Orajel Safety: Understanding Benzocaine and Safe Use

Orajel products are leading over-the-counter pain relievers to help dull teething pain, sore throats, denture pain, toothaches, and cold sores. The active ingredient, benzocaine, is safe when used according to the package directions.

Overdose

• Using products with benzocaine topical can be fatal if too much of the medication is absorbed by the skin. This is unlikely to occur unless the application is over a large area of skin or you cover the area with plastic wrap, heat, or bandages.

Blood Cell Disorder

• Avoid using Orajel products if you have methemoglobinemia, a blood cell disorder. Absorption of the benzocaine topical may cause additional health problems if you suffer from this disease.

Other Health Problems

• Avoid using Orajel products with benzocaine topical if you suffer from asthma, emphysema, or an inherited enzyme deficiency. Also, it is not advisable for anyone who smokes to use Orajel products.