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

It is used for the treatment of head lice infestations in adults and children 6 months of age or more.

It is also used for the temporary relief of pain from cold sores, canker sores, fever blisters, mouth sores, and gum irritations.

Benzyl Alcohol Dose in Adults

Dose in the treatment of Oral pain:

• Apply the topical gel to the affected area up to four times a day.

Dose in the treatment of Head lice:

• Apply appropriate volume for hair length of the lotion to dry hair.
• leave on for ten minutes and rinse thoroughly with water.
• Reapply in seven days.
  • Hair length 0 - 2 inches:
    • 4 - 6 ounces
  • Hair length 2 - 4 inches:
    • 6 - 8 ounces
  • Hair length 4 - 8 inches:
    • 8 - 12 ounces
  • Hair length 8 - 16 inches:
    • 12 - 24 ounces
  • Hair length 16 - 22 inches:
    • 24 - 32 ounces
  • Hair length more than 22 inches:
    • 32 - 48 ounces

Benzyl Alcohol Dose in Childrens

Dose in the treatment of Head lice:

• Infants older than 6 months, Children, and Adolescents:
  • Apply the appropriate volume of the lotion (ulesfia) ( appropriate for hair length) to dry hair and leave on for ten minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly with water and repeat in seven days.
    • Hair length 0 - 2 inches:
      • 4 - 6 ounces
    • Hair length 2 - 4 inches:
      • 6 - 8 ounces
    • Hair length 4 - 8 inches:
      • 8 - 12 ounces
    • Hair length 8 - 16 inches:
      • 12 - 24 ounces
    • Hair length 16 - 22 inches:
      • 24 - 32 ounces
    • Hair length more than 22 inches:
      • 32 - 48 ounces

Dose in the treatment of Oral pain:

• Children older than 2 years and Adolescents:
  • Apply the topical gel (zilactin) to the affected area up to four times a day.
  • It should not be used for more than 7 days.

Pregnancy Risk Factor B

• Animal reproduction studies have not shown any adverse effects.

Use of benzyl alcohol during breastfeeding

• Breastmilk excretion is unknown.
• Nursing women should use it with caution

Benzyl Alcohol Dose in Renal Disease:

• Adjustment in the dose has not been recommended by the manufacturer in patients with renal disease.

Benzyl Alcohol Dose in Liver Disease:

• Adjustment in the dose has not been recommended by the manufacturer 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

Contraindication to Benzyl alcohol Include:

• Contrainidcations are not listed on the label.

Warnings and Precautions​​​​​​​

• Contact dermatitis:
  • It is possible to get allergic contact dermatitis.
• Eye irritation:
  • Avoid eye exposure
  • Inadvertent exposures must be flushed immediately with water.

Monitoring Parameters:

None required

How to administer Benzyl alcohol?

It should be used for topical purposes only.

• Gel:

  • It is applied with a moistened cotton swab or finger to the dry affected area.
  • After application, allow to dry for 30 - 60 seconds.
  • To remove the film, first, apply another coat of benzyl alcohol, and then immediately wipe the area with a moist gauze pad or tissue.

• Lotion:

  • The lotion should be applied to dried hair.
  • Leave the lotion for 10 minutes, followed by a thorough water rinse.
  • Avoid contact with eyes and inflamed mucosa.
  • Wash hands after application.
  • It should be used in conjunction with other therapies.
  • Other measures include dry cleaning or washing all clothing, hats, bedding, and towels including personal items like combs, brushes, hair clips in hot water.
  • May use a fine-tooth or special nit comb to remove nits and dead lice.

Mechanism of action of Benzyl alcohol:

• It blocks the respiratory spiracles, inhibiting the respiration and causing lice asphyxiation. It has no ovicidal activities.

The lotion is absorbed quicklyYou should apply for at least 30 minutes.

International Brands of Benzyl Alcohol:

• AverTeaX
• Ulesfia
• Zilactin

Benzyl Alcohol Brands in Pakistan: