Generic name: benzocaine topical [ BENZ-oh-kane-TOP-ik-al ]
Drug class: Topical anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 23, 2023.

What is Anbesol Gel?

Anbesol Gel contains benzocaine), a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Anbesol Gel numbs the skin or surfaces inside the mouth and used for the temporary relief of pain from sore throat, canker sores, fever blisters, minor irritation or injury of the mouth and gums.

Anbesol Gel should not be used in a child younger than 2 years old..

Warnings

Anbesol Gel used in the mouth may cause a condition in which the oxygen in your body tissues can become dangerously low. This is a potentially fatal condition called methemoglobinemia (met-HEEM-oh glo-bin-EE-mee-a). Do not use this medicine if you have ever had methemoglobinemia.

GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF METHEMOGLOBINEMIA: headache, tired feeling, confusion, fast heart rate, and feeling light-headed or short of breath, with a pale, blue, or gray appearance of your skin, lips, or fingernails.

An overdose of numbing medication can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. Use the smallest amount needed.

Do not use Anbesol Gel on a child younger than 2 years old.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Anbesol Gel if you have ever had methemoglobinemia in the past.

Do not use Anbesol Gel on a child younger than 2 years old.

An overdose of numbing medication can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. This can happen if you apply more than the recommended dose.

Fatal overdoses have occurred when numbing medicines were used without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• a personal or family history of methemoglobinemia, or any genetic (inherited) enzyme deficiency;

• asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorder;

• heart disease; or

• if you smoke.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

If you apply Anbesol Gel to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

How should I use Anbesol Gel?

Use Anbesol Gel exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Your body may absorb more of Anbesol Gel if you use too much, if you apply it over large skin areas, or if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas. Skin that is cut or irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.

Use the smallest amount needed to numb the skin or relieve pain. Do not use large amounts of Anbesol Gel. Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice.

Do not use Anbesol Gel to treat large skin areas or deep puncture wounds. Avoid using the medicine on skin that is raw or blistered.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse within the first 7 days of using Anbesol Gel. Also call your doctor if your symptoms had cleared up but then came back.

If you are treating a sore throat, call your doctor if the pain is severe or lasts longer than 2 days, especially if you also develop a fever, headache, skin rash, swelling, nausea, vomiting, cough, or breathing problems.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Related/similar drugs

acetaminophen, tramadol, cyclobenzaprine, naproxen, oxycodone, Tylenol, triamcinolone topical, dexamethasone, benzocaine topical

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Anbesol Gel is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of benzocaine applied to the skin can cause life-threatening side effects such as uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).

What should I avoid while using Anbesol Gel?

Avoid eating within 1 hour after using Anbesol Gel on your gums or inside your mouth.

Anbesol Gel is for use only on the surface of your body, or just inside the mouth. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. Avoid swallowing the gel while applying it to your gums or the inside of your mouth. The throat spray or oral lozenge may be swallowed gradually during use.

Anbesol Gel side effects

Anbesol Gel used in the mouth may cause a condition in which the oxygen in your body tissues can become dangerously low. This is a potentially fatal condition called methemoglobinemia (met-HEEM-oh glo-bin-EE-mee-a). This condition may occur after only one use of benzocaine or after several uses.

Signs and symptoms may occur within minutes or up to 2 hours after using Anbesol Gel in the mouth or throat. GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP IF YOU HAVE:

• a headache, tiredness, confusion;

• fast heartbeats;

• feeling light-headed or short of breath; and

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

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Anbesol: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Anbesol Gel and call your doctor at once if you have:

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

• swelling, warmth, or redness; or

• oozing, blistering, or any signs of infection.

Common Anbesol Gel side effects may include:

• mild stinging, burning, or itching where the medicine is applied;

• skin tenderness or redness; or

• dry white flakes where the medicine was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Anbesol Gel?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Anbesol Gel only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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