Anacaine Side Effects
Generic name: benzocaine topical
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 5, 2024.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Anacaine Side Effects associated with benzocaine topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Anacaine.
Applies to benzocaine topical: cream, gel/jelly, lotion, lozenge/troche, ointment, paste, powder for suspension, solution, spray, swab.
Other dosage forms:
Precautions
If your or your child's condition does not improve within 7 days, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.
After applying this medicine to the skin of your child, watch the child carefully to make sure that he or she does not get any of the medicine into his or her eyes or mouth. It can cause serious side effects, especially in children, if any of the medicine gets into the mouth or is swallowed.
This medicine may cause a rare, but serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia. This condition may occur after use of the spray for medical procedures or use of the over-the-counter gel or liquid for mouth sores or teething in children. The risk may be increased in children younger than 2 years of age, elderly patients, or patients with certain inborn defects. It is more likely to occur in patients receiving too much of the medicine, but can also occur with small amounts. Make sure you store this medicine out of reach of children. Call your doctor right away if you or your child has the following symptoms after using this medicine: pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nails, confusion, headache, lightheadedness, fast heartbeat, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Call your doctor right away if you start to have a severe sore throat or sore throat that occurs with a high fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting. These maybe signs of an infection.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicines containing nitrates or nitrites. This includes nitroglycerin, Imdur®, Isordil®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitrostat®, or Transderm-Nitro®.
Serious side effects of Anacaine
Along with its needed effects, benzocaine topical (the active ingredient contained in Anacaine) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking benzocaine topical:
Incidence not known
- bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
- dark urine
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- headache
- high fever
- nausea
- pale skin
- rapid heart rate
- sore throat
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- worsening of pain, redness, swelling, or irritation in or around the mouth
For healthcare professionals
Applies to benzocaine topical: compounding powder, mucous membrane gel, mucous membrane liquid, mucous membrane lozenge, mucous membrane paste, mucous membrane powder for reconstitution, mucous membrane spray, mucous membrane swab, mucous membrane tablet disintegrating, rectal ointment, rectal suppository, topical cream, topical gel, topical liquid, topical lotion, topical ointment, topical spray, topical stick, topical swab.
Dermatologic adverse events
Dermatologic side effects have included contact dermatitis and urticaria.[Ref]
Local
Local side effects have included burning and stinging.[Ref]
Other
Other side effects have included edema.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects have included angioedema.
Hematologic
Hematologic side effects have included methemoglobinemia. FDA continues to receive reports of methemoglobinemia from postmarketing reporting.[Ref]
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References
1. (2005) "Product Information. Solarcaine Plus Aloe (benzocaine topical)." Schering-Plough Healthcare Products
2. (2005) "Product Information. Americaine Hemorrhoidal (benzocaine topical)." Novartis Consumer Health
3. (2005) "Product Information. Dermoplast (benzocaine topical)." MedTech Inc
4. (2005) "Product Information. Outgro Pain Relief (benzocaine topical)." MedTech Inc
5. (2005) "Product Information. Cepacol Lozenges (cetylpyridinium topical)." GlaxoSmithKline Inc
6. (2005) "Product Information. Chloraseptic (benzocaine topical)." Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals
7. (2005) "Product Information. Vagisil Feminine Cream (benzocaine topical)." Combe Inc
8. (2005) "Product Information. Lanacane (benzocaine topical)." Combe Inc
9. (2005) "Product Information. Lanacane with Aloe (benzocaine topical)." Combe Inc
10. (2005) "Product Information. Hurricaine (benzocaine topical)." Beutlich
11. Throm MJ, Stevens MD, Hansen C (2007) "Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia in two patients: interdisciplinary collaboration, management, and near misses." Pharmacotherapy, 27, p. 1206-14
More about Anacaine (benzocaine topical)
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- During pregnancy
- Drug class: topical anesthetics
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Further information
Anacaine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.