Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Benzyl benzoate usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using this medicine.

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than recommended on the label. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of side effects.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes and other mucous membranes, such as the inside of the nose, because it may cause irritation . If you accidentally get some in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water at once.

Do not use benzyl benzoate on open wounds, such as cuts or sores on the skin or scalp. To do so may increase the amount of absorption, which may increase the chance of side effects.

Your sexual partner or partners, especially, and all members of your household may need to be treated also, since the infestation may spread to persons in close contact. If these persons have not been examined for infestation or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

To use this medicine for lice:

  • If your hair has any cream, lotion, ointment, or oil-based product on it, shampoo, rinse, and dry your hair and scalp well before applying benzyl benzoate.
  • Apply enough medicine to thoroughly wet the dry hair and scalp or skin.
  • Allow the medicine to remain on the affected areas for 24 hours.
  • Then, thoroughly wash the affected areas with warm water and soap or regular shampoo.
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.
  • After rinsing and drying, use a fine-toothed comb (less than 0.3 mm between the teeth) to remove any remaining nits (eggs) or nit shells from your hair, or, if you have fine hair, you may use a tweezer or your fingernails to pick nits out.

To use this medicine for scabies:

  • If your skin has any cream, lotion, ointment, or oil on it, wash, rinse, and dry your skin well before applying benzyl benzoate.
  • If you take a bath or shower before using benzyl benzoate, dry the skin well before applying the medicine.
  • Apply enough medicine to cover the entire skin surface from the neck down, including the soles of your feet, and rub in well.
  • Allow the medicine to remain on the body for 24 hours.
  • Then, thoroughly wash the body with warm water and soap.
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.

Immediately after using benzyl benzoate, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

Treatment may need to be repeated for severe infestation.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For topical dosage form (emulsion):
    • For lice infestation:
      • Adults—Use just one time. For severe cases, treatment may be repeated two or three times after twenty-four hours.
      • Children—
        • For infants: Use mixed with three parts of water, just one time.
        • For older children: Use mixed with an equal quantity of water, just one time.
    • For scabies infestation:
      • Adults—Use just one time. For severe cases, treatment may be repeated after twenty-four hours one time anytime within five days.
      • Children—
        • For infants: Use mixed with three parts of water, just one time.
        • For older children: Use mixed with an equal quantity of water, just one time.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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