94-09-7

Benzocaine is a white odourless needle-like crystal, slightly soluble in water and easily soluble in organic solvents. For example: ethanol, chloroform, ether, soluble in almond oil, olive oil. Benzocaine is a local anaesthetic of the ester type with a poor solubility in water. The drug benzocaine is normally used as a topical pain reliever or as a common ingredient in cough drops. Benzocaine is used in multiple forms including lotion, gel, liquid, lozenges, and sprays. Benzocaine is a colorless trapezial crystal. Its melting point is 92℃ (88-90℃), boiling point is 183-184°C (1.87kPa). 1g of this drug is soluble in about 2500ml water, 5ml ethanol, 2ml chloroform, 4ml ether or 30-50ml almond oil and olive oil, and it is also soluble in dilute acid. Furthermore, being a PABA derivative, it has similar allergenic properties to procaine and is contraindicated with sulfonamide antibacterial agents.

Definition

ChEBI: Benzocaine cream or solution inside the condom de-sensitises the male sexual organ to help delay ejaculation and prolong erection during intercourse. Benzocaine is a benzoate ester having 4-aminobenzoic acid as the acid component and ethanol as the alcohol component. A surface anaesthetic, it is used to suppress the gag reflex, and as a lubricant and topical anaesthetic on the larynx, mouth, nasal cavity, respiratory tract, oesophagus, rectum, urinary tract, and vagina. It has a role as a topical anaesthetic, an antipruritic drug, an allergen and a sensitiser. It is a benzoate ester and a substituted aniline.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. Human systemic effects by rectal route: methemoglobinemia/carboxyhemoglobinem ia in infants. A skin irritant and a mild sensitizer.

Structure and conformation

Ethyl aminobenzoate, a para-aminobenzoate derivative (PABA)

InChI:InChI=1/C9H11NO2/c1-2-12-9(11)7-3-5-8(10)6-4-7/h3-6H,2,10H2,1H3/p+1