What are the main uses of Orajel. How does benzocaine topical work. What are the potential side effects of using Orajel. Is Orajel safe for children and pregnant women. How should Orajel be applied for maximum effectiveness.

Understanding Orajel: A Comprehensive Guide to Benzocaine Topical

Orajel, a popular over-the-counter medication, contains benzocaine as its active ingredient. Benzocaine is a local anesthetic that functions by blocking nerve signals in the body, effectively numbing the area where it’s applied. This topical medication is widely used to alleviate various types of localized pain and discomfort.

Primary Uses of Orajel

Orajel is commonly employed to address:

• Minor skin irritations
• Sore throat
• Sunburn
• Vaginal or rectal irritation
• Ingrown toenails
• Hemorrhoids
• Other sources of minor surface pain

Additionally, healthcare professionals may use benzocaine to numb surfaces inside the mouth, nose, throat, vagina, or rectum before inserting medical instruments such as tubes or speculums.

Safety Precautions and Warnings for Orajel Use

While Orajel can be effective for pain relief, it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks and safety guidelines.

Age Restrictions and Contraindications

Is Orajel safe for all age groups? No, it’s not recommended for everyone. Benzocaine topical should not be used:

• To treat teething pain in infants
• In children under 2 years old
• By individuals who have previously experienced methemoglobinemia

Risk of Overdose

Can an overdose of Orajel be dangerous? Yes, applying more than the recommended dose can lead to excessive absorption through the skin and into the bloodstream, potentially causing fatal side effects. It’s crucial to follow dosage instructions carefully and avoid using numbing medicines without professional medical advice, especially during cosmetic procedures.

Potential Side Effects of Orajel

While Orajel is generally safe when used as directed, it can cause side effects in some individuals.

Methemoglobinemia: A Serious Concern

What is methemoglobinemia and how does it relate to Orajel use? Methemoglobinemia is a potentially fatal condition where oxygen levels in body tissues become dangerously low. It can occur after a single use of benzocaine or after several applications, particularly when used in the mouth or throat.

Symptoms of methemoglobinemia may appear within minutes or up to 2 hours after using Orajel and include:

• Headache, tiredness, confusion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or shortness of breath
• Pale, blue, or gray appearance of skin, lips, or fingernails

If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Other Side Effects

Common side effects of Orajel may include:

• Mild stinging, burning, or itching at the application site
• Skin tenderness or redness
• Dry white flakes where the medicine was applied

In rare cases, more severe reactions can occur. Stop using Orajel and consult a doctor if you experience:

• Severe burning, stinging, or sensitivity at the application site
• Swelling, warmth, or redness
• Oozing, blistering, or signs of infection

Orajel Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Are there special considerations for using Orajel during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? Yes, there are. The FDA categorizes benzocaine topical as Pregnancy Category C, meaning that risk cannot be ruled out. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before using Orajel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For breastfeeding mothers, if applying Orajel to the chest area, it’s crucial to avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby’s mouth.

Proper Application and Dosage of Orajel

How should Orajel be applied for maximum effectiveness and safety? Follow these guidelines:

1. Use Orajel exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor
2. Do not use larger amounts or for longer periods than recommended
3. Read all medication guides carefully
4. Apply only to the surface of your body or just inside the mouth, vagina, or rectum
5. Avoid contact with eyes
6. When using in the mouth, avoid swallowing the gel, liquid, or ointment
7. Throat sprays or oral lozenges can be gradually swallowed during use

Dietary Considerations

To ensure optimal effectiveness, avoid eating for at least one hour after applying Orajel to your gums or inside your mouth.

Interactions and Precautions

While Orajel is generally safe for most people, certain individuals should exercise caution or consult a healthcare provider before use.

High-Risk Groups

Who should be particularly cautious when using Orajel? Individuals with the following conditions or characteristics should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use:

• Personal or family history of methemoglobinemia
• Genetic enzyme deficiencies
• Asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorders
• Heart disease
• Smokers

Alternatives to Orajel for Pain Relief

While Orajel can be effective for many types of localized pain, there are alternative methods and medications that may be suitable depending on the specific condition.

Natural Remedies

What are some natural alternatives to Orajel for pain relief? Consider these options:

• Clove oil: Known for its numbing properties, particularly for dental pain
• Saltwater rinse: Can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief for mouth sores or toothaches
• Cold compress: Effective for reducing swelling and numbing pain in various parts of the body
• Aloe vera: Can provide soothing relief for minor burns or skin irritations
• Peppermint tea bags: When cooled and applied to the affected area, can help with oral pain

Over-the-Counter Alternatives

Are there other OTC medications that can be used instead of Orajel? Yes, depending on the type of pain you’re experiencing, consider:

• Ibuprofen: For general pain relief and inflammation reduction
• Acetaminophen: For pain relief without anti-inflammatory properties
• Topical analgesics containing capsaicin or menthol: For localized pain relief
• Oral anesthetic gels containing lidocaine: For mouth pain

Always consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine the most appropriate alternative for your specific situation.

Long-Term Use and Potential Risks of Orajel

While Orajel can provide effective short-term relief, it’s important to understand the implications of prolonged use.

Developing Tolerance

Can regular use of Orajel lead to tolerance? Yes, frequent use of topical anesthetics like benzocaine can potentially lead to tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. This increases the risk of adverse reactions and overdose.

Masking Underlying Issues

Is there a risk in relying on Orajel for ongoing pain management? Indeed, using Orajel or similar products to manage chronic pain may mask underlying health issues that require medical attention. If you find yourself needing to use Orajel frequently or for extended periods, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to identify and address the root cause of your pain.

Long-Term Safety Concerns

What are the potential risks of long-term Orajel use? While short-term use as directed is generally safe, prolonged or frequent use of benzocaine products may lead to:

• Increased risk of methemoglobinemia
• Skin irritation or allergic reactions
• Disruption of natural oral bacteria balance when used in the mouth
• Potential interference with the body’s natural healing processes

It’s always best to use Orajel as a temporary solution while addressing the underlying cause of pain or discomfort under medical supervision.

Understanding Benzocaine: The Active Ingredient in Orajel

To fully comprehend how Orajel works, it’s essential to delve into the properties and mechanisms of its active ingredient, benzocaine.

Chemical Properties

What makes benzocaine an effective local anesthetic? Benzocaine is an ester-type local anesthetic, chemically related to procaine. Its molecular structure allows it to easily penetrate mucous membranes and skin, providing rapid onset of anesthetic action.

Mechanism of Action

How does benzocaine actually numb pain? Benzocaine works by:

1. Blocking sodium channels in nerve membranes
2. Preventing the generation and conduction of nerve impulses
3. Reducing the sensation of pain in the affected area

This process effectively creates a temporary, localized numbness without affecting overall consciousness or central nervous system function.

Comparison to Other Local Anesthetics

How does benzocaine compare to other topical anesthetics? While benzocaine is widely used, it’s not the only option:

• Lidocaine: Often used in medical settings, provides longer-lasting numbness
• Tetracaine: More potent than benzocaine, but with a higher risk of allergic reactions
• Prilocaine: Less likely to cause allergic reactions, but may have a slower onset of action

Each anesthetic has its own profile of benefits and risks, making them suitable for different applications and individuals.

Orajel in Different Forms: Choosing the Right Product

Orajel and other benzocaine-containing products come in various forms to address different needs and preferences.

Available Formulations

What are the different forms of Orajel available? The product line includes:

• Gels: Easy to apply, particularly for mouth pain
• Liquids: Useful for covering larger areas or reaching difficult spots
• Ointments: Provide longer-lasting relief and moisturizing effects
• Sprays: Convenient for throat pain or hard-to-reach areas
• Lozenges: Combine numbing action with soothing effects for sore throats

Choosing the Right Form

How do you select the most appropriate Orajel product? Consider these factors:

1. Location of pain or discomfort
2. Ease of application
3. Duration of relief needed
4. Personal preference for texture and application method

For instance, a gel might be ideal for precise application to a canker sore, while a spray could be more suitable for general sore throat relief.

Regulatory Status and Quality Control of Orajel

Understanding the regulatory framework and quality control measures for Orajel can provide reassurance about its safety and efficacy.

FDA Regulation

Is Orajel regulated by the FDA? Yes, as an over-the-counter medication, Orajel is subject to FDA regulations. The FDA has established guidelines for the use of benzocaine in topical anesthetics, including:

• Maximum concentration limits
• Labeling requirements
• Age restrictions
• Warnings about methemoglobinemia risk

Quality Control Measures

What quality control processes ensure the safety and consistency of Orajel products? Manufacturers of Orajel and similar products typically implement:

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Batch testing for purity and potency
• Stability testing to ensure product efficacy throughout its shelf life
• Ongoing safety monitoring and reporting to regulatory agencies

These measures help maintain the quality and reliability of Orajel products available to consumers.

Future Developments in Topical Anesthetics

As medical research advances, new developments in topical anesthetics may offer improved options for pain relief.

Emerging Technologies

What innovations are on the horizon for topical pain relief? Researchers are exploring:

• Nanoparticle delivery systems for more targeted and prolonged anesthetic effects
• Novel compounds with reduced risk of side effects
• Combination products that incorporate anti-inflammatory or healing agents
• Smart delivery systems that respond to pH or temperature changes

Potential Improvements

How might future topical anesthetics improve upon current products like Orajel? Anticipated advancements include:

• Longer-lasting pain relief
• Reduced risk of systemic absorption and associated side effects
• More precise targeting of specific pain receptors
• Enhanced penetration through skin and mucous membranes
• Formulations that promote healing in addition to pain relief

While Orajel and similar benzocaine products remain effective for many users, ongoing research promises to expand the options for safe and efficient topical pain management in the future.

Orajel (Benzocaine Topical) – Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

Reviewed: June 23, 2020

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Benzocaine topical is used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by minor skin irritations, sore throat, sunburn, vaginal or rectal irritation, ingrown toenails, hemorrhoids, and many other sources of minor pain on a surface of the body. Benzocaine is also used to numb the skin or surfaces inside the mouth, nose, throat, vagina, or rectum to lessen the pain of inserting a medical instrument such as a tube or speculum.

Benzocaine topical should not be used to treat teething pain in infants, and is not approved for use in a child younger than 2 years old. There are many brands and forms of benzocaine topical available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Benzocaine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

uses

What is Orajel (Benzocaine Topical) used for?

• Anesthesia
• Pain
• Pruritus
• Hemorrhoids
• Burns – External

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Orajel (Benzocaine Topical)?

Do not use benzocaine topical if you have ever had methemoglobinemia in the past.

Do not use benzocaine topical 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 benzocaine topical to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby’s mouth.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Orajel (Benzocaine Topical)?

Benzocaine topical 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 benzocaine topical 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: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using benzocaine topical 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 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.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Orajel (Benzocaine Topical) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

C

Risk cannot be ruled out

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

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

If you apply benzocaine topical to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby’s mouth.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Orajel (Benzocaine Topical)?

Avoid eating within 1 hour after using benzocaine topical on your gums or inside your mouth.

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

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Orajel (Benzocaine Topical)?

Use Orajel (Benzocaine Topical) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Use 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 this medicine 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 benzocaine topical. Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice.

Do not use benzocaine topical to treat large skin areas or deep puncture wounds. Avoid using the medicine on skin that is raw or blistered, such as a severe burn or abrasion.

To treat minor skin conditions, apply a thin layer of benzocaine topical to the affected area. If using the spray, hold the container 6 to 12 inches away from the skin. Do not spray this medication onto your face. Spray it instead on your hands and then rub it onto the face, avoiding contact with your eyes.

Clean the area with soap and water before applying benzocaine topical. Wash your hands before and after inserting a rectal suppository.

Do not take a rectal suppository by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

Remove the wrapper, but avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt. Lie on your back with your knees up toward your chest. Gently insert the suppository into your rectum about 1 inch, pointed tip first.

Stay lying down for a few minutes while the suppository melts. You should feel little or no discomfort. Avoid using the bathroom for at least an hour.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse within the first 7 days of using benzocaine topical. 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.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Orajel (Benzocaine Topical)?

Since benzocaine topical 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.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Orajel (Benzocaine Topical)?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Orajel (Benzocaine Topical),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking Orajel (Benzocaine Topical), call 911

911

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Medical Disclaimer

Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Overview, Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Pregnancy, Interactions, Dosage, Overdose, and Images sections. The information within all other sections is proprietary to Everyday Health. 

What Happens If You Swallow Orajel?

Orajel is a pain-relieving gel that can be used for all ages to deal with toothaches, sores, and other problems in the mouth. All you need to do is place a small dollop on the affected area and the pain will go away within seconds.

However, since Orajel is a product for people of all ages (and that includes children of over two years), you might wonder what happens if the child in your life swallows some of the Orajel, or you accidentally do.

This article is going to go through what happens if someone swallows Orajel, as well as some other potential side effects of improperly using the gel. We’ll aslo cover what Orajel actually is and how to properly use it.

What Happens If Orajel Is Swallowed?

Now, much like toothpaste and gum, if it goes in your mouth, you are probably going to swallow at least some of it. Toothpaste and gum are pretty safe to swallow, as long as you aren’t doing so deliberately, and Orajel is the same way.

It might give you an unpleasant taste in your mouth and could slightly numb your throat (though not in any way that will cause harm to you). If you wind up swallowing Orajel, it won’t really cause any issues for your health or the health of any children who take it.

However, there is one condition (though very rare) that you will need to be aware of. It is a rare blood problem called methemoglobinemia, which is something that can happen to you if your family tree is susceptible to it… and if you end up swallowing or applying too much of it.

What To Know About Methemoglobinemia

Methemoglobinemia is a rare but very serious and life-threatening blood problem that can occur after the application of Orajel or any other product that contains benzocaine. It often occurs when too much Orajel is applied, but can sometimes happen with just a normal dose if the person in question is susceptible to the condition.

Methemoglobinemia has several symptoms that are hard not to notice, because it is a blood disorder that happens whenever your cells are not getting enough oxygen delivered to them.

This can lead to cyanosis: a bluish color of the skin, especially the lips and the fingers, and your blood can even turn brown from lack of oxygen. Additionally, methemoglobinemia can lead to headaches, breathing problems, nausea, rapid heart rate, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

It can very quickly turn into a medical emergency if you don’t get it treated and get your blood oxygenated quickly. Treatments with blood transfusions, as well as a drug called methylene blue which oxygenates the blood, can help to heal you.

However, in order to prevent Methemoglobinemia from happening in the first place, you need to make sure that you aren’t applying too much Orajel on your skin or in your mouth to begin with.

Reducing The Risk Of Swallowing Orajel

If you want to avoid swallowing Orajel, then you need to focus on certain things that you can control about your use of Orajel. First, make sure to only use the correct amount which is a small dose. The bigger the dose is the bigger the chance that you accidentally swallow it.

Additionally, don’t eat food or drink anything for at least one hour after you apply the Orajel to your toothache.

Still, even if you do wind up swallowing some Orajel, know that nothing too bad will happen to you. You might get an unpleasant taste in your mouth and maybe a funny feeling in your throat, but it won’t kill or seriously harm you. Just make sure to monitor your health and you should be fine.

Don’t be too paranoid about swallowing Orajel, because you should be thinking about what it can do to prevent your toothache. Often, Orajel numbs the pain and then dials the pain back just enough for you to find your way to the dentist.

What Exactly Is Orajel?

Orajel is a toothache gel that you can get over the counter without a prescription, and it works just like toothpaste. You apply the gel directly to the toothache or the painful area in your mouth, and then it starts to work within seconds! The main ingredient in Orajel is Benzocaine, which is a topical local anesthetic. It is used to relieve pain and itching for a lot of ailments, both in the mouth and over the rest of the body.

Orajel is designed to be used in the mouth for things like toothaches, mouth sores, and other problems. It works by deadening the nerves in the area it is applied to, preventing those inflamed or otherwise irritated nerve endings from sending their pain signals to the brain.

It works at full strength within seconds. Once it starts to fade, it still works at a reduced strength for several hours after the initial application. Plus, you can also apply the gel several times throughout the day, so if you really can’t handle the pain, then you won’t have to.

How To Apply Orajel Correctly

While you might think that you need to apply as much Orajel as possible to overcome your toothache pain, instead you need to follow the instructions on the label. You need to use the smallest amount possible, which is the amount indicated on the label, as it is very powerful.

If a small amount of benzocaine can numb your tooth, then a much larger amount can cause you to numb your entire face. So you want to make sure that you are following the directions, especially whenever it comes to using Orajel with young children who have toothaches or mouth pain.

So make sure to take small dollops of Orajel and then gently apply it to the area of your mouth where you have the toothache, and don’t be tempted to use too much. You should get the instant effect of the Orajel every single time you use it, and that should be enough to get you to a dentist.

Should You Use Orajel For Babies?

There’s nothing more frustrating than having to deal with a baby who is teething. They are getting their baby teeth and also in a lot of pain, and while things to chew on and other devices can help with the pain, you might wonder if Orajel or other similar gels are able to prevent the endless crying that comes with teething children and relieve them of some pain.

Orajel shouldn’t be used for children under two years old. Not only is there a massive chance of your child swallowing most of it, but benzocaine can be dangerous, and the FDA strongly recommends against giving Orajel or any product containing benzocaine to any child under two years of age.

This is because young children are at extremely high risk for developing methemoglobinemia, and the risk of a young child developing the potentially fatal illness just isn’t worth it for the relief it gives. And since Orajel rubs off easily and your child will likely swallow it without thinking about it, the risk can only grow.

There are plenty of baby-safe teething toys, cold objects and washcloths, and pacifiers that you can use to keep your child from suffering the effects of a toothache. If these tools aren’t working, then you can use liquid painkillers in the proper doctor-approved dosages, but don’t use Orajel!

How Does The Dentist Fix Your Toothache?

If you don’t want to keep using Orajel or have to worry about not swallowing it all the time, then you need to know how to stop your toothaches from occurring. Once you go to the dentist, they will see what is causing your toothache.

Common symptoms are tooth decay, cavities, root canals, and even a lost tooth. A toothache can be caused by many different things, and your dentist is going to look at your mouth and see how to fix the toothache.

If there’s tooth decay, then your dentist will work to remove it and replace the decayed area with a filling on your tooth. And if a broken or damaged filling is what happens to be causing your problem, then they will remove the filling, remove any decay that might have built around it, and then place a new filling in its place to give you a new strong tooth.

If your toothache is caused because the pulp inside the tooth is infected, then a root canal treatment will remove the infected pulp. For most toothaches, simple procedures like this are what need to be done. But if the toothache is so severe it can’t be treated, then the tooth might need to be removed.

So make sure that you know how to use Orajel safely.