Drug Detail:Benzyl alcohol topical (Benzyl alcohol topical [ ben-zil-al-ka-hol-top-i-kal ])
Generic Name: Benzyl Alcohol Gel [ BEN-zill-AL-koe-hol ]
Drug Class: Topical anti-infectives
Uses of Benzyl Alcohol Gel:
- It is used to treat mouth or lip sores.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Benzyl Alcohol Gel?
- If you have an allergy to benzyl alcohol or any other part of benzyl alcohol gel.
- If you are allergic to benzyl alcohol gel; any part of benzyl alcohol gel; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If your child is younger than 2 years of age. Do not give benzyl alcohol gel to a child younger than 2 years of age.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take benzyl alcohol gel with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Benzyl Alcohol Gel?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take benzyl alcohol gel. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- If benzyl alcohol gel is taken by mouth, get medical help or call a poison control center right away.
- This medicine has benzyl alcohol in it. Benzyl alcohol may cause very bad and sometimes deadly side effects in newborns or infants. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
Related/similar drugs
acyclovir, valacyclovir, Valtrex, ivermectin topical, sodium chloride topical, Zovirax, famciclovirHow is this medicine (Benzyl Alcohol Gel) best taken?
Use benzyl alcohol gel as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Do not swallow benzyl alcohol gel.
- Do not get benzyl alcohol gel in the eyes.
- Dry the area where you will be putting benzyl alcohol gel.
- Put a thin layer on the affected part with a cotton swab or clean fingertip.
- Put on affected part only.
- Let dry for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Do not peel off dry film. If you need to remove film, put on another coat and wipe the area with a moist cloth.
- This medicine may catch on fire. Do not use near an open flame or while smoking.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you use benzyl alcohol gel on a regular basis, put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times benzyl alcohol gel is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What are some other side effects of Benzyl Alcohol Gel?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Irritation where benzyl alcohol gel is used.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Benzyl Alcohol Gel?
- Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Protect from heat or open flame.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about benzyl alcohol gel, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.