Americaine (Benzocaine) - Description and Clinical Pharmacology

DESCRIPTION

AMERICAINE Anesthetic Lubricant contains benzocaine 20% with benzethonium chloride 0.1% as a preservative in a water soluble base of polyethylene glycol 300 and 3350.

Benzocaine, a local anesthetic, is chemically ethyl p   -aminobenzoate, C₉ H₁₁ NO₂, with a molecular weight of 165.19 and has the following structural formula:

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Benzocaine reversibly stabilizes the neuronal membrane which decreases its permeability to sodium ions. Depolarization of the neuronal membrane is inhibited thereby blocking the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses.