Benzocaine
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Missing image | |
| Ethyl 4-aminobenzoate IUPAC chemical name | |
| CAS number 94-09-7 | ATC code C05AD03, D04AB04, N01BA05, R02AD01 |
| Chemical formula | C9H11NO2 |
| Molecular weight | 165.191 |
| Bioavailability | ? |
| Metabolism | ? |
| Elimination half-life | ? |
| Excretion | ? |
| Pregnancy category | ? |
| Legal status | ? |
| Routes of administration | Topical |
Benzocaine is a local anesthetic commonly used as a topical pain reliever. It is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter analgesic ointments.
Chemical properties
Benzocaine is an ester, a compound made from the organic acid PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) and ethanol. The process in which this ester is created is known as Fischer esterification.
How it relieves pain
Pain is caused by the stimulation of nerve endings. When the nerve endings are stimulated, sodium enters the nerve ending, which causes an electrical signal to build up in the nerve. Once the electrical signal becomes big enough, it is able to travel to the brain, which then interprets this as pain.
Esters of PABA work as a chemical barrier, stopping the sodium from being able to enter the nerve ending.
Related products
There are various other products that are also made from esters of PABA, many of which have similar anaesthetic properties. Dentists use Procaine (also called Novocaine) to numb teeth and gums.
Benzocaine is also contained in products such as:
- First aid creams
- Sore-throat spray
- Sunburn remedies
- Condoms (to prevent premature ejaculation)