Military Obstetrics & Gynecology
Pharmacy

Benzocaine (Americaine, Lanacaine, Hurricane, various)

Category:

• Topical agent

Description:

• Local anesthetic

Indications:

• Lubricant and topical anesthetic on intratracheal catheters, nasogastric and endoscopic tubes, urinary catheters, laryngoscopes, proctocopes, etc

• Relief of pain and pruritis in acute congestive and serous otitis media, acute swimmer’s ear, and other forms of otitis externa

Contraindications:

• Perforated tympanic membrane or ear discharge (otitis media)

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• EENT: irritation in ear, itching

• HEME: methemoglobinemia in infants

• SKIN: burning, edema, erythema, pruritis, rash, stinging, tenderness, urticaria

Dosage:

Administered topically

• Adult and Child > 1 year:

  • Anesthetic lubricant: 

    • TOP apply evenly to exterior of tube or instrument prior to use

  • Cerumen removal: 

    • Instill 3 times daily for 2-3 days to help cerumen detach and facilitate removal

  • Otic drops: 

    • Instill 4-5 drops in the external auditory canal, then insert a cotton pledget into the external ear  

    • repeat every 1-2 hours if necessary to relieve pain