BENZOCAINE Uses, Side Effects, and More

 BENZOCAINE 

BRAND NAME:- ORAjel 

BENZOCAINE is a local anesthetic, belonging to the amino ester drug class, commonly used as a topical painkiller or in cough drops. It is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter anesthetic ointments such as products for oral ulcers. It is combined with antipyrine to form A/B ear drops .

PHARMACODYNAMIC:- 

Pain is caused by the stimulation of free nerve endings. When the nerve endings 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 inhibit the voltage-gated sodium channels (VDSCs) on the neuron membrane, stopping the propagation of the action potential .

 MECHANISM OF ACTION:- 

Benzocaine diffuses into nerve cells where it binds to sodium channels, preventing the channels from opening, and blocking the influx of sodium ions. Nerve cells unable to allow sodium into cells cannot depolarize and conduct nerve impulses.

USED:- 

used for the temporary relief of pain and itching associated with minor burns, sunburn, scrapes and insect bites or minor skin irritations. 

SIDE EFFECTS:- 

headache, tiredness, confusion;

fast heartbeats;

feeling light-headed or short of breath; and

pale, blue, or gray appearance of your skin, lips, or fingernails.

severe burning, stinging, or sensitivity where the medicine is applied;

swelling, warmth, or redness; or

oozing, blistering, or any signs of infection.

DOSE:-  DIRECTION BY PHYSICIAN.