The Basics
What is Benzocaine?
Local anesthetic or numbing medication used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by minor skin irritations, sore throat, sunburn, teething pain, vaginal or rectal irritation, ingrown toenails, hemorrhoids, and many other sources of minor pain.
Brand names for Benzocaine
Americaine
How Benzocaine is classified
Anesthetics – Local
Benzocaine During Pregnancy
Benzocaine pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Benzocaine while pregnant
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with AMERICAINE (benzocaine) Anesthetic Lubricant. It is also not known whether AMERICAINE (benzocaine) Anesthetic Lubricant can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. AMERICAINE (benzocaine) Anesthetic Lubricant should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Taking Benzocaine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Benzocaine?
Topical benzocaine has not been studied during breastfeeding, but is unlikely to affect her breastfed infant if it is applied away from the breast. Benzocaine should not be applied to the breast or nipple, because the infant may ingest the drug during nursing and it has been associated with severe methemoglobinemia.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Topical benzocaine has not been studied during breastfeeding, but is unlikely to affect her breastfed infant if it is applied away from the breast. Benzocaine should not be applied to the breast or nipple, because the infant may ingest the drug during nursing and it has been associated with severe methemoglobinemia.
Possible effects of Benzocaine on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Benzocaine
Lidocaine.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/None listed
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
