Benzocaine
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Efficacy:
Benzocaine has been shown to be effective for acute sore throat relief. The efficacy of benzocaine has been established in a recent randomized controlled trial in patients with moderate to severe uncomplicated sore throat of recent onset. Benzocaine lozenges have been shown to be statistically significant superior to placebo lozenges, and are a useful, well-tolerated treatment option to reduce painful pharyngeal discomfort <1>.
Safety:
Benzocaine lozenges are well-tolerated and adverse events were not observed in trials <1>. However, benzocaine may cause a rare, but serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia (e.g. respiratory distress, cyanosis) <1, 2, 3>. The risk may be increased in infants younger than 4 months of age, elderly patients, or patients with certain inborn defects. It has occurred when patients receive too much of the medicine, but can also occur with small amounts. Benzocaine should be avoided in pregnancy, however, it is not known if it is found in breast milk <2, 3>.
Reference
1. Chrubasik S, Beime B, Maora F. Efficacy of a benzocaine lozenge in the treatment of uncomplicated sore throat. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2012; 269:571-77.
2. Lexi-comp [Internet]. Benzocaine. [Cited on March 16, 2013]. Benzocaine. Available from http://www.lexi.com.
3. Micromedex [Internet]. Benzocaine. [Cited on March 16, 2013]. Benzocaine. Available from http://www.thomsonhc.com/micromedex2.
Efficacy:
Benzocaine has been shown to be effective for acute sore throat relief. The efficacy of benzocaine has been established in a recent randomized controlled trial in patients with moderate to severe uncomplicated sore throat of recent onset. Benzocaine lozenges have been shown to be statistically significant superior to placebo lozenges, and are a useful, well-tolerated treatment option to reduce painful pharyngeal discomfort <1>.
Safety:
Benzocaine lozenges are well-tolerated and adverse events were not observed in trials <1>. However, benzocaine may cause a rare, but serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia (e.g. respiratory distress, cyanosis) <1, 2, 3>. The risk may be increased in infants younger than 4 months of age, elderly patients, or patients with certain inborn defects. It has occurred when patients receive too much of the medicine, but can also occur with small amounts. Benzocaine should be avoided in pregnancy, however, it is not known if it is found in breast milk <2, 3>.
Reference
1. Chrubasik S, Beime B, Maora F. Efficacy of a benzocaine lozenge in the treatment of uncomplicated sore throat. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2012; 269:571-77.
2. Lexi-comp [Internet]. Benzocaine. [Cited on March 16, 2013]. Benzocaine. Available from http://www.lexi.com.
3. Micromedex [Internet]. Benzocaine. [Cited on March 16, 2013]. Benzocaine. Available from http://www.thomsonhc.com/micromedex2.