benzocaine spray

• Benzocaine Spray is a topical local anesthetic produced by Major Pharmaceuticals.
• The average retail price is $16.16 for a box containing 1, 20%, 25 unit dose 0.5ml sprays.
• Using a SingleCare prescription discount card, the price can be reduced to $8.10 for the same quantity.
• Benzocaine Spray is the generic form, while Americaine is the branded version, which is usually more expensive.
• Without insurance, the retail price is $16.16, but SingleCare coupons can reduce it to $8.10.
• With insurance, costs vary depending on the coverage; if not covered, SingleCare can be used for discounts.
• SingleCare discounts are also available for Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries if those programs don’t cover the medication.
• SingleCare coupons can be used at many national pharmacies like Walgreens, Kroger, Walmart, CVS, and Safeway.
• Coupons can be accessed via text, email, print, or mobile wallet and shown to the pharmacist at pickup.
• Benzocaine Spray offers the same ingredients as Americaine but at a significantly lower price.

Benzocaine is a local (topical) anesthetic. In the 20% spray formulation, it’s quite strong and is used to temporarily numb mucous membranes (in the mouth or throat) or skin. The spray allows benzocaine to be applied directly to an area where pain or discomfort exists — for example, before certain medical procedures (like endoscopy), dental work, or to relieve sore throat, mouth ulcers, etc.

How It Works

• Mechanism: Benzocaine blocks nerve signals by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels. This prevents the nerves in the sprayed area from sending pain signals.

• Onset & Duration: Effects are usually rapid (within minutes), and the numbness typically lasts only a short time.

Common Uses

Some situations in which a benzocaine 20% spray might be used include:

• To numb the throat or mouth before endoscopic or diagnostic procedures.

• To reduce gag reflex in certain medical settings.

• For short-term relief of throat soreness, mouth pain (ulcers, irritation).

• Sometimes in dentistry or oral surgery, to reduce discomfort.

Risks & Side Effects

Because 20% is a relatively high concentration, there are important safety concerns.

Methemoglobinemia

One of the most serious risks is methemoglobinemia: a condition where benzocaine oxidizes hemoglobin iron (from Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺), reducing the ability of blood to carry oxygen. Symptoms can include:

• Cyanosis (bluish or gray skin, lips, or nail beds) Shortness of breath, fast heart rate, fatigue, lightheadedness

• Possibly headache, confusion, or other signs of low oxygen in tissues  

Reported cases show that methemoglobinemia can develop very quickly, sometimes within minutes of application.

In documented incidents using benzocaine 20% spray (such as “Hurricaine” spray), patients developed methemoglobinemia during endoscopic procedures. Treatment with methylene blue (intravenous) was effective.

Other Risks & Considerations

• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, itching) to benzocaine or related compounds.

• If mucous membranes are inflamed or damaged, absorption might be increased, raising risk.

• Persons with certain medical conditions are at higher risk, including:

  • Lung disease (asthma, COPD) NCBI+2medilib.ir+2

  • Heart disease medilib.ir+1

  • Enzyme deficiencies (e.g., glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, NADH-methemoglobin reductase deficiency) medilib.ir+1

  • Very young children (especially under 2 years old) and infants U.S. Food and Drug Administration+1

• Overuse (too many sprays, too long spraying time) can increase risk. Non-metered sprays especially may deliver variable (often excessive) amounts depending on how long the trigger is pressed, the orientation of the can, etc. PMC

Safe Use Guidelines

To reduce the risk when using benzocaine 20% spray, the following practices are advisable:

1. Use the lowest effective dose: Limit the number of sprays, and the duration of each spray. For example, in some cases it’s recommended to limit to 1 second of spray. PubMed+1

2. Avoid multiple repeated applications in a short time. Let effects wear off before considering another dose.

3. Monitor for symptoms: After use, watch for any signs of methemoglobinemia or allergic reaction. If symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately.

4. Avoid use in high-risk individuals: Young children, people with lung/heart disease, enzyme defects, or damaged mucous membranes.

5. Consider alternatives when risk is high: For example, lidocaine-based sprays or gels might have lower risk of this specific complication.

Alternative Options

If benzocaine 20% spray is judged too risky (due to medical history, location of pain, etc.), some alternatives include:

• Lidocaine topical formulations (sprays, gels)

• Lower-concentration benzocaine gels or ointments (if only surface pain)

• Non-anesthetic pain relief or soothing methods (lozenges, numbing lozenges with less risk)

• Ice or cold compress (for external/skin pain)