What is Americaine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Americaine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • 1st Relief Topical Spray, 7T Lido Gel, ACAT SUK Kit, Accucaine, Actisep, ACTIVE-PAC with Gabapentin, ACT Kit, Advanced DNA Medicated Collection Kit, Advanced DNA Medicated Collection Kit II, Advanced DNA Medicated Collection Kit III, Advocate Aftertest Topical Pain Relief Stick, AgonEaze, Alocane Emergency Burn, Alocane Emergency Burn Spray, Alocane Plus, Outgro, Outgro, Americaine, Anacaine, Chiggerex, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Cold Sore Treatment, Mandelay Maximum Strength, Medicone Maximum Strength, Americaine

Generic Names:

  • Americaine

Uses:

  • Treats pain in a certain body area. Also used to numb (decrease feeling in) an area before a procedure., Treats pain and itching in the ear caused by ear infections, swimmer's ear, and other ear problems., Relieves pain and itching. Also used to numb your skin before a medical procedure. This medicine is a topical anesthetic.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anesthetic, Amino Amide Combination, Anesthetic, Local, Anesthetic Combination, Antibacterial Combination, Antidote, Antihistamine Combination, Anti-Inflammatory, Antipruritic, Astringent, Corticosteroid Combination, Dental Agent, Dermatological Agent, Emollient, Hemorrhoidal, Anesthetic/Anti-Inflammatory Combination, Hemorrhoidal Anesthetic, Hemorrhoidal Anesthetic Combination, Analgesic Combination, Analgesic, Protectant, Dermatological, Wound Care Agent, Salicylate, Non-Aspirin Combination, Anesthetic, Local, Hemorrhoidal Anesthetic, Anesthetic, Local

Forms:

  • Dressing, Pad, Patch, Swab, Spray, Ointment, Gel/Jelly, Cream, Liquid, Soap, Lotion, Liquid, Drop, Cream, Gel/Jelly, Liquid, Ointment, Pad, Spray, Swab

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin, Into the ear, On the skin

What is Americaine used for?

What form(s) does Americaine come in

  • Dressing

  • Pad

  • Patch

  • Swab

  • Spray

  • Ointment

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Cream

  • Liquid

  • Soap

  • Lotion

  • Liquid

  • Drop

  • Cream

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Liquid

  • Ointment

  • Pad

  • Spray

  • Swab

What are common Americaine doses?

  • Tube 28GM of 20%

  • Can 57GM of 20%

Common Americaine prescriptions

  • Americaine
    20%, 57gm topical spray can

  • Americaine
    20%, 28gm rectal ointment tube of ointment

How to take Americaine

  • This medicine is not for long-term use. Do not use this medicine for longer than directed by your doctor.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use, where to apply it, and how often to apply it. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Too much of this medicine or use on a large part of your skin can cause serious side effects.

  • Do not apply this medicine to open wounds, burns, broken or inflamed skin, or to a large area of skin unless directed by your doctor.

  • Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If the medicine does get in your eyes, wash your eyes with water right away.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • To use this medicine: Gel: First dry the affected area as much as possible. Apply a thin layer of gel and wait 60 seconds while it dries into a smooth film coating. Do not peel off or remove the film coating. The coating will fall off on its own.Pad or swab: Open the package according to the directions. When treating a bee sting, remove the stinger before you use the medicine. Wipe the pad or swab across the affected skin area.Cream or ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Rub it in gently.Aerosol spray: Hold the can 6 to 12 inches from the skin and spray for about 1 to 2 seconds. If you need to apply this medicine to your face, spray it in the palm of your hand and then wipe your hands on your face. Do not inhale the spray or use it near heat, open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

  • Ask your doctor if you should cover your treated skin with a bandage. Let the medicine dry before you put the bandage on.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the aerosol spray at room temperature, away from heat or fire. Store the cream, gel, liquid, or ointment at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.

  • Store the aerosol spray at room temperature, away from heat or fire. Store the cream, gel, liquid, or ointment at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.

  • Do not apply this medicine to open wounds, burns, broken or inflamed skin, or to a large area of skin unless directed by your doctor.

  • To use this medicine: Gel: First dry the affected area as much as possible. Apply a thin layer of gel and wait 60 seconds while it dries into a smooth film coating. Do not peel off or remove the film coating. The coating will fall off on its own.Pad or swab: Open the package according to the directions. When treating a bee sting, remove the stinger before you use the medicine. Wipe the pad or swab across the affected skin area.Cream or ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Rub it in gently.Aerosol spray: Hold the can 6 to 12 inches from the skin and spray for about 1 to 2 seconds. If you need to apply this medicine to your face, spray it in the palm of your hand and then wipe your hands on your face. Do not inhale the spray or use it near heat, open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use, where to apply it, and how often to apply it. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Too much of this medicine or use on a large part of your skin can cause serious side effects.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use. Do not use this medicine for longer than directed by your doctor.

  • Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If the medicine does get in your eyes, wash your eyes with water right away.

  • Ask your doctor if you should cover your treated skin with a bandage. Let the medicine dry before you put the bandage on.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Otic routeUse this medicine only in your ear.

  • Otic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Otic routeYou may warm the drops by holding the unopened bottle in your hands for a few minutes.

  • Otic routeRemove the cap. Do not let the tip of the dropper touch anything, including your ear.

  • Otic routeLie down or tilt your head to the side. For a child, gently pull the child€™s earlobe down and back to straighten the child€™s ear canal. For an adult, gently pull the earlobe up and back to straighten the ear canal.

  • Drop the prescribed number of drops into the ear. Insert a cotton ball into your ear and keep the ear tilted up for a few minutes.

  • Otic routeLie down or tilt your head to the side. For a child, gently pull the child€™s earlobe down and back to straighten the child€™s ear canal. For an adult, gently pull the earlobe up and back to straighten the ear canal.

  • Otic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Otic routeUse this medicine only in your ear.

  • Otic routeRemove the cap. Do not let the tip of the dropper touch anything, including your ear.

  • Otic routeYou may warm the drops by holding the unopened bottle in your hands for a few minutes.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Drop the prescribed number of drops into the ear. Insert a cotton ball into your ear and keep the ear tilted up for a few minutes.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • The medicine may come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, or ears. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on broken skin or inside the vagina or rectum. If you are not sure of the body areas where you can use this medicine, ask your pharmacist.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin before and after you use this medicine.

  • For the cream, lotion, or ointment: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You may need to shake the bottle of liquid, spray, or lotion before using it.

  • This medicine may come with a special applicator (a tool for applying the medicine), or with a special dressing to go over the medicine. Make sure you understand how to use the applicator or dressing. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist.

  • The medicine may come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • For the cream, lotion, or ointment: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You may need to shake the bottle of liquid, spray, or lotion before using it.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin before and after you use this medicine.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, or ears. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on broken skin or inside the vagina or rectum. If you are not sure of the body areas where you can use this medicine, ask your pharmacist.

  • This medicine may come with a special applicator (a tool for applying the medicine), or with a special dressing to go over the medicine. Make sure you understand how to use the applicator or dressing. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist.

What to do if you miss a dose of Americaine

  • If you are using this medicine on a regular schedule: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Americaine contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to benzocaine.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to benzocaine. You should not use this medicine if you have a ruptured eardrum or any discharge or drainage from your ear. Do not give this medicine to a child less than 1 year of age.

  • Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any numbing medicine in the past, such as lidocaine or benzocaine. You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the ingredients in the medicine you are using.

Americaine warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

  • Do not use this medicine for longer than your doctor tells you to. Doing so may cover up a more serious ear problem.

  • Trouble breathing, bluish-colored skin or lips.

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, lung or breathing problems (such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema), or any blood disease.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or do not improve within 7 days, or get better and then come back.

  • Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years, unless directed by a doctor.

  • This medicine may cause a rare but serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia. This condition may occur after use of the spray for medical procedures or use of the over-the-counter gel or liquid for mouth sores or teething in children.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Do not use this medicine for more than 7 days unless your doctor or dentist tells you to.

  • Chest pain, or an uneven heartbeat.

  • Skin rash.

  • Swelling in the area where this medicine is applied.

  • Trembling (shaking).

  • If you are pregnant or breast feeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Some forms of this medicine should not be used in children under the age of 2 years old, unless a doctor says it is OK.

Americaine interactions

  • Topical anesthetic medicines have different ingredients, depending on the type and brand of medicine it is. The drugs or food you may need to avoid depends on the specific topical anesthetic medicine you are using. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

  • Some forms of this medicine should not be used in children under the age of 2 years old, unless a doctor says it is OK.

  • Do not use this medicine for more than 7 days unless your doctor or dentist tells you to.

  • Some medicines can affect how benzocaine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking medicines containing nitrates or nitrites, such as nitroglycerin.

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

  • Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years, unless directed by a doctor.

  • This medicine may cause a rare but serious blood problem called methemoglobinemia. This condition may occur after use of the spray for medical procedures or use of the over-the-counter gel or liquid for mouth sores or teething in children.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • You should not use other ear medicines while using this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Do not use this medicine for longer than your doctor tells you to. Doing so may cover up a more serious ear problem.

Americaine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blurred or double vision.

  • Confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness.

  • Swelling in the area where this medicine is applied.

  • Skin rash.

  • Chest pain, or an uneven heartbeat.

  • Trembling (shaking).

  • Redness, pain, or swelling where the medicine is applied

  • Confusion, headache, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or fast heartbeat

  • Pale, gray, or blue skin, lips, or nails

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Irritability, fainting, difficulty walking, or unusual drowsiness

  • Fast breathing

  • Severe pain, tenderness, rash, swelling, or redness of your ear.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Trouble breathing, bluish-colored skin or lips.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Itching or burning in your ear.

  • Skin irritation, itching, redness, or pain.

  • Symptoms that do not improve in 7 days, or symptoms that get worse.