Orajel

The active ingredient in Orajel is benzocaine. This local anesthetic acts by inhibiting sodium channels that are located in nerve cells, which in turn will inhibit the pain impulse from traveling to the brain. Benzocaine will numb the affected area and help provide instant pain relief.

When using creams, liquids, or gels, follow these instructions:

• Apply a pea-sized amount onto the affected area. Cotton swabs or applicators can be used to appropriately distribute the medication on the area. It should be used up to 4 times per day for effective oral pain relief.

When using mouthwashes or a rinse, follow these instructions:

• The product can be swished around the mouth for at least 1 minute. Then it can be spit out, and should not be swallowed. It should be used up to 4 times per day for effective oral pain relief.

• It is used as needed, and food should be avoided 1 hour after using this medication.
• The FDA has not approved its use for children under 2 years of age.

The most common side effects of Orajel include:

• Mild irritation at the application site
• Skin redness
• Dry white flakes near the application site

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Orajel. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe allergic reaction: Fast heartbeat, feelings of lightheadedness, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and trouble breathing
• Methemoglobinemia: Headaches, a fast heartbeat, and a pale or gray appearance of the skin

These are not all of the possible side effects of Orajel. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before using Orajel, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider about any existing health conditions. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Known allergy to Orajel or agents within the same drug class
• Family history of methemoglobinemia
• Heart disease
• Smoking
• Diagnosed with a chronic breathing condition, including asthma
• Pregnant or breastfeeding

• Known allergy to Orajel or any of the other ingredients in the product, which may include menthol
• Known allergy to agents within the same drug class or other "caine" anesthetics like procaine or butacaine
• Symptoms of methemoglobinemia

Orajel will take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes to work. However, the numbing effect of the medication will last for several minutes.

When Orajel is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Analgesics, including acetaminophen or NSAIDs

There are many different formulations and strengths of this medication, including Orajel toothache rinse, Orajel Baby Teething Cooling Gels, Orajel Pain Relief Gel, Orajel Mouth Sore Rinse, Orajel Gum Cream, Orajel 3x, and Orajel 4x. Ensure that with all these different formulations that an appropriate oral care routine is followed, which can include the use of soft-bristle toothbrushes.

This medication should be stored at room temperature and should not be frozen, according to the product information.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Orajel is Church & Dwight.

There are lower-cost alternatives for the brand-name Orajel.

It is not required to taper when using this medication, as it is used for short-term pain relief.

It is not known if this medication can harm or negatively affect the baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not known if this medication can pass through the breastmilk and affect the baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.