratory depression. Safety in pregnancy is unclear. Use by the mom when breastfeeding is unlikely to be harmful. It is an ester.

Benzocaine was first made in 1890 in Germany and approved for medical use in 1902. It is available as a generic medication and over the counter. It is commonly used used many brand names. In the United States a tube of 28 grams of 20% costs about 7 USD as of 2022.