This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Aftertest Topical Pain Relief [OTC] [DSC]; Allevacaine [OTC]; Anacaine [DSC]; Anbesol Cold Sore Therapy [OTC]; Anbesol Maximum Strength [OTC]; Anbesol [OTC] [DSC]; Baby Anbesol [OTC]; Benz-O-Sthetic [OTC] [DSC]; CankerMelts [OTC]; Cepacol INSTAMAX [OTC] [DSC]; Cepacol [OTC] [DSC]; Dent-O-Kain/20 [OTC] [DSC]; Foille [OTC] [DSC]; GoodSense Oral Pain Relief [OTC]; HurriCaine One [OTC]; Hurricaine [OTC]; Hurricane Snap-n-Go [OTC]; HurriPak Starter Kit [OTC]; Instant Oral Pain Relief Max [OTC]; Ivy-Rid [OTC]; Kank-A Mouth Pain [OTC] [DSC]; LolliCaine [OTC]; Mucinex InstaSoothe Sore Thrt [OTC]; Ora-film [OTC]; Topex Topical Anesthetic [DSC]; Zilactin Baby [OTC]
What is this drug used for?
All skin products:
- It is used to relieve itching and pain from insect bites or skin irritation.
- It is used to ease the pain caused by sunburn and skin irritation.
All oral products:
- It is used to treat mouth sores.
- It is used to treat canker sores.
- It is used to treat mouth irritation.
- It is used to ease mouth and throat pain.
For rectal use:
- It is used to treat signs of hemorrhoids or rectal irritation.
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
All products:
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
- If there is an infection where this drug will be used.
All oral products:
- If the patient is a child younger than 2 years of age. Do not give this drug to a child younger than 2 years of age. Do not use this drug for teething.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
All products:
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- A severe blood problem called methemoglobinemia has happened with drugs like this one. The risk may be raised in people who have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, heart problems, or lung problems. The risk may also be raised while taking certain other drugs and in infants younger than 6 months of age. Tell your child’s doctor if your child has ever had methemoglobinemia.
- Different brands of this drug may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving this drug to a child.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
- Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.
All oral products:
- Do not let your child eat while their mouth feels numb. Biting of the tongue could happen.
Lozenge:
- If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), check labels closely. Some products have sugar.
Oral spray:
- Do not breathe in this drug. Breathing in this drug may cause harm or death.
All rectal and skin products:
- Protect clothing and fabrics from staining.
- This drug may cause harm if swallowed. If this drug is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
Skin spray:
- Do not breathe in this drug. Breathing in this drug may cause harm or death.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
All products:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of methemoglobinemia like a blue or gray color of the lips, nails, or skin; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; seizures; severe dizziness or passing out; severe headache; feeling very sleepy; feeling tired or weak; or shortness of breath. This effect is rare but may be deadly if it happens.
For rectal use:
- If your child has very bad bleeding from rectum or rectal pain.
All oral products:
- Very bad mouth pain.
- When treating a very sore throat, if signs last more than 2 days, or happen with fever, headache, rash, upset stomach, or throwing up.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:
All products:
- Irritation where this drug was used.
All oral products:
- Mouth tingling.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All skin products:
- Do not give by mouth. Use on your child’s skin only. Keep out of your child’s mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
- Put a thin layer on the affected part and rub in gently.
- This drug may catch on fire. Do not use near an open flame or while smoking.
- Use care when putting on a large part of the skin or where there are open wounds. Talk with the doctor.
- Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings) unless told to do so by the doctor.
Skin spray:
- Some of these drugs need to be shaken before use. Be sure you know if this product needs to be shaken before using it.
All oral products:
- Do not let your child eat or drink for at least 1 hour after your child uses this drug.
Cream, gel, liquid, and ointment:
- Wash hands before and after use.
- Put a thin layer on the affected part.
- Keep out of your child’s eyes.
Oral suspension:
- Shake well before use.
- Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this drug.
- Have your child swish in mouth and then spit the drug out.
- Do not let your child swallow this drug.
- Keep out of your child’s eyes.
Lozenge:
- Have your child suck oral lozenge. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush it. Do not let your child swallow it whole.
Oral spray:
- Some of these drugs need to be shaken before use. Be sure you know if this product needs to be shaken before using it.
- This drug may catch on fire. Do not use near an open flame or while smoking.
Oral-disintegrating tablet:
- Place on your child’s tongue and let it dissolve. Water is not needed. Do not let your child swallow it whole. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush it.
Oral film:
- Be sure your hands are dry before you touch this drug.
- Have your child let dissolve in the mouth. Water is not needed.
For rectal use:
- This drug is for rectal use only. Do not give this drug by mouth.
- Do not put this drug into the rectum by using your fingers or any type of applicator. Follow what the doctor has told you to do.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
- If your child uses this drug on a regular basis, give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
- Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times this drug is given on an as needed basis. Do not give to your child more often than told by the doctor.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
All products:
- Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
All skin products:
- Protect from heat or open flame.
Skin spray:
- Do not puncture or burn even if it seems empty.
All oral products:
- Protect from heat.
Oral suspension:
- It may be refrigerated to make it taste better.
- Throw away any part not used 2 weeks after this drug was mixed.
Oral spray:
- Protect from heat or open flame. Do not puncture or burn even if it seems empty.
General drug facts
- If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2023-12-04
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