Benzyl benzoate is sold over-the-counter without a prescription, but it is not without potential side effects. Before applying any chemical to your skin or consuming or injecting a medication, you should always be aware of possible side effects so you know whether or not you should seek medical attention. When used correctly and at the right dosage, it is very rare to experience serious complications or side effects from benzyl benzoate. Follow the instructions of your doctor and/or the package and Benzyl benzoate side effects, if any, should be minimal.
What is Benzyl Benzoate?
Benzyl benzoate has a wide variety of uses and functions for both humans and animals. Typically sold as a topical solution, benzyl benzoate is used to treat human lice or scabies. It is believed to be effective by harming the scabies and lice nervous systems.
Benzyl benzoate can be found in some asthma medications, and those used to treat whooping cough as well.
It's used as an inactive ingredient in testosterone-replacement medication to help make the solution more stable in a variety of temperatures or to better dissolve the powder for improved absorption by the patient.
Benzyl benzoate is also found in tick and mosquito repellant, and is used in veterinary practices to treat for ticks. It is toxic to cats.
Benzyl benzoate side effects range from minor to severe. There seems to be a direct correlation with the amount of benzyl benzoate absorbed into the body and the level of side effects experienced. For example, you should never apply benzyl benzoate to open wounds, sores, or cuts as the chemical is absorbed by the skin and your risks for side effects drastically increase as a result.
Common Benzyl Benzoate Side Effects
When using the chemical as a topical treatment for lice, scabies, and other conditions, Benzyl benzoate may commonly produce the following, mostly minor, side effects:
Redness of the skin where the lotion is applied
Inflammation of the skin where Benzyl benzoate is applied
Stinging of the skin at the site of application
General skin irritation
Irritation of mucous membranes if it comes into contact with eyes or the inside of your nose
These common side effects are general mild and tolerable and do not often require medical treatment. They tend to go away after you discontinue the use of Benzyl benzoate.
Uncommon, Moderate Benzyl Benzoate Side Effects
Other side effects possible to individuals using Benzyl benzoate include the following, uncommon, yet uncomfortable situations:
Hives
Rash
Severe itching
If these symptoms are not relieved with the discontinuing of the solution, seek medical treatment.
Benzyl Benzoate Overdose
If you use too much benzyl benzoate or your body absorbs more of the chemical than it can tolerate, you may experience overdose symptoms. These are less common but are more severe in nature and you should seek medical treatment for any of the following symptoms:
Difficult in urinating
Jerking movements
Loss of consciousness
Rare Side Effects of Benzyl Benzoate
In some cases, people react to Benzyl benzoate in unexpected and rare ways. It can be caused by an allergic reaction to the product, or other causes – but if you experience any of the following rare side effects you should seek medical attention immediately and discontinue use of Benzyl benzoate.
Abnormal heart beat, slow hearth rhythm
Extremely low blood pressure
Difficulty breathing, loss of breath, and decreased lung functioning
Severe headache or head pain
Extreme drowsiness, inability to stay awake
Anaphylaxis
Skin turning blue
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
Blurred vision
Confusion, dizziness, nervousness
Vomiting
Ringing in the ears
Feeling colder or warmer than usual
Twitching or quivering
