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Maintain Side Effects

Generic name: benzocaine topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 27, 2022.

Note: This document contains side effect information about benzocaine topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply 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:

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:

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

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]

References

1. "Product Information. Solarcaine Plus Aloe (benzocaine topical)." Schering-Plough Healthcare Products (2005):

2. "Product Information. Americaine Hemorrhoidal (benzocaine topical)." Novartis Consumer Health (2005):

3. "Product Information. Dermoplast (benzocaine topical)." MedTech Inc (2005):

4. "Product Information. Outgro Pain Relief (benzocaine topical)." MedTech Inc (2005):

5. "Product Information. Cepacol Lozenges (cetylpyridinium topical)." GlaxoSmithKline Inc (2005):

6. "Product Information. Chloraseptic (benzocaine topical)." Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals (2005):

7. "Product Information. Vagisil Feminine Cream (benzocaine topical)." Combe Inc (2005):

8. "Product Information. Lanacane (benzocaine topical)." Combe Inc (2005):

9. "Product Information. Lanacane with Aloe (benzocaine topical)." Combe Inc (2005):

10. "Product Information. Hurricaine (benzocaine topical)." Beutlich (2005):

11. Throm MJ, Stevens MD, Hansen C "Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia in two patients: interdisciplinary collaboration, management, and near misses." Pharmacotherapy 27 (2007): 1206-14

Further information

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

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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