What is the function of benzocaine?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Benzocaine, as a local anesthetic, has core effects including local analgesia, topical anesthesia of skin and mucous membranes, relief of minor injury pain, alleviation of oral and pharyngeal discomfort, and assistance during medical procedures. When using benzocaine, avoid extensive or prolonged topical application, and individuals with allergic predispositions should perform a local skin test beforehand. The drug must be used strictly according to the instructions for its specific formulation.
Benzocaine, as a local anesthetic, has core functions including local analgesia, topical anesthesia of skin and mucous membranes, relief of minor trauma pain, alleviation of oral and pharyngeal discomfort, and assistance in medical procedures. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Local Analgesia: By blocking pain signal transmission in nerve endings, benzocaine rapidly relieves localized pain. It is commonly used for pain and discomfort caused by insect bites, skin itching, mild burns, or sunburns. The drug acts directly and gently, effectively reducing stinging or burning sensations caused by local irritation.
2. Topical Anesthesia of Skin and Mucous Membranes: Applied before minor medical procedures to reduce sensitivity of the skin or mucous membranes. For example, it is used during small wart removal in dermatology, localized gingival treatments in dentistry, and conjunctival sac examinations in ophthalmology, helping to minimize pain and foreign body sensation during these procedures.
3. Relief of Minor Trauma Pain: For everyday superficial injuries such as scrapes and cuts, topical benzocaine preparations can be applied around the wound area to alleviate pain caused by the injury. This also helps prevent local muscle tension due to pain, creating a more comfortable environment for wound healing.
4. Alleviation of Oral and Pharyngeal Discomfort: Some benzocaine-containing formulations can relieve symptoms such as mouth ulcers and sore throat. Upon contact with oral mucosa, the drug quickly numbs the painful area, reducing pain during eating or swallowing. Its effect is short-lived, so normal taste function is not affected.
5. Assistance in Medical Procedures: Used as an adjunctive medication in minimally invasive medical procedures—such as urethral catheterization or pre-intubation mucosal anesthesia during tracheal intubation—to reduce mucosal irritation, decrease patient discomfort, and prevent involuntary movements caused by pain, thereby enhancing procedural safety.
When using benzocaine, avoid extensive or prolonged topical application. Individuals with allergic predispositions should perform a local skin test first. The drug must be used strictly according to the instructions for its formulation; oral ingestion and application to deep wounds or severely damaged skin should be avoided to prevent adverse reactions and ensure safe use.
