Before using benzyl benzoate

Before using benzyl benzoate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have patches of broken skin such as in eczema.
• If you are using other skin creams or ointments, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to apply benzyl benzoate

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Apply benzyl benzoate over the whole body including your scalp, neck, face and ears, but be careful not to get the application in your eyes, nostrils, or mouth. Try to pay particular attention to the webs of your fingers and toes and brush the lotion under the ends of your fingernails and toenails. You can use an old paintbrush, shaving brush or cotton wool to apply it. Without having a bath or shower, apply benzyl benzoate again on the following day and then wash it off 24 hours after this second application unless your doctor has recommend a third application, in which case wash it off 24 hours after the last application.
• All adults living in your house and any adults who are close contacts (even if they show no signs of scabies) should be treated at the same time. If you have children, they should also be treated for scabies but not with benzyl benzoate as it is not recommended for children. Alternative treatments are available for children - ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Do not wash your hands after applying benzyl benzoate. When you need to wash your hands, for example to prepare food or after going to the toilet, remember to reapply the benzyl benzoate to your hands afterwards.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are a breast-feeding mother, avoid breast-feeding until you have completed your treatment with benzyl benzoate and all of the application is washed off.
• Itching associated with scabies can continue for some weeks after the skin mites are destroyed. Ask your pharmacist for something to help relieve the itching if this is a problem for you.
• It is important that you complete the full course of treatment with benzyl benzoate, otherwise your infection may come back.
• After you have finished treatment with benzyl benzoate, wash your bedlinen and clothing to prevent becoming re-infected.

Can benzyl benzoate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store benzyl benzoate

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.