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Benzocaine spray is used to numb the lining of the mouth and throat before certain medical procedures (e.g., intubation). It is also used to temporarily relieve pain from minor mouth/throat problems (e.g., sore throat, canker sores, minor dental procedures, mouth/gum injury). It is also used to decrease pain while dentures are being fitted and while your gums are adjusting to the dentures. It should not be used long-term to decrease pain from poorly fitting dentures. It is a local anesthetic that starts to numb the lining of the mouth and throat 15 to 30 seconds after application and lasts about 15 minutes.
Do not use in children younger than 2 years unless directed by your doctor. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
How to use Endocaine MM
Use this product as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is usually sprayed within the mouth by a health care professional immediately before your procedure.
Some products require shaking before use. If you are using this medication for self-treating a painful sore throat or mouth/gum problems, hold the product so the spray tube is 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 centimeters) away from the area to be sprayed. Spray for half a second. Allow the medication to stay in the painful area for at least 1 minute, then spit out. You may repeat the spray once if needed. Do not use more than 2 sprays at once or use more than 4 times a day unless directed by your doctor.
Avoid spraying in or near the eyes. Do not breathe in the spray.
Do not use large amounts or apply this more often than directed because the chance for serious side effects (including rarely fatal methemoglobinemia) will increase.
This medication numbs the mouth and throat. This effect may make swallowing difficult and increase your risk of choking or swallowing the wrong way. Do not eat or chew gum for 1 hour after this product is used or until your mouth/throat is no longer numb. It is especially important to make sure children do not eat or chew gum for at least 1 hour after use of this medication. Be careful not to accidentally bite your tongue or mouth.
Stop using this medication and tell your doctor if your sore throat is severe, if it lasts more than 2 days, or if you have a fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting. You may have a serious medical problem that may require different treatment. If sore mouth symptoms last more than 7 days, stop using this medication and call your doctor or dentist. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
Slight burning, tingling, or stinging may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication has rarely caused a very serious (possibly fatal) blood disorder (methemoglobinemia). This effect is more likely if you have breathing problems, certain diseases of the blood, or if you smoke (see also Precautions section). The symptoms of this disorder may occur within minutes to a couple of hours after using this medication. Stop using this medication and get medical help right away if you develop any symptoms of methemoglobinemia, including: headache, unusual anxiety, dizziness, shortness of breath, tiredness, pale/bluish/gray skin, fast heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before using benzocaine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other \"caine\" anesthetics (e.g., procaine) or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: certain blood problems (G6PD deficiency, pyruvate kinase deficiency, hemoglobin-M disease, NADH-methemoglobin reductase deficiency), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, smoking history), heart disease.
During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
If you are using this product under your doctor\'s direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, seizures, slow/irregular heartbeat.
NOTES:
Keep all regular medical, dental, and laboratory appointments.
MISSED DOSE:
Not applicable.
STORAGE:
Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised February 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.
