Benzyl alcohol is a compound with the chemical formula C7H8O. It's a colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant aromatic odor. It's commonly used as a solvent in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products. Benzyl alcohol also finds applications as a preservative in injectable medications and as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes and colognes. Additionally, it can be utilized in organic synthesis as a precursor to various chemicals. However, it's worth noting that benzyl alcohol can be irritating to the skin and eyes in high concentrations, so it should be handled with care.

Benzyl alcohol causes asphyxiation of lice by obstructing the respiratory spiracles of the lice.

It is used to treat head lice infestations in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.

Additionally, it is employed to provide short-term pain relief for mouth sores, gum irritations, fever blisters, canker sores, and fever blisters.

Benzyl Alcohol Dose in Adults

Benzyl Alcohol Dose in the treatment of Oral pain:  

• Benzyl alcohol can help ease oral pain when applied as a gel directly on the sore area.
• You can use it up to four times a day.
• This method provides relief by numbing the pain locally.

Benzyl Alcohol Dose in the treatment of Head lice:  

To treat head lice with benzyl alcohol, you'll use it as a lotion on dry hair. Here's how:

• Apply the appropriate amount based on your hair length to dry hair, making sure to cover the scalp completely.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Rinse your hair thoroughly with water.
• Repeat the process after 7 days.

The amount of lotion you need depends on your hair length:

• For hair up to 2 inches long, use 4 to 6 ounces.
• For hair 2 to 4 inches long, use 6 to 8 ounces.
• For hair 4 to 8 inches long, use 8 to 12 ounces.
• For hair 8 to 16 inches long, use 12 to 24 ounces.
• For hair 16 to 22 inches long, use 24 to 32 ounces.
• For hair longer than 22 inches, use 32 to 48 ounces.

Benzyl Alcohol Dose in Children

Benzyl Alcohol Dose in the treatment of Head lice:

To treat head lice in infants aged 6 months and older, as well as in children and adolescents, you can use a lotion containing benzyl alcohol, such as Ulesfia. Here's how to use it:

• Apply the appropriate amount based on hair length to dry hair, ensuring the scalp is completely saturated.
• Leave the lotion on for 10 minutes.
• Thoroughly rinse the hair with water.
• Repeat the treatment after 7 days.

The amount of lotion needed depends on the length of the hair:

• For hair up to 2 inches long, use 4 to 6 ounces.
• For hair 2 to 4 inches long, use 6 to 8 ounces.
• For hair 4 to 8 inches long, use 8 to 12 ounces.
• For hair 8 to 16 inches long, use 12 to 24 ounces.
• For hair 16 to 22 inches long, use 24 to 32 ounces.
• For hair longer than 22 inches, use 32 to 48 ounces.

Benzyl Alcohol Dose in the treatment of Oral pain:  

For children aged 2 years and older, as well as adolescents, benzyl alcohol gel, such as Zilactin, can be used to relieve oral pain. Here's how:

1. Apply the gel to the affected area of the mouth.
2. You can use it up to four times a day.
3. However, make sure not to use it for more than 7 days.

Pregnancy Risk Factor B

• Benzyl alcohol has been given a Pregnancy Risk Factor B rating, meaning there haven't been any harmful effects observed in animal studies regarding its use during pregnancy.

Use of benzyl alcohol during breastfeeding

• It's uncertain whether benzyl alcohol passes into breast milk.
• Therefore, caution is advised when using benzyl alcohol in nursing mothers, as its effects on breastfeeding infants are not well understood.

Benzyl Alcohol Dose in Renal Disease:

• The manufacturer hasn't suggested any dose adjustments for benzyl alcohol in patients with kidney disease.

Benzyl Alcohol Dose in Liver Disease:

• The manufacturer hasn't recommended any dose adjustments for benzyl alcohol in patients with liver disease.

Common Side Effects of Benzyl alcohol Include:

• Dermatologic:
  • Pruritus
  • Erythema

Less Common Side Effects of Benzyl alcohol Include:

• Central nervous system:
  • Local anesthesia
  • Hypoesthesia
• Local:
  • Local irritation
  • Local pain
• Ophthalmic:
  • Eye irritation

Contraindications to Benzyl alcohol Include:

• According to the manufacturer's labeling, there are no listed contraindications for benzyl alcohol.

Warnings and Precautions

Contact dermatitis:

• Contact dermatitis, which includes allergic or irritant reactions, might occur with benzyl alcohol use.

Eye irritation:

• To prevent eye irritation, it's important to avoid exposure of benzyl alcohol to the eyes.
• If accidental exposure occurs, immediately flush the eyes with water.

Monitoring Parameters:

None required

How to administer Benzyl alcohol?

For Topical Use Only

• Gel Application:
  • Dry the affected area.
  • Apply the gel using a moistened cotton swab or clean finger.
  • Allow it to dry for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • Do not peel off the protective film.
  • To remove the film, apply another coat of benzyl alcohol, then immediately wipe the area with a moist gauze pad or tissue.
• Lotion Application:
  • Apply to dry hair until completely saturated.
  • Leave on for 10 minutes.
  • Thoroughly rinse with water.
  • Avoid contact with eyes.
  • Wash hands after application.
  • Use as part of a comprehensive lice management plan.
  • Clean or wash all clothing, hats, bedding, and towels in hot water.
  • Wash all personal care items (e.g., combs, brushes, hair clips) in hot water.
  • You may use a fine-tooth or special nit comb to remove nits and dead lice.

Mechanism of action of Benzyl alcohol:

• Benzyl alcohol works by blocking the breathing holes of lice, leading to their suffocation.
• This action doesn't affect lice eggs (nits).

Absorption:

• After applying the lotion for an extended period (30 minutes), benzyl alcohol was detectable in the blood at concentrations of up to 3 mcg/mL at 30 and 60 minutes following exposure in patients aged 6 months to 11 years.

International Brands of Benzyl Alcohol:

• AverTeaX
• Ulesfia
• Zilactin

Benzyl Alcohol Brands in Pakistan: