Description
Dental anesthetics
(an-ess-THET-iks)
are used in the mouth to relieve pain or irritation caused by many conditions.
Examples include toothache, teething, and sores in or around the mouth, such
as cold sores, canker sores, and fever blisters. Also, some of these medicines
are used to relieve pain or irritation caused by dentures or other dental
appliances, including braces. However, if you have an infection or a lot of
large sores in your mouth, check with your medical doctor or dentist before
using a dental anesthetic because other kinds of treatment may be needed.
Also, the chance of side effects is increased.
One form of lidocaine is also used to relieve pain caused by certain throat
conditions. Some forms of benzocaine, benzocaine and menthol combination,
and dyclonine are also used to relieve sore throat pain.
Some of these medicines are available only with your medical doctor's or
dentist's prescription. Others are available without a prescription; however,
your medical doctor or dentist may have special instructions on the proper
use and dose for your medical problem. Some nonprescription (over-the-counter
[OTC]) aerosols, gels, liquids, or ointments that contain a local anesthetic
are not meant to be used in or around the mouth. If you have any questions
about which product to use, check with your pharmacist.
These medicines are available in the following dosage forms:
Dental
-
Benzocaine
-
Aerosol spray (U.S.)
-
Dental paste (U.S.)
-
Film-forming gel (U.S.)
-
Gel (U.S. and Canada)
-
Lozenges (U.S.)
-
Ointment (U.S. and Canada)
-
Solution (liquid) (U.S. and Canada)
-
Benzocaine and Menthol
-
Lozenges (U.S. and Canada)
-
Benzocaine and Phenol
-
Gel (U.S. and Canada)
-
Solution (liquid) (U.S. and Canada)
-
Dyclonine
-
Lidocaine
-
Aerosol spray (U.S. and Canada)
-
Ointment (U.S. and Canada)
-
Solution (U.S. and Canada)
-
Viscous (very thick) solution (U.S. and Canada)
Before Using This Medicine
If you are taking this medicine
without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label.
For dental anesthetics, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or
allergic reaction to a local anesthetic, especially one that was applied to
any part of the body as a liquid, cream, ointment, or spray. Also tell your
health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such
as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy--Dental anesthetics have not been reported to cause
birth defects or other problems in humans.
Breast-feeding--Dental anesthetics have not been reported to cause
problems in nursing babies.
Children--Children may be especially sensitive to the effects
of dental anesthetics. This may increase the chance of unwanted effects, some
of which can be serious, during treatment. When using a dental anesthetic
for a child, be very careful not to use more of the medicine than directed
on the label, unless otherwise directed by your health care professional.
Teething medicines that contain benzocaine may be used in babies 4 months
of age and older. One product that contains benzocaine (Orabase-B with Benzocaine)
may be used in children 6 years of age and older. Most of the other nonprescription
(over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines that contain a dental anesthetic may be
used in children 2 years of age and older. However, these other nonprescription
products should not be used in infants or children younger than 2 years of
age unless prescribed by a health care professional.
Older adults--Elderly people are especially sensitive to the effects
of many local anesthetics. This may increase the chance of side effects during
treatment, especially with lidocaine. Nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC])
products containing local anesthetics are not likely to cause problems. However,
elderly people should be especially careful not to use more medicine than
directed on the package label, unless otherwise directed by a medical doctor
or a dentist.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Before you use a dental
anesthetic, check with your medical doctor, dentist, or pharmacist if you
are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC])
medicine.
Proper Use of This Medicine
For safe
and effective use of this medicine:
-
Follow your medical doctor's or dentist's instructions if this medicine
was prescribed.
-
Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating
yourself.
-
Do not use more of this medicine, do not use
it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than directed
. To
do so may increase the chance of absorption into the body and the risk of
side effects. This is particularly important for young children and elderly
patients, especially with lidocaine.
-
Dental anesthetics should be used only for conditions being treated
by your medical doctor or dentist or for problems listed in the package directions.
Do not use any of them for other problems without first
checking with your medical doctor or dentist
. These medicines should
not be used if certain kinds of infections are present.
To use the viscous (very thick) liquid form of lidocaine
(e.g., Xylocaine Viscous):
-
This medicine may cause serious side effects if too much of it is
swallowed. Be certain that you understand exactly how you are to use this
medicine, and whether or not you are to swallow it. Follow your medical doctor's
or dentist's directions very carefully. Also, be very
careful to measure the exact amount of medicine that you are to use
.
Use a special measuring spoon to measure the amount; regular household teaspoons
or soup spoons that you use at the table may not measure the amount correctly.
These measures are especially important when this medicine is used for young
children, who are especially sensitive to its effects.
-
If you are using this medicine for a problem in the mouth, you may
apply it to the sore places with a cotton-tipped applicator. Or, you may swish
the measured amount of medicine around in your mouth until you are certain
that it has reached all of the sore places. Do not swallow
the medicine unless your medical doctor or dentist has told you to do so
.
-
If you are using this medicine for a problem in the throat, gargle
with the measured amount of medicine as directed by your doctor. Do not swallow the medicine unless your doctor has told you to do so
.
To use benzocaine film-forming gel
(e.g., Oratect
Gel):
-
Children may find it difficult to apply this medicine correctly.
They should be helped by an adult.
-
First, dry the area where the medicine is needed, using a swab included
in the package.
-
Apply the gel to a second swab. Then roll the swab over the dried
area.
-
Keep your mouth open and dry for about 30 to 60 seconds after applying
the medicine. A film will form where you placed the medicine.
-
Do not remove the film. It will slowly disappear and should be gone
about 6 hours after the medicine was applied.
To use other gel or liquid forms of a dental anesthetic
:
-
Apply the medicine to the sore places with a clean finger, a cotton-tipped
applicator, or a piece of gauze.
-
When relieving pain caused by dentures or other dental appliances,
do not apply this medicine directly to the appliance,
and do not place the appliance in your mouth while the medicine is there
,
unless directed to do so by your dentist. Instead, apply the medicine to the
sore areas in your mouth and wait until the pain is relieved. Then rinse your
mouth with water before replacing the appliance.
To use benzocaine dental paste
(e.g., Orabase-B
with Benzocaine):
-
Use a cotton-tipped applicator to dab small amounts of the medicine
onto the sore places. Do not rub or try to spread the medicine with your finger
while you are applying it, because the medicine will become crumbly and gritty.
To use aerosol or spray forms of a dental anesthetic
:
-
To help prevent unwanted effects, be very careful not to inhale (breathe
in) the medicine. Also, do not spray the back of your mouth or throat with
it unless your medical doctor or dentist directs you to do so.
To use lozenge forms of benzocaine, benzocaine and
menthol, or dyclonine
:
-
These lozenges should be dissolved slowly in the mouth. Do not bite
or chew them or swallow them whole. Before giving a lozenge to a young child,
be sure that the child understands these directions and will follow them.
Dosing--The dose of these medicines will be different
for different patients. Follow your health care professional'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 medical doctor or dentist
tells you to do so.
For benzocaine
-
For dental paste
dosage form:
-
For sores in and around the mouth, sore gums, or pain caused by dental
appliances:
-
Adults, teenagers, and children 6 years of age and older--Apply
a small amount of the medicine to the painful areas.
-
Children up to 6 years of age--Use and dose must be determined
by your health care professional.
-
For film-forming gel, liquid, and ointment
dosage forms:
-
For sores in and around the mouth, toothache, sore gums, or pain
caused by dental appliances:
-
Adults, teenagers, and children 2 years of age and older--Apply
a small amount of medicine to the painful areas up to four times a day.
-
Children up to 2 years of age--Use and dose must be determined
by your health care professional.
-
For gel
dosage form:
-
For sores in and around the mouth, toothache, sore gums, or pain
caused by dental appliances:
-
Adults, teenagers, and children 2 years of age and older--Apply
a small amount of medicine to the painful areas up to four times a day.
-
Children up to 2 years of age--Use and dose must be determined
by your health care professional.
-
For teething pain:
-
Infants up to 4 months of age--Use and dose must be determined
by your health care professional.
-
Infants and children 4 months to 2 years of age--Apply a small
amount of the 7.5% or 10% benzocaine gel to sore gums up to four times a day.
-
Children 2 years of age and older--Apply any strength of benzocaine
gel to sore gums up to four times a day.
-
For lozenge
dosage form:
-
For pain in the mouth or throat:
-
Adults and teenagers--One lozenge, dissolved slowly in the mouth
every two hours as needed.
-
Children up to 2 years of age--Use and dose must be determined
by your health care professional.
-
Children 2 years of age and older--One children's strength (5-milligram
[mg]) lozenge, dissolved slowly in the mouth every two hours as needed.
-
For aerosol spray
dosage form:
-
For pain in the mouth:
-
Adults and teenagers--One or 2 sprays, pointed at the sore places.
Each spray should last about one second.
-
Children--Use and dose must be determined by your dentist.
For benzocaine and menthol combination
-
For lozenge
dosage form:
-
For pain in the mouth or throat:
-
Adults, teenagers, and children 2 years of age and older--One
lozenge, dissolved slowly in the mouth every two hours as needed.
-
Children up to 2 years of age--Use and dose must be determined
by your health care professional.
For benzocaine and phenol combination
-
For gel
dosage form:
-
For sores in and around the mouth, teething, toothache, sore gums,
or pain caused by dental appliances:
-
Adults, teenagers, and children 2 years of age and older--Apply
a small amount of medicine to the painful areas up to four times a day.
-
Children up to 2 years of age--Use and dose must be determined
by your health care professional.
-
For liquid
dosage form:
-
For sores in and around the mouth, toothache, sore gums, or pain
caused by dental appliances:
-
Adults, teenagers, and children 2 years of age and older--Apply
a small amount of medicine to the painful areas up to four times a day.
-
Children up to 2 years of age--Use and dose must be determined
by your health care professional.
For dyclonine
-
For lozenge
dosage form:
-
For pain in the mouth or throat:
-
Adults and teenagers--One 2-milligram (mg) or 3-mg lozenge,
dissolved slowly in the mouth every two hours as needed.
-
Children up to 2 years of age--Use and dose must be determined
by your health care professional.
-
Children 2 years of age and older--One children's strength (1.2-mg)
lozenge, dissolved slowly in the mouth every two hours as needed.
For lidocaine
-
For dental liquid
dosage form (e.g.,
Zilactin-L):
-
For sores on the lips and around the mouth:
-
Adults and teenagers--Apply to sores every one or two hours
for the first three days. Then apply as needed.
-
Children--Dose must be determined by your health care professional.
-
For dental ointment
dosage form:
-
For gum pain:
-
Adults--Apply a small amount of medicine to the sore places.
Do not apply the ointment directly to dentures, braces, or other dental appliances,
unless your dentist has directed you to do so.
-
Children--Use and dose must be determined by your health care
professional.
-
For aerosol spray
dosage form:
-
For pain in the mouth:
-
Adults and teenagers--Two sprays, pointed at the sore places.
Do not use more than twenty sprays a day.
-
Children--Use and dose must be determined by your health care
professional.
-
For viscous (very thick) solution
dosage
form (e.g., Xylocaine Viscous):
-
For pain in the mouth:
-
Adults and teenagers--One tablespoonful of medicine (or less),
swished around in the mouth, then spit out. Or, apply a total of 1 tablespoonful
(or less) to the sore places with a cotton-tipped applicator. This medicine
should not be used more often than every three hours.
-
Infants and children up to 3 years of age--Apply a total of
one-fourth of a teaspoonful (or less) to the sore places with a cotton-tipped
applicator. This medicine should not be used more often than every three hours.
-
Children 3 years of age and older--Apply a small amount of medicine
to the sore places with a cotton-tipped applicator. The largest amount that
can be used must be determined by your health care professional.
-
For sore throat pain:
-
Adults and teenagers--One tablespoonful, used as a gargle. Swallow
after gargling only if directed to do so by your doctor. Otherwise, spit out
the medicine after gargling with it.
-
Children--Dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose--If your health care professional has directed you
to use this medicine on a regular schedule, and you miss a dose, use 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--To store this medicine:
-
Keep out of the reach of children.
-
Store away from heat and direct light.
-
Do not store throat lozenge forms of benzocaine, benzocaine and menthol
combination, or dyclonine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other
damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
-
Keep the medicine from freezing.
-
Do not puncture, break, or burn aerosol containers, even when they
are empty.
-
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure
that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
Check with your medical doctor
:
-
If you are using this medicine for a sore throat and your sore throat
is severe or lasts for more than 2 days.
-
If other symptoms, such as fever, headache, skin rash, swelling,
nausea, or vomiting, are also present.
You may have a condition that needs other treatment.
Check with your health care professional
:
-
If you are using this medicine for pain or sores in or around the
mouth and your condition does not get better within 7 days or gets worse.
-
If you notice other symptoms, such as swelling, rash, or fever.
You may have a condition that needs other treatment.
Check with your dentist
:
-
If you are using this medicine for a toothache. This medicine should
not be used for a long time. It is meant to relieve toothache pain temporarily,
until the problem causing the toothache can be corrected. Arrange for treatment
as soon as possible.
-
If you are using this medicine to relieve pain caused by new dentures
or other dental appliances. An adjustment to your appliance may be needed
to prevent more soreness. Also, if your dentist has ordered you to apply this
medicine to the appliance before inserting it or to keep the appliance in
your mouth while using the medicine, he or she will want to make sure that
the medicine is not causing any unwanted effects.
False test results may occur if benzocaine or lidocaine is present in your
body when a certain laboratory test is done. This test uses a medicine called
bentiromide (e.g., Chymex) to show how well your pancreas is working. You
should not use any products containing benzocaine or lidocaine for about 72
hours (3 days) before this test is done.
If you are using this medicine in the back of the mouth, or in the throat,
do not eat or drink anything for one hour after using
it
. When this medicine is applied to these areas, it may interfere
with swallowing and cause choking.
Do not chew gum or food while your mouth or throat
feels numb after you use this medicine
. To do so may cause an injury.
You may accidentally bite your tongue or the inside of your cheeks.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects,
a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side
effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Stop using this medicine
and check with your medical doctor or dentist immediately
if any of
the following side effects occur:
Signs and symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed by the body
Blurred or double vision; confusion; convulsions (seizures); dizziness or lightheadedness; drowsiness; feeling hot, cold, or numb; headache; increased sweating; ringing
or buzzing in the ears; shivering or trembling; slow or irregular heartbeat; troubled
breathing; unusual anxiety, excitement, nervousness,
or restlessness; unusual paleness; unusual tiredness or weakness
Also, check with your health care professional
as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Burning, stinging, swelling, or tenderness not present before
treatment; skin rash, redness, itching, or hives
in or around the mouth
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you
notice any other effects, check with your medical doctor or dentist.
