Benzocaine, sold under the brand name Orajel amongst others, is a local anesthetic, belonging to the amino ester drug class, commonly used as a topical painkiller or in cough drops. It is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter anesthetic ointments such as products for oral ulcers. It is combined with antipyrine to form A/B ear drops. In the US, products containing benzocaine for oral application are contraindicated in children younger than two years old.[2][3]
It was first synthesised in 1890 in Germany and approved for medical use in 1902.[4]
Medical uses
Benzocaine is indicated to treat a variety of pain-related conditions. It may be used for: