What is the Difference Between Lidocaine and Benzocaine?

Lidocaine and benzocaine are both local anesthetics used to numb pain and reduce sensation, but they have some differences in their properties and uses:

1. Strength and Duration: Lidocaine is considered stronger and its effects last for approximately 90 minutes, while benzocaine is less severe and its effects last for around 10 minutes from the time of application. According to a study, 20% benzocaine was found to be just as effective as 5% lidocaine in reducing pain.
2. Chemical Structure: Lidocaine is an amino amide, while benzocaine is an ester. This difference affects how the drugs interact with the liver. Lidocaine is more likely to be used for long-term pain relief in a hospital setting, while benzocaine is mostly used topically or applied to gum tissue.
3. Applications: Benzocaine is primarily used on mucous membranes of the body, like the mouth. Lidocaine, on the other hand, is stronger and works by numbing skin all over the body. Lidocaine can be applied directly to the skin, making it more versatile in its usage.
4. Pain Relief: Lidocaine typically lasts longer than benzocaine, providing pain relief for 35 to 40 minutes compared to benzocaine's 15 minutes.
5. Allergies: An individual who is allergic to one anesthetic may not be allergic to the other.

In summary, lidocaine is a stronger and longer-lasting local anesthetic than benzocaine, making it more suitable for a wider range of applications, including pain relief and numbing the skin. Benzocaine is a less severe anesthetic, primarily used on mucous membranes like the mouth.

Comparative Table: Lidocaine vs Benzocaine

Here is a table comparing the differences between lidocaine and benzocaine:

Both lidocaine and benzocaine are used as topical anesthetics to reduce sensation, which can help alleviate itching, pain, and may slow down physical-sexual response. However, they have different chemical structures, with lidocaine being an amino amide and benzocaine being an ester. Lidocaine is considered a stronger local anesthetic than benzocaine, and its effects last for approximately 90 minutes. Benzocaine is available as an over-the-counter topical anesthetic, while lidocaine injections are only available in clinical settings. Both substances have side effects, with lidocaine causing allergic skin reactions and benzocaine, in rare cases, causing methemoglobinemia.