Benzyl benzoate - Topical

Benzyl benzoate is used for the treatment of scabies (an itchy rash caused by mites that live under the skin).

This medicine may also be used to treat head lice.

Apply Benzyl benzoate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.

This medicine is available as a lotion or emulsion.

Different formulations of Benzyl benzoate may be available in certain countries. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to properly use your medicine.

If you are using the lotion or emulsion to treat scabies, follow these steps:

1. Take a bath before applying this medicine. Do not apply any other lotions, creams, or oil before you apply this medicine.
2. After drying your body, apply a thin layer of Benzyl benzoate lotion or emulsion starting from under your neck down to the other surface area of your body. Do not cover, wrap or bandage the area.
3. After 24 hours, take a bath and wash off the applied emulsion thoroughly.
4. Change into a clean set of clothes. All clothes and beddings which you had contact with should be washed thoroughly.

If you are using the lotion to treat head lice, follow these steps:

1. Wash, rinse, and dry the hair and scalp before application.
2. Apply enough lotion to thoroughly wet the hair and scalp. Allow it to remain for 24 hours.
3. After 24 hours, wash it thoroughly. Use fine-toothed comb to remove remaining nits or eggs from the hair.

Avoid contact with the face, eyes, mouth, or nose. Rinse immediately with water if it gets into your eyes or mouth. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.

If you are applying Benzyl benzoate lotion or emulsion on another person, wear gloves made of nitrile, latex with neoprene or sheer vinyl. Do not use gloves made of natural latex.

Do not apply on broken, irritated, inflamed, or secondarily infected skin.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens during treatment.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.

Do not use Benzyl benzoate if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine.

Inform your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions to other topical medicines.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before applying Benzyl benzoate a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

How can I prevent lice or mite infestation at home?

• Avoid direct skin-to-skin or hair-to-hair contact with an infested person.
• Avoid contact with the infested person's belongings such as combs, hair accessories, hats, towels, clothing, and bedding.
• Clean and vacuum the room of an infested person and machine-wash and dry-clean all his/her clothing and bedding.
• If you are a close contact of the infested person, seek treatment immediately.

Benzyl benzoate may cause any of the following side effects: irritation of the eyes, skin, nostrils, and application site.

If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop using Benzyl benzoate and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.