Maintain Side Effects

Generic name: benzocaine topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 24, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Maintain Side Effects associated with benzocaine topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Maintain.

Applies to benzocaine topical: cream, gel/jelly, lotion, lozenge/troche, ointment, paste, powder for suspension, solution, spray, swab.

Other dosage forms:

• topical application cream, topical application gel/jelly, topical application liquid, topical application ointment, topical application solution, topical application spray

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 Maintain

Along with its needed effects, benzocaine topical (the active ingredient contained in Maintain) 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:

See also:

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]

Further information

Maintain 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.

Medical Disclaimer