Benzocaine is a topical local ester anesthetic used for relief of pain and itching, it acts by preventing transmission of impulses. Its duration of action lasts for about 10 minutes, once applied it diffuses into the nerve cells it binds to sodium channels. By binding to sodium channels it blocks the influx of sodium ions stopping the cells from depolarizing and conducting a nerve impulse. Benzocaine is broken down through ester hydrolysis into its resulting metabolites such as aminobenzoic acid, acetylbenzocaine and benzocaine hydroxylamine. Some adverse side effects that an individual may experience systemic toxicity syndrome, decreased cardiovascular function, decreased central nervous system function, cardiac complications and seizures.

Benzocaine References