Benzyl benzoate is a medication used to treat scabies and lice. I am going to discuss the uses, brand names,application, side effects, cost/price of benzyl benzoate.
It is on the World Health Organisation’s list of Essential Medicine, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.
Form and strength: 25 percent lotion.
It is applied to the skin as a lotion.
Benzyl benzoate cost/price is around USD 0.21 – 0.53 per 100ml in developing countries. In Nigeria, benzyl benzoate cost about #400 Naira.
The common brand/trade names are Scabanca, Ascabin, Ascabiol, Ascarbin, Tenutex and others.
There is the Moko and Nomagbon brands of benzyl benzoate in Nigeria. Both of them are effective for scabies and lice.
The mechanism of action of benzyl benzoate is not clear. But it is believed to be absorbed by the lice and mites and destroy them by acting on the nervous system.
The lotion is applied to the affected skin 2 times a day. Sometimes, it is advisable to apply it before going to bed. Shake the bottle properly before application.
Apply the lotion to the whole body, including the scalp, back of the ear,palms, and soles. Pay attention to the to the screen creases and interdigital web spaces. Do not apply to the face and membranes. In case of contact with the eye, flush immediately with plenty of water.
The common side effects of this medicine are irritation of the skin, burns, allergies, contact dermatitis, itching, and staining of clothing. Rarely, seizures may be a side effect.
It should not be taken orally or applied to broken skin or open wounds. Except indicated, benzyl benzoate is not recommended in children. Before applying for children please shake and dilute with water.
Benzyl benzoate is not contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding but wash off within 12 hours after application.
5% permetrin is actually preferable for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and in children.
It is an effective and inexpensive topical treatment for human scabies.
It is used as topical acaricide, scabicide and pediculicide in Veterinary hospitals.
Non-medically, it used as a repellent for chiggers,ticks and mosquitoes.
You can get the benzyl benzoate lotion in pharmacies and online supermarkets like Jumia, Konga, Amazon, Alibaba, and Jiji.
Please leave a comment.
Sources:
Mayoclinic
Medicalguidelines
