How does API Benzocaine work?

Benzocaine is a type of local anesthetic we use as a topical pain reliever. Benzocaine is an ester local anesthetic. Moreover, Benzocaine is a major ingredient in many over-the-counter anesthetic ointments such as medication we use for oral ulcers. The chemical formula of Benzocaine is C₉H₁₁NO₂. The molar mass of Benzocaine is 165.19 g/mol. Usually, there are no severe effects of Benzocaine. But if we use products containing a high amount of Benzocaine as a topical application on the skin, Benzocaine can cause severe effects.

• How does API Benzocaine work?

• What can Benzocaine be used for?

• What are the warnings when using Benzocaine?

1. How does API Benzocaine work?

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic. Benzocaine acts by blocking voltage-gated sodium ion channels in nerve endings. Benzocaine is available over-the counter for local anesthesia of oral and pharyngeal mucous membranes, such as sore throat, cold sores, mouth ulcers, toothache, sore gums, denture irritation, and ear pain, or as a local anesthetic for surgical or diagnostic procedures. As a spray, Benzocaine is used for temporary relief of pain and itching associated with minor burns, sunburn, minor cuts or scrapes, insect bites, or minor skin irritations. Topical application of Benzocaine to gums or mouth may cause rare, serious and potentially fatal adverse effect methemoglobinemia.  

Benzocaine is an ester of para-aminobenzoic acid, lacking the terminal diethylamino group of procaine, with anesthetic activity. Benzocaine binds to the sodium channel and reversibly stabilizes the neuronal membrane which decreases permeability of Benzocaine to sodium ions. Depolarization of the neuronal membrane is inhibited, thereby blocking the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses.

2. What can Benzocaine be used for?

Benzocaine can be used to temporarily relieve pain and itching skin discomfort, mild burns, sunburns, trauma and bites. Ear preparations synthesized by Benzocaine are used to relieve the pain and itching of acute congestion, concentrated otitis externa, and external use of the ear. Benzocaine is also effective for toothache, sore throat, oral ulcers, various hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and genital itching. Benzocaine can also be used as anesthetic lubricant for catheters and endoscopic tubes.

There are more than 100 kinds of Benzocaine preparations abroad, including 27 kinds of tablets, 17 kinds of ointments, 6 kinds of creams, 3 kinds of capsule bases, and other preparations such as suppositories and lotions. Benzocaine is mainly used for oral sterilization, oral ulcers, and sore throat. In addition, Benzocaine is an important organic synthesis intermediate, mainly used in the production of medicine, plastics and coatings. Benzocaine has an anesthetic effect, which can be used to synthesize new anesthetics.

3. What are the warnings when using Benzocaine?

Infants and the elderly were more likely to develop toxic methemoglobinemia after Benzocaine is exposed. Other risk factors included genetic reductase deficiencies, exposure to high doses of anesthetic, presence of denuded skin and mucous membranes. Because of the potential for severe complications, methemoglobinemia should be corrected promptly in compromised patients and those with toxic Benzocaine concentrations. The possibility of masking symptoms during general anesthesia carries special risk of use of Benzocaine in the setting.

Use Benzocaine as ear anesthetics may mask symptoms of a fulminating middle ear infection such as acute otitis media. The solutions containing Benzocaine should not be used in the presence of a perforated tympanic membrane.

When applied Benzocaine topically as recommended, Benzocaine is relatively nontoxic. However, sensitization may occur.

The local anesthetic effect of Benzocaine is weaker than that of Procaine so that Benzocaine cannot be infiltrated. The local absorption of Benzocaine is slow and lasting. Benzocaine is hydrolyzed to p-aminobenzoic acid. Benzocaine has no irritation and toxicity when the normal concentration is 2% to 10%. The toxicity is only 5% or 10% of Cocaine. The maximum safe amount for local use is 5g or 25mL of 20% solution. Benzocaine inhibits the conduction of nerve impulses from sensory nerve endings and makes the sense of taste dull. The structure is similar to Procaine, so Benzocaine absorbs slowly and has a long-lasting anesthetic effect.

Learn more something about Benzocaine can know the working principal of API Benzocaine and the warnings of using Benzocaine. If you want to buy compound preparations made from Benzocaine, Wuhan Mulei New Material Technology CO., LTD. can help you to open up a further and larger market, it is wise to choose us as your business partner. Our company has many close relationships with different hospitals by providing various kinds of compound drugs synthesized by Benzocaine.