Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

For safe and effective use of this medicine:

  • Follow your doctor's instructions if this medicine was prescribed.
  • Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself.
  • Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not use this medicine on large areas, especially if the skin is broken or scraped. Also, do not use it more often than directed on the package label, or for more than a few days at a time. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of unwanted effects. This is especially important when benzocaine is used for children younger than 2 years of age.

This medicine should be used only for problems being treated by your doctor or conditions listed in the package directions. Check with your doctor before using it for other problems, especially if you think that an infection may be present. This medicine should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or serious problems, such as severe burns.

Read the package label very carefully to see if the product contains any alcohol. Alcohol is flammable and can catch on fire. Do not use any product containing alcohol near a fire or open flame, or while smoking. Also, do not smoke after applying one of these products until it has completely dried.

If you are using this medicine on your face, be very careful not to get it in your eyes, mouth, or nose. If you are using an aerosol or spray form of this medicine, do not spray it directly on your face. Instead, use your hand or an applicator (for example, a sterile gauze pad or a cotton swab) to apply the medicine.

For patients using butamben:

  • Butamben may stain clothing and discolor hair. It may not be possible to remove the stains. To avoid this, do not touch your clothing or your hair while applying the medicine. Also, cover the treated area with a loose bandage after applying butamben, to protect your clothes.

To use lidocaine film-forming gel (e.g., DermaFlex):

  • First dry the area with a clean cloth or a piece of gauze. Then apply the medicine. The medicine should dry, forming a clear film, after about 1 minute.

Dosing

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For benzocaine and for benzocaine and menthol combination

  • For topical dosage forms (aerosol solution, cream, lotion, ointment, and spray solution):
    • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
      • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For butamben

  • For topical dosage form (ointment):
    • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
      • Adults—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For dibucaine

  • For topical cream dosage form :
    • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
      • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
      • Children up to 2 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For topical ointment dosage form :
    • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
      • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. The largest amount that may be used in a twenty-four-hour period is 30 grams, but much smaller amounts are usually enough.
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. Do not use more than 7.5 grams in a twenty-four-hour period.
      • Children up to 2 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For lidocaine

  • For topical dosage forms (aerosol solution, film-forming gel, jelly, ointment, and spray solution):
    • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
      • Adults—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
      • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For pramoxine and for pramoxine and menthol combination

  • For topical dosage forms (cream, gel, and lotion):
    • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
      • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For tetracaine and for tetracaine and menthol combination

  • For topical dosage forms (cream and ointment):
    • For pain and itching caused by minor skin conditions:
      • Adults and teenagers—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. The largest amount that may be used in a twenty-four-hour period is 30 grams (a whole tube of the medicine), but much smaller amounts are usually enough
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area three or four times a day as needed. Do not use more than 7 grams (about one-fourth of a tube of the medicine) in a twenty-four-hour period.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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