When you are suffering from intense pain due to toothache or ulcers of the oral cavity, the best available medicine is Orajel. It will be a blessing if you are away from a doctor or any hospital. Topical anesthesia numbs the painful area by blocking nerve impulses. This will relieve the pain and at least for 30 minutes you can relax and find a dentist to cure your problem.
Sometimes people do not read its instructions and swallow it, and think: Oh! What to do?
This question may arise in their minds.
What happens if you swallow Orajel? Swallowing a small amount is not a problem. The ingredient in oral gel contains Benzocaine to numb, an antiseptic, or ointment to cover the sore area of the mouth. However, sometimes allergies and side effects lead to serious health issues like methemoglobinemia, heart arrest, and respiratory failure.
Don’t panic, it is quite beneficial if you read and follow all the instructions given on the label.
Let’s see how this medicine works and what are the side effects of misuse.
What Happens If You Swallow Orajel
The generic name of Orajel is Benzocaine Topical. It is a local anesthetic drug and produces a senseless feeling. It reduces pain in minor skin irritation. Generally, it is used only on surfaces, or in case of sore throat or gum pain apply a small amount at the innerside of the mouth.
If you swallow the applied ointment:
It produces no side effects in a small amount because the oral gel is quite safe to digest. But remember, it should not be used for infants because this medication is for patients above 2 years.
Instruction on the label should be read and then used correctly. Sometimes improper use will hurt the patient.
What Happens When You Swallow Orajel Mouthwash
Mouthwash and mouth rinse is meant for spitting out not swallowing. Even if on the label it claims to have natural ingredients some of its chemicals are dangerous for the stomach.
A very small portion may cause no negative effects but its large quantity or frequent use produces dizziness, drowsiness, or headache.
What Can Happen If You Swallow Orajel
Orajel is a simple over-the-counter drug. It is simply used for oral ulcers, clinker, and irritated throat. This local anesthetic starts to numb the lining of the mouth and throat 15 to 30 seconds after application. Its effect remains for 30 minutes.
Some people are allergic to this drug. When unknowingly they take it they have serious reactions. The symptoms of allergy can be seen as:
- Hives
- Difficulty in breathing
- Difficulty in eating or drinking
- Swelling of face, tongue, lips, and throat
Is It Ok To Swallow Orajel
Yes, it is ok if you accidentally swallow it. But if you get these ulcers frequently, the best thing is you should examine these ulcers with a dentist. Perhaps he better guides you about the cause and cure of ulcers.
If you use an oral spray like Chloraseptic spray or use oral lozenge, you may swallow it but very slowly.
Is It Bad To Swallow Orajel
Gel, ointment, or liquid applied to your gum or sore throat are not allowed to eat. Though ingesting its small amount is ok, if you are taking its tube and eating it like gum it will lose momentary feeling in the tongue and throat.
So it is bad to have Orajel directly into your mouth.
What Happens If You Swallow Orajel in Large Amount
When a considerable amount is engulfed accidentally or intentionally, a large portion of it enters the main bloodstream. This high concentration of Benzocaine directly affects your vital organs like the heart and brain.
Symptoms can range from mild drowsiness, confusion, seizure, to coma, and cardiac arrest.
Overdose leads to uneven heartbeat, convulsion, slow breathing, and even respiratory failure.
At this critical time, you should call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
What Are the Side Effects Of Benzocaine Topical(Orajel)
Before the first time using this medicine you should ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to use for you if you have:
- A personal history of Methemeglobinemia or any genetic enzymatic deficiency disorder;
- Heart disease;
- Asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other respiratory disorder;
- If you Smoke;
Side effects
Signs and symptoms may occur within a few seconds to up to 2 hours after ingesting Orajel.
Get medical or poison emergency help if you see the following symptoms.
Severe burning sensation, stinging and warm skin, swelling warmth or redness of the skin, and numbness in the inner side of the throat. It was an oozing blister or a sign of infection visible.
A serious blood disorder called Methemoglobinemia occurs due to this medicine. This disorder shows various indications of danger.
What Is Methemoglobinemia
It is a type of blood disorder in which higher methemoglobin is produced than the normal level. In this condition, the hemoglobin of blood cells could not carry oxygen to the cells or tissue level. The oxygen that is already present in the bloodstream is tightly bound with hemoglobin and not free to supply the cells. When there is a shortage of oxygen it produces serious complications leading to the death of a person.
Symptoms of Methemoglobinemia
An increased concentration of methemoglobin and a reduced level of oxygen in the body produce very dangerous results. Their common symptoms are:
- Bluish color of fingernail, palm, lips, skin, nail bed
- Irritability
- Red sore eyes
- Sore throat
- Burning or stinging skin
- Blistering or flaking skin
- Swelling of skin
- Fever
What Happens If Swallow Orajel Analgesic Gel
One of the most important factors for its use is how and when it is used. As OTC drugs there is no need for a doctor’s prescription. But reading its instructions on the label is very important. It describes not only the method of its use but also tells the amount in a single dose.
If we use Orajel analgesic gel in large quantities and engulf it, the following symptoms appear.
- Fast and uneven heartbeat;
- Headache, tiredness, and confusion;
- Feeling light head and short breath;
- Pale, blue, and gray appearances on the skin, lips, and nails.
What Happens If Apply Some Orajel On Skin
Orajel can be applied in a very small amount on the skin as local anesthesia. You should not use it in large quantities on the skin. Skin shows a severe allergic reaction due to this. Do not use benzocaine topical for deep cuts or skin with sore wounds.
Do not cover the treated skin with bandages or plastic wrap without a doctor’s advice.
The common side effects of Orajel on the skin are:
- Itching;
- Mild stinging;
- Burning or skin tenderness;
- Redness of the skin;
- Dry white flakes were this medicine used;
How Does Orajel Work For Toothache
It works by reversing the action of nerve impulses. It prevents the movement of sodium ions which are responsible for carryout nerve impulses. It blocks the nerve impulses and thus produces the numbing of the area of application. This will relieve the pain for the next 30 minutes. After application, spit the drug because its application gives you comfort but if you swallow it produces irritation and numbness of the throat lining.
So, you can understand Orajel is the range of gels designed to comfort the ulcers of the mouth. It is not a medicine for swallowing.
Frequently Ask Question
What is considered an overdose and its result?
Poisindex describes its threshold toxic dose as 22-40 mg/kg. Signs and symptoms of over intake or applied on skin are:
- Drowsiness
- Extreme fatigue
- Uneven heartbeat
- Slow breathing rate
- Respiratory failure
Do you spit out Orajel?
Apply a small amount or direct by your doctor to the painful areas. Wait for one minute. Then spit out or rinse your mouth thoroughly. Avoiding taking this in your stomach
Avoid getting Orajel in your eyes.
Ending Lines
All medicines use their special methods, dose, timing, and applications. Their good effects are only visible if you follow all the instructions. Orajel is Bezocain Topical which is only for local anesthesia for mouth sores, oral ulcers, clinker, or sore throat.
Misuse of this drug can create a lot of trouble and harm for you. If you swallow instead of applying it on a painful site it produces a burning sensation, or numbness of the tongue, throat, and skin. Its overdose can bring heart arrest, respiratory failure, or Methemoglobinemia.
Luckily we are here to advise you and guide your correct path. Please follow us to avoid such big problems.