Benzocaine on MedWatch
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Consumers and healthcare professionals should be aware of possible adverse events, particularly methemoglobinemia, related to benzocaine sprays, FDA states in a Public Health Advisory posted Feb. 13 on MedWatch. The sprays are used in certain minor medical procedures to locally numb the mouth and throat and some methemoglobinemia events have been due to improper dosing, the agency explains. "FDA is aware of the reported adverse events and is reviewing all available safety data, but at this time is not planning action to remove the drugs from the market," the agency states. The advisory only applies to benzocaine sprays for the mouth and throat and excludes exterior topical benzocaine sprays, FDA clarifies...