Benzyl Benzoate

These indications are based on manufacturer information for both originator and generic products. For product specific indications, please refer to product specific manufacturer information

South African indications:

• Scabies
• Pediculosis

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients

Caution

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: lot

Dosages below include:

• South African Standard Treatment Guideline indications and dosages
• South African registered indications and dosages

Infections caused by: Sarcoptes scabiei; Pediculus humanus capitis

Specific doses based on individual indications

Please note that the dosages below should be used in combination with regional guidelines, taking into account local antibiotic sensitivities

South African Standard Treatment Guideline indications and dosages

Scabies

• Topical (lot): Apply undiluted to whole body, from neck to feet and rub in well, allow to dry wash off 24hrs later; Repeat after 24hrs, or within 5 days for severe infestation
  (STG, PHC 2020)

Pubic lice

• Topical (lot): Apply to affected area, leave on for 24hrs, then wash off; Repeat in 7 days
  (STG, PHC 2020)

Body lice

• Topical (lot): Apply undiluted to whole body, excluding neck and face, leave on overnight, wash off the next day; Treatment duration: Weekly for up to 3 weeks
  (STG, PHC 2020)

South African registered indications and dosages

Pediculosis capitus

• Topical (lot): Day 1: Coat the head; Day 2:  Wash hair with soap and water; 1 week later: Inspect head for possible reinfection; If the infestation is very severe, treatment is given twice in 24 hours; If there is secondary infection of the scalp, the treatment is repeated on the second and third successive days; An appropriate ointment may then be used until inspection of the scalp a week later (Manufacturer recommendation)

Paed. forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: lot

Infections caused by: Sarcoptes scabiei; Pediculus humanus capitis

Specific doses based on individual indications

Please note that the dosages below should be used in combination with regional guidelines, taking into account local antibiotic sensitivities

Scabies

Younger than 6 years

• No information available

Older than 6 years

• See adult dosage
  (STG, PHC 2020)

Pregnancy

• Caution; no information available

Breastfeeding

• Caution; no information available

Renal Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Hepatic Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Porphyria Information

• Not yet classified (NC)

Drugs in Sport

• Permitted - No warning

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

• Skin irritation
• Mucous membrane irritation
• Hypersensitivity reaction

Sensory Disorders

• Eye irritation

No information available

None routine

Benzyl benzoate exerts toxic effects on the nervous system of the parasite, resulting in its death. It is also toxic to mite ova, though its exact mechanism of action is unknown.

Spectrum of activity: Sarcoptes scabiei; Pediculus humanus capitis

Benzyl Benzoate is available in several formulations. Please note the list below gives examples of products which are available and is not necessarily comprehensive. The listing of a product does not constitute endorsement of the product by EMGuidance; likewise, failure to list a product does not imply that EMGuidance disapproves of the product. This information is put together on the basis of the National Government's Medicines Price Registry at the time of publication

Lotion (per 100ml) 25g

• Ascabiol (Pharmacare) (Discontinued)

Emulsion (per 100ml)

• Barrs Benzyl Benzoate Emulsion BP (Barrs)