Generic name: Benzocaine Topical Spray [ BEN-zoe-kane ]
Brand names: Lanacane, Solarcaine
Drug class: Topical anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 23, 2024.

Uses of Benzocaine Topical Spray:

• It is used to ease the pain caused by sunburn and skin irritation.
• It is used to relieve itching and pain from insect bites or skin irritation.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Benzocaine Topical Spray?

• If you have an allergy to benzocaine or any other part of benzocaine topical spray.
• If you are allergic to benzocaine topical spray; any part of benzocaine topical spray; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If there is an infection where benzocaine topical spray will be used.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with benzocaine topical spray.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take benzocaine topical spray with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Benzocaine Topical Spray?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take benzocaine topical spray. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• A severe blood problem called methemoglobinemia has happened with drugs like this one. The risk may be raised in people who have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, heart problems, or lung problems. The risk may also be raised while taking certain other drugs and in infants younger than 6 months of age. Tell your doctor if you have ever had methemoglobinemia.
• Different brands of benzocaine topical spray may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving benzocaine topical spray to a child.
• Protect clothing and fabrics from staining.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If benzocaine topical spray is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Do not breathe in benzocaine topical spray. Breathing in benzocaine topical spray may cause harm or death.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Benzocaine Topical Spray) best taken?

Use benzocaine topical spray as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take benzocaine topical spray by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• This medicine may catch on fire. Do not use near an open flame or while smoking.
• Use care when putting on a large part of the skin or where there are open wounds. Talk with the doctor.
• Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings) unless told to do so by the doctor.
• Some of these drugs need to be shaken before use. Be sure you know if this product needs to be shaken before using it.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you use benzocaine topical spray on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times benzocaine topical spray is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of methemoglobinemia like a blue or gray color of the lips, nails, or skin; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; seizures; very bad dizziness or passing out; very bad headache; feeling very sleepy; feeling tired or weak; or shortness of breath. This effect is rare but may be deadly if it happens.

What are some other side effects of Benzocaine Topical Spray?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where benzocaine topical spray is used.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Benzocaine Topical Spray?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Protect from heat or open flame.
• Do not puncture or burn even if it seems empty.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about benzocaine topical spray, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer