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Too much orajel side effects


Orajel (Benzocaine Topical) - Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

Reviewed:

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Benzocaine topical is used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by minor skin irritations, sore throat, sunburn, vaginal or rectal irritation, ingrown toenails, hemorrhoids, and many other sources of minor pain on a surface of the body. Benzocaine is also used to numb the skin or surfaces inside the mouth, nose, throat, vagina, or rectum to lessen the pain of inserting a medical instrument such as a tube or speculum.

Benzocaine topical should not be used to treat teething pain in infants, and is not approved for use in a child younger than 2 years old. There are many brands and forms of benzocaine topical available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Benzocaine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

uses

What is Orajel (Benzocaine Topical) used for?

  • Anesthesia
  • Pain
  • Pruritus
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Burns - External

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Orajel (Benzocaine Topical)?

Do not use benzocaine topical if you have ever had methemoglobinemia in the past.

Do not use benzocaine topical on a child younger than 2 years old.

An overdose of numbing medication can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. This can happen if you apply more than the recommended dose.

Fatal overdoses have occurred when numbing medicines were used without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

  • a personal or family history of methemoglobinemia, or any genetic (inherited) enzyme deficiency;
  • asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorder;
  • heart disease; or
  • if you smoke.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

If you apply benzocaine topical to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

User Reviews & Rating

Overall rating for Orajel (Benzocaine Topical)

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Effectiveness

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Side Effects

What are the side effects of Orajel (Benzocaine Topical)?

Benzocaine topical used in the mouth may cause a condition in which the oxygen in your body tissues can become dangerously low. This is a potentially fatal condition called methemoglobinemia (met-HEEM-oh glo-bin-EE-mee-a). This condition may occur after only one use of benzocaine or after several uses.

Signs and symptoms may occur within minutes or up to 2 hours after using benzocaine topical in the mouth or throat. GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP IF YOU HAVE:

  • a headache, tiredness, confusion;
  • fast heartbeats;
  • feeling light-headed or short of breath; and
  • pale, blue, or gray appearance of your skin, lips, or fingernails.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using benzocaine topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe burning, stinging, or sensitivity where the medicine is applied;
  • swelling, warmth, or redness; or
  • oozing, blistering, or any signs of infection.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild stinging, burning, or itching where the medicine is applied;
  • skin tenderness or redness; or
  • dry white flakes where the medicine was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Orajel (Benzocaine Topical) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

C

Risk cannot be ruled out

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

If you apply benzocaine topical to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Orajel (Benzocaine Topical)?

Avoid eating within 1 hour after using benzocaine topical on your gums or inside your mouth.

Benzocaine topical is for use only on the surface of your body, or just inside the mouth, vagina, or rectum. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. Avoid swallowing the gel, liquid, or ointment while applying it to your gums or the inside of your mouth. The throat spray or oral lozenge may be swallowed gradually during use.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Orajel (Benzocaine Topical)?

Use Orajel (Benzocaine Topical) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Your body may absorb more of this medicine if you use too much, if you apply it over large skin areas, or if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas. Skin that is cut or irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.

Use the smallest amount needed to numb the skin or relieve pain. Do not use large amounts of benzocaine topical. Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice.

Do not use benzocaine topical to treat large skin areas or deep puncture wounds. Avoid using the medicine on skin that is raw or blistered, such as a severe burn or abrasion.

To treat minor skin conditions, apply a thin layer of benzocaine topical to the affected area. If using the spray, hold the container 6 to 12 inches away from the skin. Do not spray this medication onto your face. Spray it instead on your hands and then rub it onto the face, avoiding contact with your eyes.

Clean the area with soap and water before applying benzocaine topical. Wash your hands before and after inserting a rectal suppository.

Do not take a rectal suppository by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

Remove the wrapper, but avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt. Lie on your back with your knees up toward your chest. Gently insert the suppository into your rectum about 1 inch, pointed tip first.

Stay lying down for a few minutes while the suppository melts. You should feel little or no discomfort. Avoid using the bathroom for at least an hour.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse within the first 7 days of using benzocaine topical. Also call your doctor if your symptoms had cleared up but then came back.

If you are treating a sore throat, call your doctor if the pain is severe or lasts longer than 2 days, especially if you also develop a fever, headache, skin rash, swelling, nausea, vomiting, cough, or breathing problems.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Orajel (Benzocaine Topical)?

Since benzocaine topical is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Orajel (Benzocaine Topical)?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Orajel (Benzocaine Topical),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Orajel (Benzocaine Topical), call 911

911

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Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Overview, Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Pregnancy, Interactions, Dosage, Overdose, and Images sections. The information within all other sections is proprietary to Everyday Health. 

Orajel Maximum Strength Mucous Membrane: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Benzocaine is used short term to relieve pain from minor mouth problems (such as toothache, canker sores, sore gums/throat, mouth/gum injury). It is a local anesthetic that works by numbing the painful area.Do not use this product for children younger than 2 years due to risk of serious side effects. Ask your doctor for more details.

How to use Orajel Maximum Strength Gel

Follow all directions on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use this medication more than 4 times a day unless directed by your doctor. Allow medication to stay on painful area for at least 1 minute before spitting out or rinsing the mouth.

Do not use large amounts of this drug or use more often than directed because the risk for serious side effects (including rarely fatal methemoglobinemia) will increase.

Avoid getting this medication in the eyes.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor if your sore throat is severe or if it lasts for more than 2 days, or if your sore mouth symptoms last more than 7 days, or if you have a fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting. You may have a serious medical problem that may require different treatment. If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Side Effects

Slight burning, tingling, or stinging may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication has rarely caused a very serious (possibly fatal) blood disorder (methemoglobinemia). This effect is more likely if you have breathing problems, certain diseases of the blood, or if you smoke (see also Precautions section). The symptoms of this disorder may occur within minutes to a couple of hours after using this medication. Stop using this medication and get medical help right away if you develop any symptoms of methemoglobinemia, including: pale/bluish/gray skin, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, dizziness, headache, confusion.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www. fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using benzocaine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "caine" anesthetics (such as procaine) or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: heart disease, certain blood disorders (G6PD deficiency, pyruvate kinase deficiency, hemoglobin-M disease, NADH-methemoglobin reductase deficiency), breathing problems (such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, smoking history).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Does Orajel Maximum Strength Gel interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow/shallow breathing, seizures, irregular heartbeat.

Keep all regular medical, dental, and laboratory appointments.

Not applicable.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects: Why They Happen and How to Manage Them

Mini Kamboj, Chief Epidemiologist at MSK, receives the vaccine.

After the injection, side effects may occur, which is typical for any vaccine. The good news is that COVID-19 vaccines have similar side effects, which are usually mild and short-lived, about 1-3 days.

The most common side effects include arm pain, weakness (feeling tired), headache, aches and fever. Serious side effects are very rare and can be treated.

This is hard to predict. Side effects are more likely to occur and may be more noticeable after a second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty®) or Moderna (Spikevax™) COVID-19 vaccine.

back to top of page

If you experience side effects, that's a good sign. They indicate that the vaccine is working and triggering the immune system.

After vaccination, your immune system recognizes something foreign. The immune system automatically launches a mild attack against it. This process teaches your immune cells to recognize and respond to invaders. That's why you may experience side effects. Let's put it this way: the body's reaction to the vaccine is like training before a real fight.

If you were to become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated, your immune system would be ready for an even larger and more powerful attack to protect you.

Just because you don't have side effects doesn't mean the vaccine didn't work. In clinical trials of the vaccine, more than half of the participants did not experience any side effects, but we are confident that the vaccine works effectively in these people too.

back to top of page

If you experience pain or discomfort after vaccination, ask your doctor if you can take over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Ways to relieve pain and discomfort in the hand:

  • Cover the affected area with a cool, clean, damp cloth.
  • Warm up your arm or do some exercise with that arm.

In most cases, discomfort from heat or pain is normal. Contact your doctor in the following cases:

  • If redness and pain at the injection site worsens after 24 hours.
  • If the side effects bother you a lot or don't go away after a few days.
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You should wait for the vaccination and then monitor how you feel. If side effects occur, over-the-counter medications (such as Advil or Tylenol) can be taken to lower fever, reduce chills, or relieve headaches or body aches. It is extremely important that you do not take these drugs before getting vaccinated, as there are theoretical concerns that some pain medications may interfere with the immune response to the vaccine. It is also not clear whether taking medications beforehand actually helps reduce symptoms after vaccination.

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Several very rare cases of serious side effects have been identified and investigated, but scientists have concluded that the risk of developing serious complications due to COVID-19 is much higher than the risk of these side effects. Below is evidence of this careful and ongoing study.

  • In mid-July 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that about 100 of the 13 million Americans who received the J&J vaccine developed Guillain-Barré syndrome. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks nerve cells. More information can be found here »
  • At the end of June 2021, the CDC reported that more than 1,200 Americans had heart muscle damage, possibly related to the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. Heart problems were very rare - for every million second doses of the vaccine given, there were 12.6 cases of heart muscle damage. More information can be found here »
  • The CDC and FDA say that as of the end of November 2021, there were 54 cases diagnosed with a bleeding disorder called thrombocytopenia following the J&J vaccine (among 16.4 million doses). On Dec. 16, CDC experts recommended that Americans get Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna instead of the J&J vaccine. More information can be found here »
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Some patients may experience some enlargement or tenderness of the lymph nodes after administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. In addition, swollen lymph nodes can be detected on medical imaging and mistaken for the progression of some types of cancer—primarily breast cancer, head and neck cancer, melanoma, and lymphoma.

This side effect of the vaccine is more common after the second dose. It usually occurs within 2-4 days after vaccination and can last an average of 10 days.

On imaging, lymph node enlargement may be detected for a longer time. Therefore, our recommendations would be:

  • If you experience these symptoms after vaccination, you should contact your doctor. In most cases, it is recommended to wait at least four weeks before undergoing an additional test, during which time the lymph nodes have decreased to normal sizes.
  • Vaccination against COVID-19 should be given after routine medical imaging. If you have already been vaccinated, we recommend that you have routine breast exams, including mammograms and MRIs, no earlier than six weeks later.
  • If you have had cancer, you should be asked to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, if possible, on the opposite side that was not affected by the cancer.
  • If enlarged knots cause you discomfort, you can apply a warm compress. Acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be taken to relieve discomfort.

It is important to know that all types of vaccines can cause temporary enlargement of the lymph nodes. This may indicate that antibodies are being produced in the body, as it should be.

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Antibody testing to test for immunity to COVID-19 following Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccination is not recommended at this time. The COVID-19 antibody test used at MSK detects an immune response after infection with COVID-19. It does not analyze the immunity created after vaccination. This is why evaluation of vaccine response should not be scheduled routinely.

back to top of page

Vaccines against COVID-19 are among the most effective in human history. They are just as effective, if not more effective, than the polio, chicken pox, measles, and flu vaccines.

The risk of getting sick after vaccination is minimal. Studies show that even if you get COVID-19 after receiving a vaccine, the disease is likely not to become severe. Flu vaccines are less effective than COVID vaccines, but they protect against flu complications and hospitalizations. Vaccines against COVID-19 are even more powerful.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines »

December 17, 2021

Additional resources

  • Information leaflet for vaccinees and caregivers on emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines
  • Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty®) Vaccine Instructions for Use
  • Instructions for use of the Moderna vaccine (Spikevax™)
  • Johnson & Johnson Emergency Vaccine Authorization Information Sheet
back to top of page 90,000 Side effects of COVID-19 vaccination Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination
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      • Side effects of COVID-19 vaccination

      The occurrence of side effects ranging from mild to moderate, such as fever or muscle pain, is normal and should not cause concern: this indicates the reaction of the immune system to the administration\r\n of the vaccine, in particular to the antigen (substance triggering the immune response), as well as preparing to fight the virus. These side effects usually disappear on their own after a few days.

      Common mild to moderate side effects are useful as they indicate the effectiveness of the vaccine. The absence of side effects does not mean the absence of the effect of the vaccine. It indicates the individual\r\n nature of the body's reactions.

      Common side effects of COVID-19 vaccines

      The administration of COVID-19 vaccines, like any other vaccines, can cause side effects, mostly mild to moderate, which resolve on their own within a few days. According to clinical trials, more serious or prolonged side effects may\r\n occur. Vaccine use is continuously monitored for adverse events.

      Most side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are mild to moderate and short-lived. Typical side effects include pain at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, chills\r\n and diarrhea. The likelihood of any of these side effects may vary depending on the specific vaccine.

      COVID-19 vaccines only provide protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, so disease prevention and healthy lifestyles must continue.

      Rare side effects

      After the vaccine is administered, the patient should be asked to stay at the vaccination site for 15-30 minutes in order to ensure timely medical attention in case of immediate type reactions. In the event of unanticipated\r\n side effects or other health problems, such as side effects lasting more than three days, vaccinated individuals should notify their local health care provider. Rare side effects reported\r\n from COVID-19 vaccinationinclude severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic; however, these reactions are extremely rare.

      National authorities and international organizations, including WHO, are closely monitoring any side effects associated with the use of the COVID-19 vaccine.

      Long-term side effects

      Generally, side effects develop within the first few days after the vaccine is given. The first mass vaccination program started at the beginning of December 2020, millions of vaccinations have already been given, and the period of known side effects\r\n is only a few days.

      Concerns have been raised that COVID-19 vaccines may cause COVID-19 disease. However, none of the approved vaccines contain a viable COVID-19 viral agent, so vaccination\r\n against COVID-19 cannot cause infection with COVID-19.

      Generally, immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 develops within a few weeks. Thus, there is a possibility of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus shortly before or after vaccination and becoming ill with COVID-19. This\r\n is due to the fact that not enough time has passed since the vaccination was given to provide protection.

      The appearance of side effects after vaccination means that the vaccine is working and the immune system is responding as needed. Vaccines are safe and vaccination helps protect against COVID-19.

      ","datePublished":"2021-03-31T21:00:00.0000000+00:00","image":"https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/vaccines -explained/who_ve_topic-9_banner.jpg?sfvrsn=81363cb3_26","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"World Health Organization: WHO","logo":{"@type": "ImageObject","url":"https://www. who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg","width":250,"height":60}},"dateModified":"2021-03 -31T21:00:00.0000000+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":"https://www.who.int/ru/news-room/feature-stories/detail/side-effects-of-covid-19-vaccines","@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"Article"};

      This article is part of a series on vaccine development and distribution. Learn more about vaccines, how they work and how they are safe and equitably distributed in the All About Vaccines WHO Publication Series.

      COVID-19 vaccines are safe and help prevent severe or fatal COVID-19. After vaccination, you may experience mild side effects that indicate the development of a protective response in the body.

      Why are mild side effects normal?

      Vaccines allow a person to develop immunity without exposing themselves to the dangers of infection. Mild to moderate side effects are often observed with vaccination. This is because the immune system causes certain types of reactions in the body: it stimulates increased blood flow in order to circulate more immune cells, as well as an increase in body temperature in order to destroy virus.

      Mild to moderate side effects, such as fever or muscle pain, are normal and should not be cause for concern: this indicates the reaction of the immune system to the administration vaccines, in particular for an antigen (a substance that triggers an immune response), as well as preparation to fight the virus. These side effects usually disappear on their own after a few days.

      Common mild to moderate side effects are useful as they indicate the effectiveness of the vaccine. The absence of side effects does not mean the absence of the effect of the vaccine. It testifies to individual the nature of the reactions of the organism.

      Common side effects of COVID-19 vaccines

      The administration of COVID-19 vaccines, like any other vaccines, can cause side effects, mostly mild to moderate, which resolve on their own within a few days. According to clinical trials, it is possible the occurrence of more serious or prolonged side effects. Vaccine use is continuously monitored for adverse events.

      Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are mostly mild to moderate and short-lived. Common side effects include pain at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, chills and diarrhea. The likelihood of any of these side effects may vary depending on the specific vaccine.

      COVID-19 vaccines only provide protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, so disease prevention and healthy lifestyles must continue.

      Rare side effects

      After the vaccine is administered, the patient should be asked to stay at the vaccination site for 15-30 minutes in order to ensure timely medical attention in case of immediate type reactions. In the event of unforeseen side effects or other health problems, such as side effects lasting more than three days, vaccinated individuals should notify the health care provider in the community. Rare side effects reported vaccination against COVID-19include severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic; however, these reactions are extremely rare.

      National authorities and international organizations, including WHO, are closely monitoring any side effects associated with the use of the COVID-19 vaccine.

      Long-term side effects

      Generally, side effects develop within the first few days after the vaccine is given. The first mass vaccination program started in early December 2020, millions of vaccinations have already been taken, and the period of occurrence of side effects, about which information is available is only a few days.

      Concerns have been raised that COVID-19 vaccines may cause COVID-19 disease. However, none of the vaccines approved for use contain a viable COVID-19 viral agent, and therefore vaccination against COVID-19 cannot cause infection with COVID-19.

      Generally, immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 develops within a few weeks.

      Learn more