View source for Benzocaine

{{Short description|Local anaesthetic drug}}
{{about|the drug|other uses|Americain (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{cs1 config |name-list-style=vanc |display-authors=6}}
{{Infobox drug
| Watchedfields = changed
| verifiedrevid = 457480862
| image = Benzocaine.svg
| width = 200
| image2 = Benzocaine-from-xtal-3D-balls.png
| width2 = 200

<!--Clinical data-->
| Drugs.com = {{ubl
  | Benzocaine (Topical) {{Drugs.com|monograph|benzocaine-topical}}
  | Benzocaine (EENT) {{Drugs.com|monograph|benzocaine-eent}}
}}
| tradename = Anbesol, Lanacane, Orajel, others
| routes_of_administration = [[Topical medication|Topical]], [[Oral administration|Oral]]
| ATC_prefix = C05
| ATC_suffix = AD03
| ATC_supplemental = {{ATC|D04|AB04}}, {{ATCvet|N01|AX92}}, {{ATC|N01|BA05}}, {{ATC|R02|AD01}}

| legal_AU           = S4
| legal_AU_comment   = /{{nbsp}}Schedule 2<ref>{{cite web | title=Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard— June 2025) Instrument 2025 | website=Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) | date=May 2025 | url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2025L00599/asmade/2025-05-28/text/original/pdf | format=pdf | access-date=31 August 2025}}</ref>
| legal_US = OTC
| legal_UK = GSL, P

<!--Pharmacokinetic data-->
| bioavailability = 
| protein_bound = 
| metabolism = 
| elimination_half-life =

<!--Identifiers-->
| CAS_number_Ref = {{cascite|correct|??}}
| CAS_number = 94-09-7
| PubChem = 2337
| DrugBank_Ref = {{drugbankcite|correct|drugbank}}
| DrugBank = DB01086
| ChemSpiderID_Ref = {{chemspidercite|correct|chemspider}}
| ChemSpiderID = 13854242
| UNII_Ref = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}}
| UNII = U3RSY48JW5
| KEGG_Ref = {{keggcite|correct|kegg}}
| KEGG = D00552
| ChEBI_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}}
| ChEBI = 116735
| ChEMBL_Ref = {{ebicite|correct|EBI}}
| ChEMBL = 278172

<!--Chemical data-->
| IUPAC_name = Ethyl 4-aminobenzoate
| C=9 | H=11 | N=1 | O=2
| SMILES = O=C(OCC)c1ccc(N)cc1
| StdInChI_Ref = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}}
| StdInChI = 1S/C9H11NO2/c1-2-12-9(11)7-3-5-8(10)6-4-7/h3-6H,2,10H2,1H3
| StdInChIKey_Ref = {{stdinchicite|correct|chemspider}}
| StdInChIKey = BLFLLBZGZJTVJG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
}}

'''Benzocaine''', sold under the brand name '''Orajel''' amongst others, is a [[local anesthetic]], belonging to the [[amino ester]] [[drug class]], commonly used as a [[topical]] [[analgesic|painkiller]] or in [[cough drop]]s. It is the [[active ingredient]] in many [[over-the-counter]] [[anesthetic]] [[ointment]]s such as products for [[oral ulcer]]s. It is combined with [[antipyrine]] to form [[Antipyrine and benzocaine ear drops|A/B ear drops]]. In the US, products containing benzocaine for oral application are contraindicated in children younger than two years old.<ref name=FDA2018>{{cite web|title=Safety Alerts for Human Medical Products - Oral Over-the-Counter Benzocaine Products: Drug Safety Communication - Risk of Serious and Potentially Fatal Blood Disorder|url=https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm608612.htm|website=www.fda.gov|access-date=May 26, 2018|archive-date=September 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907192533/https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm608612.htm}}</ref> In the European Union, the contraindication applies to children under 12 years of age.{{medical citation needed|date=September 2020}}

<!-- Society and culture -->
It was first synthesised in 1890 in Germany and approved for medical use in 1902.<ref name=Fis2006>{{cite book | vauthors = Fischer J, Ganellin CR |title=Analogue-based Drug Discovery |date=2006 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-3-527-60749-5 |page=475 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FjKfqkaKkAAC&pg=PA475 |language=en}}</ref>

==Medical uses==
Benzocaine is indicated to treat a variety of [[pain]]-related conditions. It may be used for:

* Local anesthesia of oral and pharyngeal mucous membranes (sore throat, cold sores, mouth ulcers, toothache, sore gums, denture irritation)<ref name="ReferenceA">AHFS Drug Information 2007. McEvoy GK, ed. Benzocaine. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2007: 2844-5.</ref>
* Otic pain (earache)<ref name="ReferenceA" />
* Surgical or procedural local anesthesia<ref>Sultan Healthcare. Topex metered spray (benzocaine 20%) prescribing information. Englewood, NJ; 2006.</ref>
* Relief of skin pain caused by [[sunburn]], [[ingrown toenail]]s, [[hemorrhoids]],<ref>[https://www.drugs.com/mtm/benzocaine-topical.html Benzocaine topical]</ref>

Examples of [[combination medication]]s of benzocaine include:

*[[Antipyrine and benzocaine ear drops|Antipyrine-benzocaine otic]] consists of [[antipyrine]] and benzocaine, and is used to relieve [[ear pain]] and remove [[earwax]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Antipyrine-Benzocaine Otic: MedlinePlus Drug Information |url=https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607073.html#:~:text=Antipyrine%20and%20benzocaine%20otic%20is,class%20of%20medications%20called%20analgesics. |access-date=March 28, 2023 |website=medlineplus.gov |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Cepacol]] consists of menthol and benzocaine, and is used to treat [[sore throat]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cepacol Sore Throat (Benzocaine-Menthol) Mucous Membrane: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD |url=https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-164108/cepacol-sore-throat-benzocaine-menthol-mucous-membrane/details |access-date=March 28, 2023 |website=www.webmd.com |language=en}}</ref>
* A solution of benzocaine and [[menthol]] is marketed for the treatment of [[bee sting]]s, [[mosquito bite]]s, [[jellyfish sting]]s, and other insect bites<ref>[https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b8bd9280-f20a-4b2a-aef7-a0ba7b3b8701 STING-KILL - benzocaine and menthol solution]</ref>

===Other uses===
[[File:Jiffy Toothache Drops bottle.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Jiffy Toothache Drops bottle (7.75% Benzocaine)]]

Benzocaine is used as a key ingredient in numerous pharmaceuticals:

* Some glycerol-based ear medications for use in removing excess wax as well as relieving ear conditions such as ''[[otitis media]]'' and [[Otitis externa|swimmer's ear]].
* Some previous diet products such as [[Ayds]].
* Some [[condoms]] designed to prevent [[premature ejaculation]]. Benzocaine largely inhibits sensitivity on the [[penis]], and can allow for an [[erection]] to be maintained longer (in a continuous act) by delaying ejaculation. Conversely, an erection will also fade faster if stimulus is interrupted.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2049202.stm | work=BBC News | title='Longer-lasting' condom launched | date=June 17, 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/15/magazine/15ENDU.html | work=The New York Times | vauthors = Garner D | title=Endurance Condoms | date=December 15, 2002}}</ref>
* Benzocaine mucoadhesive patches have been used in reducing orthodontic pain.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Eslamian L, Borzabadi-Farahani A, Edini HZ, Badiee MR, Lynch E, Mortazavi A | title = The analgesic effect of benzocaine mucoadhesive patches on orthodontic pain caused by elastomeric separators, a preliminary study | journal = Acta Odontologica Scandinavica | volume = 71 | issue = 5 | pages = 1168–1173 | date = September 2013 | pmid = 23301559 | doi = 10.3109/00016357.2012.757358 | s2cid = 22561192 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
* In Poland it is included, together with menthol and zinc oxide, in the liquid powder (not to be confused with the liquid [[face powder]]) used mainly after mosquito bites. Today's ready-made Pudroderm<ref>{{cite web|title=Produkty {{!}} PUDRODERM|url=http://www.pampa.com.pl/page.php?cat=produkty&doc=pudroderm|access-date=May 9, 2014|language=pl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018103519/http://pampa.com.pl/page.php?cat=produkty&doc=pudroderm|archive-date=October 18, 2016}}</ref> was once used there as [[compounding|pharmaceutical compound]].

===Available forms===
Benzocaine can come in a variety of preparations including:

Oral preparations:

* Lozenges (ex. [[Cepacol]], Mycinettes)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cepacol.com/ |title=Cepacol |publisher=Cepacol.com |access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=September 2020}}
* Throat Spray (ex. Ultra Chloraseptic)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5708/smpc|title=Ultra Chloraseptic Anaesthetic Throat Spray 0.71% - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (eMC)|website=www.medicines.org.uk|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505205738/https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5708/smpc}}</ref>

Topical preparations:
* Aerosol (ex. Topex)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sultanhc.com/sw/swchannel/productcatalogcf_v2/internet/model.asp?ProductMasterID=285313&ParentID=215728&SWID=1 |title=Topex Metered Spray-Sultan Healthcare |publisher=Sultanhc.com |access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=September 2020}}
* Gel (ex. Orajel, Kank-A)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orajel.com/ |title=Orajel - Oral Care for the Whole Family |publisher=Orajel.com |date=May 11, 2015 |access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=September 2020}} <ref>{{Cite web |title=Kank-A {{!}} Canker Sore Treatment & Pain Relief |url=https://kank-a.com/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Paste (ex. Orabase)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.colgateprofessional.com/products/colgate-orabase-paste-with-benzocaine/overview |title=Colgate Orabase Paste with Benzocaine &#124; Indications &#124; Dental Products |publisher=Colgateprofessional.com |access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=September 2020}}
* Cream (ex. Lanacane - active ingredient 3% Benzocaine)
Otic preparations:
* Solution (ex. Allergen)

==Side effects==
Benzocaine is generally well tolerated and non-toxic when applied topically as recommended.<ref>Lexicomp Online, Adult and Pediatric Lexi-Drugs Online, Hudson, Ohio: Lexi-Comp, Inc.; 2013; April 15, 2013.</ref>

However, there have been reports of serious, life-threatening adverse effects (e.g., seizures, coma, irregular heart beat, respiratory depression) with over-application of topical products or when applying topical products that contain high concentrations of benzocaine to the skin.<ref>{{cite web |author=U.S. Food and Drug Administration |title=FDA Public Health Advisory: Life-threatening side effects with use of skin products containing numbing ingredients for cosmetic procedures. |website=[[Food and Drug Administration]] |date=February 6, 2007 |archive-date=February 8, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208052946/http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/topical_anesthetics.htm |access-date=June 13, 2024 |url=http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/topical_anesthetics.htm |url-status=unfit}}</ref>

Overapplication of oral anesthetics such as benzocaine can increase the risk of [[pulmonary aspiration]] by relaxing the gag-reflex and allowing regurgitated stomach contents or oral secretions to enter the airway.{{medical citation needed|date=September 2020}} Applying an oral anesthetic and consuming beverages before going to bed can be particularly hazardous.{{medical citation needed|date=September 2020}}

The topical use of higher concentration (10–20%) benzocaine products applied to the mouth or mucous membranes has been found to be a cause of [[methemoglobinemia]], a disorder in which the amount of oxygen carried by the blood is greatly reduced.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Shua-Haim JR, Gross JS | title = Methemoglobinemia toxicity from topical benzocaine spray | journal = Journal of the American Geriatrics Society | volume = 43 | issue = 5 | page = 590 | date = May 1995 | pmid = 7730550 | doi = 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1995.tb06117.x | s2cid = 19563675 | doi-access = free }}</ref> This side effect is most common in children under two years of age.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.drugs.com/fda/benzocaine-topical-products-gels-liquids-risk-methemoglobinemia-12941.html |title=Benzocaine Topical Products: Sprays, Gels and Liquids – Risk of Methemoglobinemia |publisher=Drugs.com |access-date=March 20, 2014}}</ref> As a result, the FDA{{who|date=August 2025}} has stated that benzocaine products should not be used in children under two years of age, unless directed by and supervised by a healthcare professional.<ref name="fda.gov">{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/ucm250024.htm#safety |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410232049/http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm250024.htm#safety |archive-date=April 10, 2011 |title=FDA Drug Safety Communication: Reports of a rare, but serious and potentially fatal adverse effect with the use of over-the-counter (OTC) benzocaine gels and liquids applied to the gums or mouth |publisher=Fda.gov |access-date=June 2, 2015}}</ref> In European countries, the contraindication applies to children under 12 years of age. Symptoms of methemoglobinemia usually occur within minutes to hours of applying benzocaine, and can occur upon the first-time use or after additional use.<ref name="fda.gov" />

Benzocaine may cause allergic reactions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bedfordhospital.nhs.uk/upload_folder/patient%20information/allergy%20to%20benzocaine.pdf|title=Allergy to Benzocaine|access-date=March 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320095658/http://www.bedfordhospital.nhs.uk/upload_folder/patient%20information/allergy%20to%20benzocaine.pdf|archive-date=March 20, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Sidhu SK, Shaw S, Wilkinson JD | title = A 10-year retrospective study on benzocaine allergy in the United Kingdom | journal = American Journal of Contact Dermatitis | volume = 10 | issue = 2 | pages = 57–61 | date = June 1999 | pmid = 10357712 | doi = 10.1016/s1046-199x(99)90000-3 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = González-Rodríguez AJ, Gutiérrez-Paredes EM, Revert Fernández Á, Jordá-Cuevas E | title = Allergic contact dermatitis to benzocaine: the importance of concomitant positive patch test results | journal = Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas | volume = 104 | issue = 2 | pages = 156–158 | date = March 2013 | pmid = 22551703 | doi = 10.1016/j.ad.2011.07.023 | url = http://apps.elsevier.es/watermark/ctl_servlet?_f=10&pident_articulo=90193182&pident_usuario=0&pcontactid=&pident_revista=403&ty=87&accion=L&origen=cardio&web=http://www.revespcardiol.org&lan=en&fichero=403v104n02a90193182pdf001.pdf | access-date = March 20, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234050/http://apps.elsevier.es/watermark/ctl_servlet?_f=10&pident_articulo=90193182&pident_usuario=0&pcontactid=&pident_revista=403&ty=87&accion=L&origen=cardio&web=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.revespcardiol.org&lan=en&fichero=403v104n02a90193182pdf001.pdf | archive-date = March 3, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| vauthors = Goldman L |url= http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/02/05/healthmag.creams/index.html?iref=newssearch |title=Go easy on medicated lotions, creams, gels |publisher=CNN |date=February 5, 2008 |access-date=March 20, 2014}}</ref> These include:
* [[Contact dermatitis]] (redness and itchiness)<ref name="ReferenceB">Cetylite Industries. Cetacaine (benzocaine 14%, tetracaine 2% and butamben 2%) spray, gel and liquid prescribing information. Pennsauken, NJ; 2006 Sept.</ref>
* [[Anaphylaxis]] (rare)<ref name="ReferenceB" />

==Pharmacology==

===Pharmacodynamics===
[[Pain]] is caused by the stimulation of [[free nerve ending]]s. When the [[nerve ending]]s are stimulated, [[sodium]] enters the [[neuron]], causing [[depolarization]] of the [[nerve]] and subsequent initiation of an [[action potential]]. The action potential is propagated down the nerve toward the [[central nervous system]], which interprets this as pain. Benzocaine acts to [[channel blocker|inhibit]] the [[voltage-gated sodium channel]]s (VGSCs) on the [[neuron]] [[cell membrane|membrane]], stopping the propagation of the action potential.{{Citation needed|date=January 2023}}

==Chemistry==
Benzocaine is the [[ethyl group|ethyl]] [[ester]] of [[para-Aminobenzoic acid|''p''-aminobenzoic acid]] (PABA). It can be prepared from PABA and [[ethanol]]<ref>{{cite journal | doi = 10.1021/ed100838a | title = Synthesis of Two Local Anesthetics from Toluene: An Organic Multistep Synthesis in a Project-Oriented Laboratory Course | year = 2012 | vauthors = Demare P, Regla I | journal = Journal of Chemical Education | volume = 89 | issue = 1 | page = 147| bibcode = 2012JChEd..89..147D }}</ref> by [[Fischer esterification]] or via the reduction of ethyl ''p''-nitrobenzoate. Benzocaine is sparingly soluble in water; it is more soluble in dilute acids and very soluble in ethanol, [[chloroform]], and [[ethyl ether]]. The [[melting point]] of benzocaine is 88–92&nbsp;°C,<ref name="pubchem">{{Cite web |title= Benzocaine |url=https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2337#section=Melting-Point |access-date=March 27, 2023 | work = PubChem | publisher = U.S. National Library of Medicine |language=en}}</ref> and the [[boiling point]] is about 310&nbsp;°C.<ref>{{cite book | title = D'Ans-Lax, Taschenbuch für Chemiker und Physiker | series =Organische Verbindungen |date=1983 |publisher=Springer Verlag |location=Berlin |isbn=3-540-12263-X |edition=4th}}</ref> The [[density]] of benzocaine is 1.17&nbsp;g/cm<sup>3</sup>.

Benzocaine is commonly found, particularly in Britain, as an additive in street [[cocaine]] and also as a bulking agent in "legal highs".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-10909884|title=Drug war targets cutting agents|work=BBC News |date=August 9, 2010}}</ref> Benzocaine gives a numbing effect similar to cocaine and as a bulking and binding agent it can not be detected once mixed. It is the most popular cutting agent worldwide.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.economist.com/britain/2012/08/11/all-cut-up | title = Drug prices: All cut up: Cocaine is cheaper, but weaker | newspaper = [[The Economist]] | date = August 11, 2012}}</ref> 
 
Treatment of benzocaine with hydrazine leads to aminostimil, a compound related to [[isoniazid]].

===Synthesis===
Benzocaine can be prepared by [[esterification]] using [[4-aminobenzoic acid]] and [[ethanol]].<ref>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1002/cber.189502802150| title = Ueber Esterbildung bei aromatischen Amidosäuren| journal = Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft| volume = 28| issue = 2| pages = 1917–1923| year = 1895| vauthors = Salkowski H | url = https://zenodo.org/record/1425796}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1002/jlac.18651350202| title = Ueber das durch Einwirkung von Jodwasserstoff auf Mannit beziehungsweise auf Melampyrin (Dulcit) entstehende β Hexyljodür und einige seiner Derivate| journal = Annalen der Chemie und Pharmacie| volume = 135| issue = 2| pages = 129–151| year = 1865| vauthors = Erlenmeyer E, Wanklyn JA | url = https://zenodo.org/record/1427245}}</ref> It can also be prepared by reduction of ethyl 4-nitrobenzoate to the [[amine]].<ref>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1002/jlac.18983030303| title = Ueber die Verbindungen aus Benzoylchlorid oder Phtalylchlorid und den Estern der drei Oxybenzoësäuren| journal = Justus Liebig's Annalen der Chemie| volume = 303| issue = 3| pages = 274–289| year = 1898| vauthors = Limpricht H | url = https://zenodo.org/record/1427505}}</ref><ref>{{OrgSynth | vauthors = Adams R, Cohen FL |year=1928 |title=Ethyl ''p''-aminobenzoate |volume=8 |pages=66 |collvol=1 |collvolpages=240 |prep=CV1P0240}}</ref> In industrial practice, the reducing agent is usually iron and water in the presence of a little acid.<ref>{{Cite book | doi = 10.1016/S0099-5428(08)60164-1| title = Benzocaine | volume = 12| pages = 73–104| series = Analytical Profiles of Drug Substances| year = 1983| vauthors = Ali SL | publisher = Academic Press | isbn = 978-0-12-260812-4}}</ref>

==History==
Benzocaine was first synthesized in 1890 by the German chemist Eduard Ritsert (1859–1946),<ref>Biography of Eduard Ritsert (in German): [http://www.deutsche-biographie.de/sfz106040.html ''Deutsche Biographie'': Ritsert, ''Eduard''.]</ref> in the town of [[Eberbach (Baden)|Eberbach]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ritsert.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&lang=en&id=13&Itemid=27|title=100 years of Dr. Ritsert|publisher=Dr. Ritsert Pharma|access-date=March 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909185714/http://www.ritsert.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&lang=en&id=13&Itemid=27|archive-date=September 9, 2017}}</ref> and introduced to the market in 1902 under the name "Anästhesin".<ref>{{cite book | vauthors =  Auterhoff H | title = Lehrbuch der pharmazeutischen Chemie | location = Stuttgart, Germany | publisher = Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft | date = 1968 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ritsert E | date = 1925 | title = Über den Werdegang des Anästhesins | trans-title = On the development of Anaesthetics | language = German | journal = Pharmazeutische Zeitung | volume = 60 | pages = 1006–1008 }} See also: {{cite journal | vauthors = Friedrich C, Klimonow M | url = http://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/index.php?id=31537 | title = 150. Geburtstag: Eduard Ritsert und das Anaesthesin | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140320125425/http://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/index.php?id=31537 | archive-date = March 20, 2014 | trans-title = 150th birthday: Eduard Ritsert and Anästhetsin [Benzocaine] | language = German | journal = Pharmazeutische Zeitung Online | date = December 2014 }} First published clinical study demonstrating the efficacy of benzocaine: {{cite journal | vauthors = von Noorden C | date = 1902 | title = Ueber para-Aminobenzoesäure-Ester als locales Anästhetikum | trans-title = On [an] ester of para-aminobenzoic acid as a local anaesthetic | language = German | journal = Klinische Wochenschrift | volume = 39 | pages = 373–375 }}</ref>

==Veterinary medicine==
Bath solutions of benzocaine and its derivatives are commonly used to anesthetize [[amphibians]] for surgery.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Guénette SA, Giroux MC, Vachon P | title = Pain perception and anaesthesia in research frogs | journal = Experimental Animals | volume = 62 | issue = 2 | pages = 87–92 | date = 2013 | pmid = 23615302 | doi = 10.1538/expanim.62.87 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Amphibian Anesthesia — Research at Penn State|url=http://www.research.psu.edu/arp/anesthesia/amphibian-anesthesia.html|website=PennState Animal Resource Program|publisher=The Pennsylvania State University|access-date=August 24, 2017|location=State College, U.S.|language=en|date=November 8, 2010|archive-date=November 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103081918/https://www.research.psu.edu/arp/anesthesia/amphibian-anesthesia.html}}</ref> Benzocaine-based anesthetics are potent and highly effective for both anesthesia and euthanasia in amphibians.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Barros AL, Lima AP, Fachin-Espinar MT, Nunez CV | title = Evaluation of benzocaine-based anesthetic gel in anuran skins extracts: A case study using the frog Lithodytes lineatus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) | journal = PLOS ONE | volume = 15 | issue = 12 | article-number = e0243654 | date = 2020 | pmid = 33290419 | pmc = 7723253 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pone.0243654 | bibcode = 2020PLoSO..1543654B | doi-access = free }}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Local anesthetics}}
{{Throat preparations}}
{{Vasoprotectives}}
{{Antipruritics}}
{{Ion channel modulators}}
{{Portal bar | Medicine}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:4-Aminophenyl compounds]]
[[Category:Ethyl esters]]
[[Category:Local anesthetics]]
[[Category:Sodium channel blockers]]
[[Category:Drugs developed by Wyeth]]
[[Category:Over-the-counter drugs in the United States]]