How does it work?

Benzocaine belongs to a group of medicines known as local anaesthetics. It works by temporarily blocking the pathway of pain signals along nerves. Pain is caused by the stimulation of pain receptors at the ends of nerves. The stimulation causes sodium to enter the nerve ending, which causes an electrical signal to build up in the nerve. When this electrical signal is big enough, it passes along the nerve to the brain, where the signal is interpreted as pain. Benzocaine acts by stopping the sodium entering the nerve ending at the site of the pain. This prevents an electrical signal building up and passing along nerve fibres to the brain. In this way benzocaine relieves pain at the area it is applied to. Benzocaine in this preparation is used to relieve the pain and discomfort of sore throats. It is administered by spraying directly onto the area which requires numbing.

What is it used for?

Sore throats

Warning!

Do not exceed the stated dose.

Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes.

If sore throat is severe, persistent or accompanied by fever, nausea or headache, a doctor should be consulted before using this medicine.

Do not use this medicine for longer than 3 consecutive days.

If you have difficulty breathing, noisy breathing or severe difficulty swallowing, do not use this medicine and consult a doctor.

Not to be used in

Children under six years of age

Inflammation of the structure at the back of the tongue (epiglottis) due to bacterial infection, which can obstruct breathing (epiglottitis)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use by pregnant women. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The use of this medicine during breastfeeding is not recommended. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Numbness of the mouth

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no interactions reported with this medicine when applied as a spray to the throat.

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