Generic medicine

Benzyl Benzoate: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Benzyl Benzoate is a topical scabicide and pediculicide used for the following established indications: Scabies - treatment of infestation with the mite Sarcoptes scabiei .

Forms:Lotion

About Benzyl Benzoate

Indications of Benzyl Benzoate

Benzyl Benzoate is a topical scabicide and pediculicide used for the following established indications:

  • Scabies - treatment of infestation with the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Benzyl Benzoate is included as a topical scabicide option in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and in standard dermatology treatment guidelines.
  • Pediculosis (lice infestation) - treatment of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis), body lice, and pubic/crab lice (Pthirus pubis).

Benzyl Benzoate is intended for external (topical) use only on the skin, hair, or scalp as directed; it has no approved internal/systemic indication.

Dosage & Administration of Benzyl Benzoate

Scabies

PopulationStrengthApplication
Adults and children over 12 years25% lotion/emulsion (undiluted)After a warm bath, apply Benzyl Benzoate over the entire body from the neck down (including web spaces, under nails, and skin folds), avoiding the face and scalp unless these areas are also affected. Leave in contact for 24 hours; a second application after 24 hours is often recommended by some protocols. Wash off thoroughly after the contact period.
Children 2-12 years12.5% lotion (diluted 1:1 with water)Apply the diluted preparation as above, under adult supervision, per physician's instructions.
Infants and children under 2 years6.25%-12.5% (further diluted)Use only on physician's advice; apply sparingly to affected areas with shorter contact time to reduce systemic absorption risk.

Pediculosis (lice)

Apply Benzyl Benzoate lotion to the scalp/hair or affected hairy areas, ensuring the base of the hair shafts is covered. Leave in contact for the period specified on the product label (commonly up to 24 hours, or a shorter period per specific product instructions), then wash off and comb out dead lice/nits with a fine-tooth comb. A repeat application after 7-10 days may be advised to treat any newly hatched lice.

A single course of treatment is usual; retreatment should only be undertaken if live mites or lice are confirmed to persist (see Duration of Treatment).

Side Effects of Benzyl Benzoate

The most common adverse effects of Benzyl Benzoate are local skin reactions, including:

  • Skin irritation and a burning or stinging sensation, especially on first application, on thin/sensitive skin, or with prolonged contact time.
  • Increased itching (pruritus) immediately after application.
  • Redness (erythema) and contact dermatitis.

Rare but serious effects can occur if significant systemic absorption takes place (for example with use on broken skin, very large body-surface application, or in infants): central nervous system stimulation, including restlessness, tremor, or seizures. If any such symptoms occur, discontinue Benzyl Benzoate and seek medical attention promptly.

Contraindications of Benzyl Benzoate

Benzyl Benzoate is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Benzyl Benzoate or any excipient of the formulation.
  • Broken, inflamed, weeping, or secondarily infected skin at the intended application site.

Benzyl Benzoate must not be applied to the face, eyes, or mucous membranes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Benzyl Benzoate

What is Benzyl Benzoate used for?

Benzyl Benzoate is a topical medicine used to treat scabies (a skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite) and pediculosis (lice infestation of the head, body, or pubic area).

How should I apply Benzyl Benzoate?

After bathing, apply Benzyl Benzoate as directed by your physician or the product label - typically over the whole body from the neck down for scabies, or to the scalp/hair for lice - avoiding the face, eyes, and mucous membranes. Leave it in contact with the skin for the recommended time (commonly up to 24 hours), then wash it off thoroughly.

Can Benzyl Benzoate be used in children or infants?

Benzyl Benzoate can be used in children, but generally only at a lower, diluted strength and under a physician's guidance, since infants and young children are at higher risk of skin irritation and systemic absorption. Safety and efficacy in infants have not been well established, so a doctor should be consulted before use in this age group.

Is it normal to feel burning or itching after applying Benzyl Benzoate?

Mild burning, stinging, or a temporary increase in itching after applying Benzyl Benzoate is a common and expected local skin reaction. However, if irritation is severe, blistering occurs, or symptoms worsen significantly, stop use and contact a physician.

Can Benzyl Benzoate be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Benzyl Benzoate should be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding only if clearly needed and under a physician's guidance, applied to the smallest area for the shortest necessary duration, since data on its safety in these situations are limited.

Do other household members need treatment when I use Benzyl Benzoate for scabies?

Yes. For scabies, it is standard practice to treat all household members and close physical contacts at the same time as the affected person, even if they have no symptoms, and to wash clothing and bedding, to prevent re-infestation - this should be done alongside Benzyl Benzoate treatment.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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