Benzyl Benzoate Lotion: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Benzyl Benzoate Lotion contains benzyl benzoate as its active ingredient and belongs to the ectoparasiticide/scabicide drug class. It is a smooth white creamy emulsion applied to the skin to treat scabies and pediculosis (body or head lice). It works by acting on the nervous system of mites and lice, killing them, and is also toxic to mite eggs.

What is Benzyl Benzoate Lotion

Benzyl Benzoate 25%w/v Application is a smooth white creamy emulsion (lotion) that contains benzyl benzoate as its active ingredient. It is applied to the skin to treat scabies and pediculosis (body or head lice).

Benzyl Benzoate Lotion uses

• Treatment of scabies, an itchy skin condition caused by mite infestation
• Treatment of pediculosis (body or head lice)

Benefits of Benzyl Benzoate Lotion

• Scabies Treatment: Helps eliminate scabies mites that cause itching and skin irritation.
• Parasite Control: Effective against certain external skin parasites.
• Itch Relief: Reduces itching associated with scabies after successful mite removal.
• Skin Care Support: Helps improve skin comfort by treating the underlying infestation.
• Easy Application: Can be applied directly to affected skin areas.
• Fast-Acting Treatment: Works by affecting mites and reducing their survival.

How Benzyl Benzoate Lotion works

Benzyl benzoate acts on the nervous system of the mites and lice, killing them. It is also toxic to mite eggs, though scientists are not fully sure how this part works. Studies show it can kill the scabies mite within minutes.

Benzyl Benzoate Lotion dosage

For scabies, apply thoroughly to the entire body at night, starting from the soles of the feet, but avoid the head and neck, for 2 nights in a row. Leave the lotion on the skin for 8-12 hours each night; a repeat application 7 days later may be needed. If the head, face, or neck are affected, check with a healthcare professional before use.

For lice, apply to the affected area and leave on for 24 hours before washing thoroughly; severe cases may need repeat treatments after 7 and 14 days.

Take a thorough bath and change all clothing and bedding after each application; wash or clean anything that touched the skin. This product may be diluted with water for children and infants before use. This medicine is for external use only; do not apply to open wounds, cracked, or broken skin. If you forget to apply the treatment, apply it as soon as you remember.

Available forms and strengths

• Cutaneous emulsion (lotion/cream) — 25%w/v

Side effects of Benzyl Benzoate Lotion

Common

• Skin irritation, redness, or a burning/stinging sensation at the application site
• Itching or rash of the skin and scalp
• Irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes (nostrils, mouth, lips, ears, genital area)

Serious

• Allergic reactions including rash, hives, swelling, and in severe cases difficulty breathing
• Contact dermatitis (skin inflammation with redness, swelling, and blisters)
• Uncontrolled shaking of the body if swallowed or used excessively on the skin
• Convulsions or stimulation of the nervous system if the product is swallowed
• Systemic symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting after excessive use over large areas of skin

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use if you are allergic to benzyl benzoate or any of the other ingredients in this product.
• Skin may become red and irritated where the product is applied.
• People you live with or have close contact with should also be treated.
• See a doctor if there is no improvement after using this medicine.
• Do not use this medicine on open wounds or on cracked or broken skin.
• This medicine is for external use only and should not be swallowed.
• Using this product on badly inflamed skin may make the irritation worse.
• Some ingredients in this product, such as cetostearyl alcohol and sodium laurilsulfate, may cause local skin reactions like stinging, burning, or contact dermatitis.
• Clean the bedding, clothing, and furniture in your home after treatment to prevent the infestation from coming back.
• Pregnancy: This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before using it.
• Breastfeeding: This medicine is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless necessary. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before using it.
• Kidney: Use only on the skin and avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and other sensitive areas. Do not apply to broken, irritated, or inflamed skin unless advised by a doctor.
• Liver: Use the recommended concentration and avoid applying excessive amounts. Avoid use in infants and young children unless specifically prescribed.
• Alcohol: It is not known how this medicine interacts with alcohol. It is best to check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while using it.
• Driving: This medicine is thought to be safe to use before driving or using machines and is unlikely to affect your ability to do so.

Storage

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Store below 25°C
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, which is the last day of the stated month
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste
• Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use

When to see a doctor

• If you experience eye or mucous membrane irritation, uncontrolled shaking, or other side effects, see your doctor or pharmacist, or go to the nearest emergency department in severe cases.
• If you use too much of this medicine, seek emergency treatment right away.
• If it is swallowed, get medical attention right away.

Alternatives

• Permethrin Cream
• Sulfur Ointment
• Lindane Lotion