Benzyl Benzoate

About Benzyl Benzoate

This belongs to the group of medicines known as parasiticidal preparations.

Benzyl Benzoate is used to treat Scabies.

Scabies are small mites which burrow under the skin causing intense irritation and itching. The eggs laid by the mites are easily transferred to others, by skin contact, so spreading the infection.

Benzyl Benzoate is available in topical solution form.

It is also sometimes known as: Ascabiol. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

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 suffer from eczema
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are using any other preparations, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use Benzyl Benzoate

• Use Benzyl Benzoate exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Apply Benzyl Benzoate over the whole body, paying particular attention to the webs of the fingers and toes and brushing the lotion under the ends of the nails. You can use an old paintbrush, shaving brush or cotton wool to apply it. Without having a bath or shower, repeat the following day and wash off 24 hours after the second application. Your doctor may recommend a third application.
• All members of the affected household and close contacts (even if they show no signs of infestation) should be treated at the same time. However, Benzyl Benzoate should not be used on children. Alternative treatments are available for children, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Do not wash your hands after each application. When you do wash your hands during the treatment period eg after going to the toilet, reapply Benzyl Benzoate to the hands.
• Benzyl Benzoate is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Benzyl Benzoate is for external use only. If you think that someone has swallowed Benzyl Benzoate contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are a breast-feeding mother, avoid breast-feeding until you have completed treatment with Benzyl Benzoate and all of the lotion is washed off.
• The 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.
• Do not allow Benzyl Benzoate to come into contact with the eyes or mucous membranes (e.g. mouth, vagina, inside of nose etc.), unless you are advised to do so by your doctor.
• Do not apply Benzyl Benzoate to broken skin.
• Complete the full course of treatment with Benzyl Benzoate, otherwise your infection may come back.
• Clothing and bed linen should be washed after treatment.
• Before using any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to use alongside Benzyl Benzoate.
• You should see an improvement in your condition after a few days. If your condition does not seem to be getting better after seven days, consult your doctor for advice.

Can Benzyl Benzoate cause problems?

Benzyl Benzoate occasionally causes skin irritation such as rashes or a burning sensation. This should soon disappear. If it doesn't or if it becomes severe, stop using Benzyl Benzoate and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this preparation, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Benzyl Benzoate

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 10/02/2005