Dequacaine

Dequacaine: Dequacaine medicated gel relieves pain and speeds healing of canker sores, fever blisters and cold sores. Dequacaine forms a tenacious, occlusive film on the oral mucosa that holds the medication in place. The film can last up to 6 hours, allowing pain-free eating and drinking.

Dequacaine-B: Dequacaine-B is a medicated gel containing Dequacaine that forms a smooth, flexible and occlusive film on the oral mucosa. It is specially formulated to relieve pain and shield the mouth sores, canker sores, cheek bites and gum sores from the environment of the mouth. The film can last up to 6 hours, allowing pain-free eating and drinking.

Dequacaine Baby: Dequacaine Baby medicated gel is uniquely formulated to temporarily relieve sore gums caused by teething in infants and children 4 months of age and older. The extra strength level of medication in Dequacaine Baby begins quickly relieving the discomfort of teething pain. This specially developed gel combines a pleasant grape flavor with an advanced ingredient that imparts an immediate cooling sensation.

Dequacaine-L: Dequacaine-L is a non film-forming liquid that treats and relieves the pain, itching and burning of developing and existing cold sores, lip sores, and fever blisters. Dequacaine-L is specially formulated to treat the initial signs of tingling, itching or burning that signal an oncoming cold sore, lip sore or fever blister.

Dequacaine-Lip: Dequacaine-Lip is a medicated lip balm with advanced ingredients that help prevent sun blisters; treat the pain, itching and discomfort associated with cold sores; soften and relieve the pain of dry, chapped lips. Dequacaine-Lip medicated lip balm is PABA-free and has SPF of 24 and the antioxidant, vitamin E (tocopherol).

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

Dequacaine topical is 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 on a surface of the body. Dequacaine 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.

There are many brands and forms of Dequacaine topical available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

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

Usual Adult Dose for Anesthesia

Dequacaine topical 20% mucous membrane spray:

Awake intubation, oral airway, bronchoscopy: Apply 1/2 second burst to buccal folds. Instruct patient to swallow several times. Wait 1 minute, then begin procedure.

Upper endoscopy: Apply 1/2 second burst to each buccal fold and instruct patient to swallow several times. Wait 30 seconds, then insert scope.

Esophageal motility: Apply no longer than 1/2 second burst to each naris. Wait 30 to 60 seconds, then insert transducer.

Indirect laryngoscopy, head and neck examinations: Spray 1/2 second burst to each buccal fold, instruct patient to swallow several times. Wait 30 to 60 seconds before initiating procedure.

Arch bar removal: Spray affected area for no longer than 1/2 second. Wait 30 to 60 seconds, then remove arch bar.

Stomatitis, mucositis, pharyngitis, thrush, cancer of throat: Apply topically to affected area(s) as needed.

Dequacaine topical 20% mucous membrane gel:

Awake intubation, oral airway, bronchoscopy: Apply a small amount to naris prior to nasal intubation.

Proctoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy: Apply topically to rectal area, wait 30 to 60 seconds then initiate procedure.

Stomatitis, mucositis, pharyngitis, thrush, cancer of throat: Apply topically to affected area(s) as needed.

Dequacaine topical 20% mucous membrane liquid:

Esophageal motility: Tilt the patient's head back and drip 2 to 3 drops into the naris prior to inserting the transducer.

Indirect laryngoscopy, head and neck examinations: Gargle 1 teaspoonful for approximately 15 seconds, then spit remaining out. Wait 30 to 60 seconds, then initiate procedure.

Nasal biopsies: Tilt patient's head back and drip 2 to 3 drops into each naris. Wait 30 to 60 seconds, then initiate procedure.

Stomatitis, mucositis, pharyngitis, thrush, cancer of throat: Apply topically to affected area(s) as needed.

Dequacaine topical 20% mucous membrane swab:

Nasal biopsies: Apply topically to naris. Wait 30 to 60 seconds, then initiate procedure.

Dequacaine topical 10% to 15% mucous membrane gel: Apply topically to affected area(s) of mouth and gums up to 4 times daily.

Dequacaine topical 10% mucous membrane powder for reconstitution:

Oral mucositis aphthous ulcers, cancer sores, stomatitis, oral lesions and tissue injury caused by ill fitting dentures and gum disease, and oral problems associated with HIV: Apply topically to affected area(s) of mouth and gums every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed four doses daily.

Dequacaine topical oral lozenge:

Sore throat pain, mouth pain: 1 lozenge dissolved in mouth every 2 hours as needed.

Usual Adult Dose for Hemorrhoids

Dequacaine topical 20% rectal ointment: After cleansing area with soap and water, apply externally to affected area(s) as needed up to 6 times a day.

Usual Adult Dose for Pain

Dequacaine topical 20% gel:

Sunburn: Apply to affected area as needed up to 4 times a day.

Dequacaine topical 20% spray:

Sunburn, pain, insect bites, pruritus: Hold container approximately 6 to 12 inches from skin and spray on affected area(s) until wet as needed up to 4 times a day. When applying to facial area spray into palm of hand, then rub on face avoiding area around eyes.

Dequacaine topical 20% cream:

Sunburn, pain, pruritus, insect bites, poison ivy: Apply to affected area as needed not more than 1 to 3 times a day.

Dequacaine topical ointment:

Insect bites: Apply topically to affected area(s) as needed.

Dequacaine topical 20% liquid:

Pain: Apply to affected area(s) as needed up to 4 times a day.

Dequacaine topical 5% spray:

Sunburn, pain, insect bites, pruritus: Hold container approximately 10 inches from skin and spray on affected area(s) until wet as needed up to 4 times a day. When applying to facial area spray into palm of hand, then rub on face avoiding area around eyes.

Dequacaine topical cream:

Pruritus, sunburn, insect bites, pain: Apply sparingly to affected area(s) as needed up to 3 or 4 times a day.

Dequacaine topical spray:

Sunburn, pruritus: Hold container approximately 4 to 6 inches from skin and spray sparingly to affected area(s) as needed up to 3 times a day.

Dequacaine sore throat lozenges:

Dissolve 1 lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed.

Usual Adult Dose for Pruritus

Dequacaine topical 20% gel:

Sunburn: Apply to affected area as needed up to 4 times a day.

Dequacaine topical 20% spray:

Sunburn, pain, insect bites, pruritus: Hold container approximately 6 to 12 inches from skin and spray on affected area(s) until wet as needed up to 4 times a day. When applying to facial area spray into palm of hand, then rub on face avoiding area around eyes.

Dequacaine topical 20% cream:

Sunburn, pain, pruritus, insect bites, poison ivy: Apply to affected area as needed not more than 1 to 3 times a day.

Dequacaine topical ointment:

Insect bites: Apply topically to affected area(s) as needed.

Dequacaine topical 20% liquid:

Pain: Apply to affected area(s) as needed up to 4 times a day.

Dequacaine topical 5% spray:

Sunburn, pain, insect bites, pruritus: Hold container approximately 10 inches from skin and spray on affected area(s) until wet as needed up to 4 times a day. When applying to facial area spray into palm of hand, then rub on face avoiding area around eyes.

Dequacaine topical cream:

Pruritus, sunburn, insect bites, pain: Apply sparingly to affected area(s) as needed up to 3 or 4 times a day.

Dequacaine topical spray:

Sunburn, pruritus: Hold container approximately 4 to 6 inches from skin and spray sparingly to affected area(s) as needed up to 3 times a day.

Dequacaine sore throat lozenges:

Dissolve 1 lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed.

Usual Adult Dose for Burns - External

Dequacaine topical 20% gel:

Sunburn: Apply to affected area as needed up to 4 times a day.

Dequacaine topical 20% spray:

Sunburn, pain, insect bites, pruritus: Hold container approximately 6 to 12 inches from skin and spray on affected area(s) until wet as needed up to 4 times a day. When applying to facial area spray into palm of hand, then rub on face avoiding area around eyes.

Dequacaine topical 20% cream:

Sunburn, pain, pruritus, insect bites, poison ivy: Apply to affected area as needed not more than 1 to 3 times a day.

Dequacaine topical ointment:

Insect bites: Apply topically to affected area(s) as needed.

Dequacaine topical 20% liquid:

Pain: Apply to affected area(s) as needed up to 4 times a day.

Dequacaine topical 5% spray:

Sunburn, pain, insect bites, pruritus: Hold container approximately 10 inches from skin and spray on affected area(s) until wet as needed up to 4 times a day. When applying to facial area spray into palm of hand, then rub on face avoiding area around eyes.

Dequacaine topical cream:

Pruritus, sunburn, insect bites, pain: Apply sparingly to affected area(s) as needed up to 3 or 4 times a day.

Dequacaine topical spray:

Sunburn, pruritus: Hold container approximately 4 to 6 inches from skin and spray sparingly to affected area(s) as needed up to 3 times a day.

Dequacaine sore throat lozenges:

Dissolve 1 lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Anesthesia

Greater than or equal to 2 years to 18 years:

Dequacaine topical 10% mucous membrane gel:

Toothache, sore gums, canker sores: Apply topically to affected area(s) up to 4 times daily. A cotton swab may be helpful when applying to young children.

Greater than or equal to 5 years to 18 years:

Dequacaine topical oral lozenge:

Sore throat pain, mouth pain: 1 lozenge dissolved in mouth every 2 hours as needed.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hemorrhoids

Greater than or equal to 2 years to 18 years:

Dequacaine topical 20% rectal ointment: Apply externally to affected area up to 6 times a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain

Greater than or equal to 2 years to 18 years:

Dequacaine

Topical 20% Gel

Sunburn: Apply to affected area as needed up to 4 times a day.

Dequacaine

Topical 20% Spray

Sunburn, pain, insect bites, pruritus: Hold container 6 to 12 inches from skin and spray on affected area(s) until wet as needed up to 4 times a day. When applying to facial area spray into palm of hand, then rub on face avoiding area around eyes.

Dequacaine topical 20% cream:

Sunburn, pain, pruritus, insect bites, poison ivy: Apply to affected area as needed not more than 1 to 3 times a day.

Dequacaine

Topical 20% Liquid

Pain: Apply to affected area(s) as needed up to 4 times a day.

Dequacaine

Topical 5%

Topical Spray

Sunburn, pain, pruritus, insect bites, minor abrasions: Hold container 6 to 12 inches from skin and spray on affected area(s) until wet as needed up to 4 times a day. When applying to facial area spray into palm of hand, then rub on face avoiding area around eyes.

Dequacaine

Topical -

Topical Cream

Pruritus, sunburn, insect bites, pain: Apply sparingly to affected area(s) as needed up to 3 or 4 times a day.

Dequacaine topical - topical spray:

Sunburn, pruritus: Hold 4 to 6 inches from skin and spray sparingly to affected area(s) as needed up to 3 times a day.

Dequacaine sore throat lozenges:

Children 5 years and older:

Dissolve 1 lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pruritus

Greater than or equal to 2 years to 18 years:

Dequacaine

Topical 20% Gel

Sunburn: Apply to affected area as needed up to 4 times a day.

Dequacaine

Topical 20% Spray

Sunburn, pain, insect bites, pruritus: Hold container 6 to 12 inches from skin and spray on affected area(s) until wet as needed up to 4 times a day. When applying to facial area spray into palm of hand, then rub on face avoiding area around eyes.

Dequacaine topical 20% cream:

Sunburn, pain, pruritus, insect bites, poison ivy: Apply to affected area as needed not more than 1 to 3 times a day.

Dequacaine

Topical 20% Liquid

Pain: Apply to affected area(s) as needed up to 4 times a day.

Dequacaine

Topical 5%

Topical Spray

Sunburn, pain, pruritus, insect bites, minor abrasions: Hold container 6 to 12 inches from skin and spray on affected area(s) until wet as needed up to 4 times a day. When applying to facial area spray into palm of hand, then rub on face avoiding area around eyes.

Dequacaine

Topical -

Topical Cream

Pruritus, sunburn, insect bites, pain: Apply sparingly to affected area(s) as needed up to 3 or 4 times a day.

Dequacaine topical - topical spray:

Sunburn, pruritus: Hold 4 to 6 inches from skin and spray sparingly to affected area(s) as needed up to 3 times a day.

Dequacaine sore throat lozenges:

Children 5 years and older:

Dissolve 1 lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Burns - External

Greater than or equal to 2 years to 18 years:

Dequacaine

Topical 20% Gel

Sunburn: Apply to affected area as needed up to 4 times a day.

Dequacaine

Topical 20% Spray

Sunburn, pain, insect bites, pruritus: Hold container 6 to 12 inches from skin and spray on affected area(s) until wet as needed up to 4 times a day. When applying to facial area spray into palm of hand, then rub on face avoiding area around eyes.

Dequacaine topical 20% cream:

Sunburn, pain, pruritus, insect bites, poison ivy: Apply to affected area as needed not more than 1 to 3 times a day.

Dequacaine

Topical 20% Liquid

Pain: Apply to affected area(s) as needed up to 4 times a day.

Dequacaine

Topical 5%

Topical Spray

Sunburn, pain, pruritus, insect bites, minor abrasions: Hold container 6 to 12 inches from skin and spray on affected area(s) until wet as needed up to 4 times a day. When applying to facial area spray into palm of hand, then rub on face avoiding area around eyes.

Dequacaine

Topical -

Topical Cream

Pruritus, sunburn, insect bites, pain: Apply sparingly to affected area(s) as needed up to 3 or 4 times a day.

Dequacaine topical - topical spray:

Sunburn, pruritus: Hold 4 to 6 inches from skin and spray sparingly to affected area(s) as needed up to 3 times a day.

Dequacaine sore throat lozenges:

Children 5 years and older:

Dissolve 1 lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 hours as needed.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

Dequacaine topical is considered contraindicated in patients with congenital or idiopathic methemoglobinemia.

Dequacaine should not be used in infants less than 12 months of age who are receiving treatment with methemoglobin- inducing agents.

Dequacaine topical is for external use only, and is not intended to be used in or near the eyes.

Dequacaine crystals may appear as a white precipitate following topical application.

Do not apply in large quantities or over large, raw, or blistered areas,

Dequacaine topical is not intended for use on deep or puncture wounds, or serious burns.

Instruct patients to avoid eating for approximately 1 hour following topical application to oral mucosa.

Safety and effectiveness of Dequacaine sore throat lozenges have not been established in children less than 5 years of age.

Dialysis

Data not available

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Dequacaine?

There are many brands and forms of Dequacaine topical available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Dequacaine topical used in the mouth or throat may cause a life-threatening condition in which the amount of oxygen in your blood stream becomes dangerously low. This condition is called methemoglobinemia (met-HEEM-oh glo-bin-EE-mee-a) and it may occur after only one use of Dequacaine or after several uses.

Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia may occur within minutes or up to 2 hours after using Dequacaine topical in the mouth or throat. GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS: headache, tired feeling, confusion, fast heart rate, and feeling light-headed or short of breath, with a pale, blue, or gray appearance of your skin, lips, or fingernails.

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

Do not use this medicine on a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.

An overdose of numbing medications can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. This is more likely to occur when using a numbing medicine without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).

Use the smallest amount of this medication needed to numb the skin or relieve pain. Do not use large amounts of Dequacaine topical, or cover treated skin areas with a bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice. Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.

Your body may absorb more of this medication 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.

Before using Dequacaine topical, tell your doctor if you have any type of inherited enzyme deficiency, heart disease, a breathing disorder such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema, or if you smoke.

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.

Use Dequacaine suspension as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Dequacaine suspension comes as a powder. Be sure to mix Dequacaine suspension before you use it.
• To mix Dequacaine suspension, fill the bottle with water to the first fill line. Shake well until all the medicine is mixed. Add water to the second fill line. Shake again.
• An adult should supervise the use of Dequacaine suspension if the patient is a CHILD younger than 12 years old.
• Shake well before each use.
• Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
• To use a dose of Dequacaine suspension, follow the instructions provided by your doctor or on the label. Coat the inside of the mouth by swishing Dequacaine suspension slowly around the mouth.
• After the mouth is coated, spit out any remaining medicine. Do NOT swallow it.
• Do not eat or drink for at least 1 hour after using Dequacaine suspension.
• Do not use Dequacaine suspension within 1 hour of your previous dose, unless your doctor or dentist tells you otherwise.
• Do not use Dequacaine suspension more often than 4 times daily, unless your doctor or dentist tells you otherwise.
• Write down the date that you mix Dequacaine suspension. Throw away any mixed medicine that has not been used after 2 weeks.
• If you miss a dose of Dequacaine suspension, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dequacaine suspension.

Dequacaine 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 unless directed by your doctor. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

How to use Dequacaine

Follow all directions on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult 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 persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Dequacaine?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied Dequacaine. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Dequacaine?

Applies to Dequacaine topical: cream, film, gel/jelly, gum, liquid, lotion, lozenge/troche, ointment, paste, powder for suspension, solution, spray, swab, tablet disintegrating

Other dosage forms:

• topical application cream, topical application gel/jelly, topical application liquid, topical application ointment, topical application spray, topical application wax

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by Dequacaine topical (the active ingredient contained in Dequacaine). In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking Dequacaine topical:

Incidence not known:

• Headache
• high fever
• nausea
• vomiting
• worsening of pain, redness, swelling, or irritation in or around the mouth

A surface anesthetic that acts by preventing transmission of impulses along nerve fibers and at nerve endings. [PubChem]