benzocaine and trimethobenzamide (rectal) Health Article

Generic name(s):

benzocaine and trimethobenzamide (rectal)

Brand name(s):

benzocaine-trimethobenzamide, Tigan Adult, Tigan Pediatric

What is the most important information I should know about benzocaine and trimethobenzamide?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Benzocaine and trimethobenzamide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. Avoid drinking alcohol, which may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking benzocaine and trimethobenzamide.

What is benzocaine and trimethobenzamide?

Benzocaine and trimethobenzamide affects the areas of the brain that stimulate nausea and vomiting.

Benzocaine and trimethobenzamide is used to treat nausea and vomiting.

Benzocaine and trimethobenzamide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using benzocaine and trimethobenzamide?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney or liver disease;

• an enlarged prostate;

• difficulty urinating;

• bladder problems;

• glaucoma;

• asthma; or

• heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use benzocaine and trimethobenzamide, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

It is not known whether benzocaine and trimethobenzamide will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take benzocaine and trimethobenzamide without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether benzocaine and trimethobenzamide passes into breast milk. Do not take benzocaine and trimethobenzamide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child, especially if the child has a fever or has recently had chicken pox.

How should I use benzocaine and trimethobenzamide?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

The suppositories are for rectal use. Do not take them by mouth.

Unwrap the suppository when you are ready to insert it. You may wet the tip of the suppository with cold water. Lie down on your side and use your finger to insert the suppository into your rectum. Hold in the suppository and remain lying down for a few minutes while the medicine dissolves.

To make the rectal suppository easier to insert, you may chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before use.

Benzocaine and trimethobenzamide is normally used three or four times a day. You may also be using the medicine only as needed. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed for you.

Store benzocaine and trimethobenzamide suppositories at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since benzocaine and trimethobenzamide is used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a benzocaine and trimethobenzamide overdose may include drowsiness, uncontrollable movements, muscle spasms, blurred vision, seizures or convulsions, difficulty breathing, and death.

What should I avoid while using benzocaine and trimethobenzamide?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Benzocaine and trimethobenzamide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. Avoid drinking alcohol, which may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking benzocaine and trimethobenzamide.