Benzyl benzoate is an organic compound (formula C6H5CH2O2CC6H5) that can be used for both medical and non-medical purposes. As a medicine, Benzyl benzoate is used to treat human scabies and lice, and is among the ingredients of asthma and whooping cough medications. For testosterone-replacement medications that are used to treat hypogonadism, Benzyl benzoate is also used as an excipient for long-term stabilization, as a bulking agent, or to facilitate drug absorption.
In veterinary hospitals, benzyl benzoate is used as a topical treatment of ticks and mites. It's also commonly found in mosquito repellants.
It works on scabies, lice, ticks, and mites by getting absorbed by them and then destroying their nervous systems.
In the perfume industry, Benzyl benzoate is used as a fixative, dye carrier, and solvent for cellulose derivatives.
Benzyl benzoate is available without a prescription.
Benzyl Benzoate Side Effects
When used to treat scabies and lice in humans, Benzyl benzoate can irritate the skin. Using too much of the solution can lead to an allergic reaction that presents in the form of hives, blistering, or a rash. Symptoms of an overdose may also include difficulty in urinating, sudden loss of consciousness, and jerking movements. It is necessary to keep the medication away from your nose and eyes, as it will cause severe irritation of the mucous membranes. If Benzyl benzoate comes into contact with your eyes, flush immediately and thoroughly with water.
You should never use Benzyl benzoate on open sores, wounds, or cuts as the amount of the chemical absorbed by the skin will be increased and therefore your risks for negative side effects are also increased.
When used as an excipient in testosterone-replacement medications, it is possible that it can cause anaphylaxis for individuals who have a serious allergic reaction to the chemical.
In laboratory animals, Benzyl benzoate has a low acute toxicity. Benzyl benzoate is quickly broken down into benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol, and then the benzyl alcohol is broken down into benzoic acid as well. Benzoic acid is eliminated rapidly through urination. In laboratory animals given large doses of benzyl benzoate, they exhibit signs of hyper excitement, convulsions, loss of coordination and/or respiratory paralysis.
Using Benzyl Benzoate to Treat Lice
You can use this chemical to treat lice infestations with the following steps:
Thoroughly wash hair to remove any ointments, shampoo, lotion, or styling products
Apply benzyl benzoate thoroughly to your hair and scalp
Do not rinse for 24 hours
Thoroughly wash hair and scalp with your regular shampoo and warm water to remove benzyl benzoate
Rinse thoroughly and use a clean towel to dry
Use tweezers or comb to remove any remaining lice eggs or shells from your hair.
Using Benzyl Benzoate to Treat Scabies
You can use this chemical to treat scabies with the following steps:
Thoroughly wash your skin to remove any soap, oil, creams, and lotions
Dry off thoroughly
Apply benzyl benzoate to entire skin surface from neck to soles of your feet and rub into your skin
Do not wash for 24 hours to allow the chemical to remain on your body
Thoroughly wash your body with soap and warm water
Dry off with a clean towel
You may need to repeat treatment for severe infestation.
Storing Benzyl Benzoate
Keep your Benzyl benzoate in a sealed container away from sources of heat, direct light, and moisture. A medical cabinet is a good place to store the solution. Do not allow the chemical to freeze. Ensure Benzyl benzoate is kept out of reach of children, and do not keep outdated medication.
