Бензокаин

Description

Benzocaine is an ethyl ester of 4-aminobenzoic (para-aminobenzoic) acid, an ether-type local anesthetic. It belongs to the class of esters of aromatic amino acids, is structurally related to novocaine (procaine), but does not contain a diethylaminoethanol fragment, which is why it acts only superficially, not being absorbed into the systemic bloodstream in significant quantities. In the nomenclature it is found under dozens of synonyms and trade names: Anestezin, Anestezin, Aneston, Norcain, Orthesin, Paratesin, Keloformin, Ethyl n-aminobenzoate, Ethyl 4-aminobenzoate, Benzoac, Gingikain, Anbezol, Ora-gel, Identesin and others. CAS 94-09-7.

Basic Attributes

• CAS No.: 94-09-7
• Chemical formula: C9H11NO2
• Section: carboxylic acids (according to the classifier of this catalog)

Substance class and mechanism of action

Benzocaine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in the membranes of nerve endings, preventing the generation and conduction of nerve impulses. Since the substance is practically insoluble in water and poorly ionized at physiological pH, it does not penetrate deep into the tissues and is not absorbed systemically in significant quantities - the action is limited to the superficial layers of the skin and mucous membranes where the substance is applied.

Scope of application

• local anesthesia of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and gums - gels and sprays to relieve pain during teething, dental procedures, sore throat
• component of over-the-counter medications to relieve itching and pain from sunburn, insect bites, minor wounds and skin irritations
• a means to reduce the sensitivity of the mucous membrane before medical procedures (endoscopy, dentistry)
• component of means for prolonging sexual intercourse (local anesthetics with prolonged action)

Due to its lack of systemic absorption, benzocaine has long remained the preferred anesthetic for over-the-counter medications used in children and adults for local mucosal anesthesia.

Precautions

The use of benzocaine, especially in children under two years of age, is associated with a rare but serious risk of methemoglobinemia, a condition in which hemoglobin loses its ability to carry oxygen; Health regulators in several countries have restricted or warned against the use of benzocaine in young children for this reason.

Storage and transportation

As an active pharmaceutical substance, benzocaine is stored and transported in accordance with GMP requirements: sealed containers, protection from moisture and direct light, controlled storage temperature, documented origin of each batch.

Difference from amide-type anesthetics

Unlike lidocaine and other amide-type anesthetics, which are metabolized by the liver and can act systemically through certain routes of administration, ether anesthetics like benzocaine are hydrolyzed by esterases directly in tissues and blood plasma, which further limits the time and depth of their action. It is this pharmacokinetic feature that ensures the high safety profile of benzocaine when applied superficially to intact mucous membranes or skin in therapeutic concentrations.