BENZOCAINE EU

Benzocaine Technical Product Description

Chemical Name: Benzocaine

IUPAC Name: Ethyl 4-aminobenzoate

CAS Number: 94-09-7

Molecular Formula: C9H11NO2

Molecular Weight: 165.19 g/mol

Physical Properties:

• State: Solid at room temperature
• Melting Point: 88-90°C
• Boiling Point: 310°C
• Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform.

Chemical Properties:

• pKa: 2.7
• LogP: 1.86

Structure: Benzocaine is composed of a benzene ring connected to an ester functional group.

Mechanism of Action: Benzocaine is a local anesthetic which acts by blocking the voltage-gated sodium channels in the nerve cell membrane. By inhibiting the ionic fluxes required for the initiation and conduction of impulses, benzocaine stabilizes the neuronal membrane and causes a loss of sensation.

Applications:

1. Dental Procedures: Used as a topical agent to relieve pain during dental treatments.
2. Oral Gels: Used to treat mouth ulcers and soothe teething pain in infants.
3. Over-the-counter preparations: Found in products for relief from sore throats, sunburn, and minor skin irritations.
4. Ear Drops: Employed to alleviate pain from ear infections.

Safety Information:

• LD50 (oral, rat): 1,710 mg/kg
• Overdose or prolonged application may result in methemoglobinemia, a condition where the blood cannot effectively carry oxygen. Symptoms include shortness of breath, blue-gray discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, and fatigue.
• Avoid contact with the eyes. In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.
• Not for intravenous use.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Shelf Life: 5 years from the manufacturing date when stored under recommended conditions.

Precautions:

• Always use as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Benzocaine may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if you experience itching, redness, swelling, or rashes.
• Do not use on broken or inflamed skin.

Quality Control: Benzocaine products undergo rigorous testing to ensure their purity, potency, and safety. These tests include high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for purity, infrared (IR) spectroscopy for molecular confirmation, and various assays to determine potency.

Conclusion: Benzocaine is a versatile local anesthetic with a wide range of medical and over-the-counter applications. Its unique chemical and pharmacological properties make it a valuable tool for pain and itch relief in various conditions. Always ensure you are sourcing high-quality benzocaine from reputable suppliers and use it as directed for maximum safety and efficacy.