Lanacane

Generic name: Benzocaine Topical
Drug class: Topical anesthetics

Usage of Lanacane

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

Lanacane is used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by minor skin irritations, insect bites, poison ivy, sunburn, ingrown toenails, and many other sources of minor pain on a surface of the body.

Lanacane side effects

Lanacane should not be used in the mouth. Other products containing benzocaine are used in the mouth and 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 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 Lanacane: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Lanacane 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 Lanacane 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.

Before taking Lanacane

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

Do not use Lanacane 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 Lanacane 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 Lanacane if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

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

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How to use Lanacane

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

Do not use Lanacane 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 Lanacane 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 this medicine.

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

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

Warnings

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

An overdose of benzocaine 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.

What other drugs will affect Lanacane

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.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

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