For symptomatic relief of minor pain, itching, and irritation in the following localised skin conditions, such as insect bites, nettle stings, minor skin abrasions, and external genital and external anal itching.

For short term use only. If pain persists for more than 7 days, or worsens, seek medical advice.

Posology

For adults, the elderly and children aged 12 years and over:

Apply a small amount to the affected area up to 3 times a day.

Children under 12 years: The safety and efficacy of Lanacane Creme in children aged less than 12 years have not been established. No data are available.

Method of administration

For topical administration.

Hypersensitivity to benzocaine or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1 or paraaminobenzoic acid (PABA), parabens or paraphenylenediamine or to commercial hair dyes as there is cross-sensitivity between these products.

A history of allergy to local anaesthetics such as procaine, butacaine or any other 'caine' anaesthetics.

In patients who have a history of or are suspected to have, methaemoglobinaemia (see section 4.8). Do not use in patients who have a history of, or are suspected to have methaemoglobinaemia. The risk of methaemoglobinaemia is increased in patients who have a reduced haematological capacity for oxygen transport including those with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, haemaglobinopathies, or anaemia.

Do not use with sulphonamides (see section 4.5).

Do not use with cholinesterase inhibitors (see section 4.5).

Do not apply to large areas of skin, eczematous, sunburnt, infected or broken skin.

Local anaesthetics should not be used in patients with complete heart block.

Not for use on extensive body area or on the mouth or eyes or under conditions in which significant inhalation is likely.

This medicine contains fragrance with citronellol, benzyl benzoate, geraniol, benzyl alcohol, citral, cinnamal, alcohol, linalool and d-limonene that may cause allergic reactions.

Benzyl benzoate and benzyl alcohol may cause local irritation.

Lanacane contains sulphonated castor oil which may cause skin reactions.

Sulphonamides: Benzocaine is metabolised to para-aminobenzoic acid and may antagonise the effects of sulphonamides.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Cholinesterase inhibitors inhibit the metabolism of benzocaine.

Do not use in pregnancy or during breast feeding without first consulting a doctor.

Pregnancy

There are limited amounts of data from the use of benzocaine in pregnant women.

Breast feeding

There is insufficient information on the excretion of benzocaine metabolites in human milk.

Fertility

No known effects

None.

Adverse events which have been associated with benzocaine are given below, listed by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 and <1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1000 and <1/100), rare (≥ 1/10,000 and <1/1000), very rare (< 1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse events are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

Symptoms

The systemic toxicity of local anaesthetics such as benzocaine mainly involves the CNS and the cardiovascular system. Overdose may be associated with symptoms of methaemoglobinaemia which in mild cases may be asymptomatic or be associated with mild cyanosis. Symptoms of acute methaemoglobinaemia may include dyspnoea, headache, malaise, giddiness, and altered mental state.

Management

In the unlikely case of over dosage, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. If symptoms to not improve, consult a healthcare professional.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antipruritics, incl. Antihistamines, Anesthetics, etc;

ATC Code: D04 AB04

Benzocaine applied to the skin acts as a topical local anaesthetic, acting on nerve endings and receptors, temporarily reducing the itching and minor pain associated with various thermal, mechanical or chemical stimuli. The vanishing creme base also helps soothe, lubricate, and protect irritated skin.

When used as directed, some benzocaine applied topically may be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes and is hydrolysed by esterases in the plasma and in the liver, but this should be of negligible consequence. Benzocaine has the quickest onset and shortest duration of action of the commonly used topical anaesthetics.

None

Chlorothymol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, docusate sodium, fragrance (contains citronellol, benzyl benzoate, geraniol, benzyl alcohol, citral, cinnamal, alcohol, linalool and d-limonene), glycerine, glycerol monostearate, isopropyl alcohol, stearic acid, sulfonated castor oil, triethanolamine, water, zinc oxide.

None known.

Five years.

Store below 25° C.

In 30 gram and 60 gram aluminium tubes with a membrane covered nozzle and white high density polyethylene cap, overpacked in a printed folding cardboard unit carton

None