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Detane (Oral, Oromucosal)
Generic name: benzocaine
Brand names: Anbesol, Babee Teething, Benzodent, Benz-O-Sthetic, Bi-Zets/Benzo-Troches, Dentemp's, Dent-O-Kain/20, Detane, Gumsol, HAD, Hurricaine, Hurricane Spray Kit, Kank-A Soft Brush, Larynex, Miradyne-3, Mycinette, Orabase-B, Oracaine, Ora film, Orajel
Uses for Detane
Benzocaine helps to relieve pain and irritation from a sore throat, sore mouth, or canker sores.
You can get this medicine without a prescription. Your doctor may have specific instructions on how to use it and the right dose for your condition.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Precautions while using Detane
If you or your child's condition does not improve within 7 days, or if it gets worse, contact your doctor.
After putting this medicine on your child's skin, keep a close eye on them to ensure they do not get any of the medicine in their eyes or mouth. It can lead to serious side effects, especially in children, if any of the medicine gets into the mouth or is swallowed.
This medicine may cause a rare but serious blood issue called methemoglobinemia. This condition can happen after using the spray for medical procedures or using the over-the-counter gel or liquid for mouth sores or teething in children. The risk may be higher in children under 2 years old, older patients, or patients with certain genetic conditions. It is more likely to happen if too much of the medicine is used, but it can also occur with small amounts. Always store this medicine out of reach of children. Call your doctor immediately if you or your child experience any of these symptoms after using this medicine: pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nails, confusion, headache, lightheadedness, fast heartbeat, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Contact your doctor right away if you develop a severe sore throat or a sore throat accompanied by a high fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting. These may be signs of an infection.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking medicines that contain nitrates or nitrites. This includes nitroglycerin, Imdur®, Isordil®, Nitro-Bid®, Nitrostat®, or Transderm-Nitro®.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before using Detane
In deciding to use a medicine, you need to think about the risks of taking it compared to the benefits it may provide. This is a decision you and your doctor will make together. For this medicine, consider the following:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, inform your healthcare professional about any other types of allergies you have, such as allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Because benzocaine can be harmful, it is not recommended for use in children under 2 years of age.
There is no information available about how age affects the use of Cepacol® lozenges in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been established for children younger than 5 years old.
Geriatric
There is no information available about how age affects the use of benzocaine in older patients. However, elderly patients are more likely to have blood issues (for example, methemoglobinemia), which may require caution when using benzocaine.
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Some medicines should never be used together, while others may be taken together even if there is a chance of an interaction. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose or take other precautions. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the following medicines. The following interactions are based on their potential significance and are not a complete list.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or frequency of use for one or both medicines.
- Hyaluronidase
- St John's Wort
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Some medicines should not be used at or around meal times because interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
Having other medical issues may affect how you can use this medicine. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Heart disease or
- A hereditary metabolic disorder affecting red blood cells (for example, G6PD deficiency, hemoglobin-M disease, NADH-methemoglobin reductase deficiency, pyruvate-kinase deficiency) or
- Lung or breathing problems (for example, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema)—Use with caution. This may increase the risk of a serious side effect called methemoglobinemia.
- Infection in or around your mouth or
- Large sores in or around your mouth—The chance of side effects may be higher.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Side Effects of Detane
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may happen, if they do occur, they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
- Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
- Dark urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- High fever
- Nausea
- Pale skin
- Rapid heart rate
- Sore throat
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Vomiting
- Worsening of pain, redness, swelling, or irritation in or around the mouth
Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In the U.S.
- Anbesol
- Babee Teething
- Benzodent
- Benz-O-Sthetic
- Bi-Zets/Benzo-Troches
- Dentemp's
- Dent-O-Kain/20
- Detane
- Gumsol
- HAD
- Hurricaine
- Hurricane Spray Kit
- Kank-A Soft Brush
- Larynex
- Miradyne-3
- Mycinette
- Orabase-B
- Oracaine
- Ora film
- Orajel
- OraMagic Plus
- Orasol
- Red Cross Canker Sore
- Thorets
- Trocaine
- Zetts
- Zilactin
- Zilactin-B
In Canada
- Anbesol Extra Strength
- Anbesol Liquid
- Baby Anbesol
- Baby Orajel
- Baby Orajel Liquid
- Maximum Strength Orajel Pm
- Orajel Extra Strength
Available Dosage Forms:
- Gel/Jelly
- Paste
- Lotion
- Spray
- Powder for Suspension
- Cream
- Swab
- Solution
- Lozenge/Troche
- Ointment
Therapeutic Class: Anesthetic, Local
Chemical Class: Amino Ester
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Proper use of Detane
Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, 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 medicine should be used only for problems being treated by your doctor or conditions listed in the package directions. Check with your doctor before using it for other problems, especially if you think that an infection may be present.
Do not use this medicine for more than 2 days without checking first with your doctor.
In children, instead of using this medicine, talk with your child's doctor about different ways to treat teething. Give your child a firm rubber teething ring, or gently rub or massage your child's gums with your finger to relieve symptoms of teething pain. Do not use this medicine in children under the age of 2 unless your doctor tells you to.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For sore throat and mouth pain: For oral dosage form (lozenges): Adults and children 5 years of age and older—One lozenge, dissolved slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed. Children younger than 5 years of age—Use is not recommended. For oral dosage form (gel, spray, ointment, or solution): Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area as needed. However, do not use it for more than 4 times a day. Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take 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
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Related medicines
Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.