Benzocaine is also called amino ethyl benzoate, a colorless or white orthorhombic needle-like crystals or crystalline powder. Benzocaine hydrochloride salt is the hydrochloride salt form of the local anesthetic benzocaine, with the same pharmacological effects of benzocaine and weaker effect of anesthesia than procaine. Local absorption is slow with lasting effect. It cannot be used for anesthesia as a result of not being dissolved in water. It can be used for pain relief and anti-itch. Benzocaine hydrochloride is usually made into powder or oil paste and used to heal wounds, ulcers, burns, skin abrasions and hemorrhoids.
Benzocaine is commonly found, particularly in Britain, as an impurity in street cocaine. Whilst giving a numbing effect similar to cocaine on users' gums it does not actually produce the effects of cocaine. But in terms of an orally based saliva drug test benzocaine can and has been mistaken for a false positive for cocaine.
Benzocaine HCL works by creating a chemical barrier that halts the build-up of sodium, which accumulates as the nerve endings are stimulated by pain. When sodium builds up, electrical signals also build in the nerve endings. These are eventually transmitted to the brain, which interprets the signals as pain.
Benzocaine is a local anesthetic commonly used as a topical pain reliever or in cough drops. It is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter anesthetic ointments such as products for oral ulcers. It is also combined with antipyrine to form A/B otic drops to relieve ear pain and remove earwax.
Benzocaine is used as a key ingredient in numerous pharmaceuticals:Over the counter throat lozenges such as Cepacol. Some glycerol-based ear medications for use in removing excess wax as well as relieving ear conditions such as otitis media and swimmers ear. Some previous diet products such as Ayds. Some condoms designed to prevent premature ejaculation. Benzocaine largely inhibits sensitivity on the penis, and can allow for an erection to be maintained longer (in a continuous act) by delaying ejaculation. Conversely, an erection will also fade faster if stimulus is interrupted.
