Benzethonium chloride topical (for the skin) is used to treat minor cuts, scrapes, wounds, or cracked skin. benzethonium chloride topical dries to form a waterproof protective seal over the skin.

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

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Ask a doctor before using benzethonium chloride topical on a child younger than 2 years old.

Clean the skin wound thoroughly before applying this medicine.

Apply the medicine to the wound and allow it to dry completely before covering the area with clothing.

Do not apply this medicine over large skin areas, or to skin that is infected or oozing. Do not apply over a surgical incision or stitches.

You may lightly cover the treated skin with a sterile gauze or bandage. Do not cover the skin with a tight bandage.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days, or if you have redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or drainage from the wound.

To dissolve and remove the protective seal created by this medicine, apply more medicine and quickly wipe it off.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the bottle or spray can tightly capped when not in use.

Benzethonium chloride topical is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the medicine has completely dried on your skin.

Do not use benzethonium chloride topical to treat an animal bite. Contact a doctor or get emergency medical treatment if you have been bitten by an animal, even a pet animal.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• a deep cut or puncture wound;

• a serious burn;

• diabetes; or

• blood circulation problems.

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

An overdose of benzethonium chloride topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Avoid inhaling the fumes from benzethonium chloride topical. Doing so can cause serious harm or death.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum.

Avoid using other skin medications on the areas you treat with benzethonium chloride topical.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include burning or stinging when the medicine is applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.