Benzyl Benzoate

Benzyl Benzoate is a product used in the treatment of lice and scabies infestations. Proper studies show that the way this product works is by being absorbed by the lice and mites and then it destroys them by affecting on their nervous system.

Before the decision to start the treatment with Benzyl Benzoate is made, it is essential to get informed about the expected beneficial effects and possible side effects and risks. As always, the beneficial effects need to outweigh the potential risks. This is a decision that you and your doctor, together will have to make. It is very important to inform your doctor about:

• Allergies – Inform your doctor about any allergic reactions to any medicines, prescribed or no prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reactions to any specific food, dye, fabric and etc.

• Pediatric – Although, there are no studies which would confirm the safety of this medicine to be used within pediatric patients, it is not considered to cause any age-connected problems. However, it should be used with extra caution.

• Geriatric – There are no studies which confirm the safety of this medicine to be used within geriatric patients. It is unknown if there are any age-connected problems and risks. Because of this, it is important to be used with extra caution, mostly because certain medicines may cause interactions to occur due to the increased sensitivity within older people.

• Pregnancy – Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medicine to be used during pregnancy, and it is unknown if this medicine would affected the infant.

• Breastfeeding – Inform your doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medicine to be used within nursing mothers, because it is unknown if it passes in the breast milk.

• Drug interactions – Inform your doctor about any other medicines that you are taking, prescribed or no prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because certain medications should not be used in a combination with other, due to the possibility that certain interactions may occur that would increase the risk for worsening your condition. But, sometimes, the doctor may decide to use a certain type of a combination including two or more medications in order to get the most beneficial effects to treat your condition. 

• Other interactions – It is important to get informed regarding your diet and usage of alcohol and/or tobacco during the treatment with this product. The doctor may advise you to follow a special diet, and discontinue your usage of alcohol and/or tobacco.

• Other medical problems – Inform your doctor about your medical history, other medical problems and conditions that you may have had in the past or at the moment. Especially, inform the doctor if there have ever been or is (at the moment) present a severe inflammation of the skin. 

For a proper use consult your doctor for directions. This medicine is in the form of a lotion. It should only be applied on the skin, and it is harmful if swollen. Also, avoid the contact between the medication and the eyes or any other mucus membrane, such as the inside of the nose because there is a risk of a skin irritation. Also, avoid applying the medicine in the skin areas where there are cuts and/or sores present. 

• When Benzyl Benzoate is used to treat lice – wash your hair with warm water and shampoo, dry it and apply the medicine. Let it stay for the next 24 hours. Wash it again with warm water and shampoo, and dry it.

• When Benzyl Benzoate is used to treat scabies – take a bath or shower and clean the skin with warm water and soap, dry it and then apply the medicine. Let it stay for the next 24 hours. Take another bath or shower with warm water and soap, and dry the skin. 

After using Benzyl Benzoate wash your hands with warm water and soap. The dosage is individual for every patient, based on the condition and the prognosis of the treatment. If you suspect a swallowing of the medicine, contact your doctor right away for further directions.

Visit your doctor at your scheduled appointments so that he or she would be able to track your condition and make any needed adjustments, especially regarding the dosage. The doctor may decide to discontinue the treatment. Inform your doctor about any allergic reactions that you may have experienced in the past to any medicines, prescribed or no prescribed.

This is important because this medicine may contain inactive substances that could cause interactions to occur. Using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended, especially because there are no studies that could confirm the safety of the medicine to the mother and the infant as well.

A serious allergic reaction is rare but if you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor:

• skin rash, swelling of the hands, feet, face, tongue, trouble breathing and etc.

Along with its needed beneficial effects, there are some expected side effects, which are not present within all patients. These side effects could be mild or more serious. However, it is important to get informed about these possible side effects so that you would be able to recognize their presence and inform the doctor for further directions. Based on the present side effects the doctor may decide to make adjustments to the dosage or discontinue the treatment with this product.

Common side effects:

• hives, itching, redness, rash, skin inflammation, stinging, skin irritation. These are common side effects, often as a result of the body trying to adjust to the presence of the medicine. If these side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor.

Rare side effects:

• changes in the heart rhythm, changes in the blood pressure, drowsiness, convulsions, blurred vision, dizziness, fever, irritation and etc. Other side effects may also be present.