Benzocaine+cetrimide
About
Benzocaine+cetrimide is used to treat minor burns, scrapes, cuts, insect bites, and skin infections. A skin infection is a condition in which pathogens irritate and infect your skin and sometimes the deeper tissue underneath.
Benzocaine+cetrimide is composed of Benzocaine and Cetrimide. Benzocaine is a local anaesthetic that blocks the transmission of impulses across nerves, thereby easing the sensation of pain. Cetrimide functions as an antiseptic by virtue of its bacteria and fungus-killing nature. Thereby, Benzocaine+cetrimide helps treat skin infections.
Use Benzocaine+cetrimide as prescribed. In some cases, Benzocaine+cetrimide may cause very occasional side effects such as application site reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects consistently.
Please inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of its components. Discuss your entire medical history with the doctor, and in case you suffer from a very rare condition called methaemoglobinaemia, avoid using Benzocaine+cetrimide. Consult your doctor before using Benzocaine+cetrimide during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Uses of Benzocaine+cetrimide
Medicinal Benefits
Benzocaine+cetrimide has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It contains Benzocaine and Cetrimide. Benzocaine+cetrimide is used to relieve the pain, discomfort and itchiness caused by skin infections. Benzocaine is a local anaesthetic that blocks the transmission of impulses across nerves, thereby easing the sensation of pain. Cetrimide functions as an antiseptic by virtue of its bacteria and fungus-killing nature. It also shows detergent and emulsifying qualities that helps its surface action, thereby relieving itching, redness, inflammation and irritation of the skin. Benzocaine+cetrimide is hence used to treat surface-level itches, skin breaks and superficial infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Benzocaine+cetrimide
- Redness
- Stinging sensation
- Irritation at the site of application
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Benzocaine+cetrimide should not be used in case of any known allergy to either of the components. Discuss your entire medical history with your treating doctor and inform them of any history of blood disease (methaemoglobinaemia, G6PD deficiency, pyruvate kinase deficiency etc.), heart disease or breathing problems such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or smoking. Keep the doctor informed of any upcoming surgical or dental procedures. Please consult the doctor before using Benzocaine+cetrimide during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid wearing tight and dark coloured clothing on the affected area after applying Benzocaine+cetrimide. Avoid getting Benzocaine+cetrimide in your eyes, nostrils or mouth.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Benzocaine+cetrimide may interact with anti-anxiety drugs (alprazolam, midazolam, diazepam), blood-thinner (acenocoumarol), analgesic (acetaminophen), diuretic (acetazolamide), CNS acting drug (aclidinium), anti-HIV drug (abacavir) and anti-rheumatoid drug (abatacept).
Drug-Food Interactions: Benzocaine+cetrimide may interact with sorbic-acid-rich foods such as pickles, figs and prunes.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Benzocaine+cetrimide should be used with caution in patients with a known hypersensitivity disorder, allergy to sorbic acid, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, methemoglobinaemia, G6PD deficiency, pyruvate kinase deficiency or heart disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Benzocaine+cetrimide, but it is best avoided. Please consult a doctor in case of any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Benzocaine+cetrimide passes through breast milk. Exercise caution during breastfeeding. However, avoid using Benzocaine+cetrimide near or on the nipple to prevent any local contact with your child’s mouth.
Driving
safe if prescribedBenzocaine+cetrimide is unlikely to affect your ability to drive. However, in case of any side effects that impair your thinking, do not drive.
Liver
safe if prescribedBenzocaine+cetrimide is most probably safe on the liver. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Kidney
safe if prescribedBenzocaine+cetrimide is most probably safe on the kidney. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Children
cautionNot enough information is available on whether Benzocaine+cetrimide is safe for use in children below 12 years of age. Please consult your physician.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Drinking enough water and keeping your skin hydrated can go a long way in preventing skin infections.
- A diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins can be very effective in promoting wound healing.
- Iron, vitamin C, and zinc supplements can also speed up the wound healing process.
- Keep your skin moisturised adequately to ensure skin integrity and prevent any skin disease.
- Practising personal hygiene is also very effective in preventing bacterial and fungal infections.
- Limit or avoid your use of alcohol and caffeine as these can dysregulate the normal healing process of the body.
- Exercising for 30 minutes every day can be very beneficial in staying fit and improving immunity. You may even break down your daily exercise regimen into bit-sized workouts or activities of 10 minutes each.
- Avoid smoking as this can hamper wound healing.
Special Advise
- Benzocaine+cetrimide may rarely cause an allergic reaction in those with highly sensitive skin. It is best to test the product in a small patch for 24 hours before using it.
- In case Benzocaine+cetrimide gets into your eyes, rinse them out thoroughly, making sure you do not get the product into the other eye. If irritation persists, please consult a physician.
- Do not puncture or break the container of Benzocaine+cetrimide even when it is empty.
- In case of an allergic reaction to Benzocaine+cetrimide (a sudden rash, burning, stinging), inform the doctor immediately.
- Stop using Benzocaine+cetrimide and inform the doctor right away if you experience any symptoms of a disorder called methemoglobinaemia (paleness/bluing of skin, headache, shortness of breath, racing pulse, dizziness, giddiness and/or confusion).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Skin Infections: A skin infection is a condition in which pathogens irritate and infect your skin and sometimes the deeper tissue underneath. Surface infections caused by bacteria contribute to a majority of skin infections and manifestations. These can range from erysipelas, furuncles, carbuncles and boils to the more severe cellulitis, fascitis and folliculitis.
FAQs
Benzocaine+cetrimide works by exerting an antiseptic effect and killing infection-causing pathogens, thereby relieving the skin of any pain, discomfort or itch.
Benzocaine+cetrimide is suitable for all skin types if prescribed. If your concern is Benzocaine+cetrimide making the skin drier, speak to your dermatologist.
If you are an asthmatic, be cautious about using Benzocaine+cetrimide as there may be an interaction. For any concerns, consult your treating doctor.
It is not advisable to cover the skin with any tight clothing after applying Benzocaine+cetrimide. Try it keep it bare for some time at least.
Avoid contact of Benzocaine+cetrimide with mouth, nose, eyes and face. If contact occurs accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.
