benzocaine · Medicine question

How does benzocaine produce local numbness?

iatroX medicinesPublished 8 November 2026

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Answer

Benzocaine produces reversible local numbness by preventing or reducing the generation and transmission of sensory nerve impulses near the application site, reversibly inhibiting neuronal membrane depolarisation and ion exchange.

Sources for this answer

Orajel Mouth GelChurch & Dwight UK Ltd · emc · SmPC §5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties · Version 2Document updated 30 April 2015

Sources checked 8 November 2026

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Can Orajel Mouth Gel containing benzocaine be used by people with a family history of methaemoglobinaemia?How should the affected area be prepared before applying Orajel Mouth Gel containing benzocaine?Through which tissues is benzocaine rapidly absorbed?What evidence is available about the safety of benzocaine during pregnancy?Where and how is benzocaine broken down in the body?Why should benzocaine not be used with sulphonamides?

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