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What Are The After Effects Of Accidental Ingestion Of Benzocaine?

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Posted on Sat, 21 May 2016
Question: Hi
My 7 months old baby licked open condom cover which had little amount of gel like thing.it says 4.5% benzocaine.very worried what should I do now...the gel was very little in that cover
doctor
Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Do not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I understand your concerns but don't worry. Benzocaine can lead to methemoglobinemia in few babies. The symptoms usually appear within 1 hour of consumption. So, watch your baby for any skin discolouration, cyanosis, breathlessness, dizziness or lethargy. If he doesn't show any abnormal signs and symptoms then there is no need to worry. If present, then visit an ER for proper management. It can be easily managed by timely administration of methylene blue.

Hopefully it will be of help.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Archana Verma (9 minutes later)
Should I give him any medicine.it has been more than an hour.he had milk and is sleeping now.no other symptoms
doctor
Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No need for any medications

Detailed Answer:
He is unlikely to have any toxicity due to benzocaine if more than one hour has passed uneventful. Hopefully he will be fine. No need for medications. Just keep a watch for symptoms I suggested earlier for the next few hours.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Archana Verma (11 minutes later)
Will methemoglobinemia show symptoms later..he is sleeping (usually sleeps by this time) should I wake him up to watch for symptoms.how much percentage of benzocaine is toxic..i read online that it is used in baby teething gels..vry much worried...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Its highly unlikely to cause him harm

Detailed Answer:
The exposure was very insignificant and highly unlikely to be of any harm to him. Let him sleep. Just keep a watch on his general breathing pattern and colour of nails and lips. Hopefully he will be fine.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Archana Verma

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 1129 Questions

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What Are The After Effects Of Accidental Ingestion Of Benzocaine?

Brief Answer: Do not worry Detailed Answer: Hi I understand your concerns but don't worry. Benzocaine can lead to methemoglobinemia in few babies. The symptoms usually appear within 1 hour of consumption. So, watch your baby for any skin discolouration, cyanosis, breathlessness, dizziness or lethargy. If he doesn't show any abnormal signs and symptoms then there is no need to worry. If present, then visit an ER for proper management. It can be easily managed by timely administration of methylene blue. Hopefully it will be of help. Take care