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Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

BENOXINATE: 79 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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79
Total FAERS Reports
5 (6.3%)
Deaths Reported
22
Hospitalizations
79
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
2
Life-Threatening
1
Disabilities
Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
FDA Approved
Altaire Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Manufacturer
Discontinued
Status
Yes
Generic Available

Route: OPHTHALMIC · Manufacturer: Altaire Pharmaceuticals Inc. · FDA Application: 084149 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available

First Report: 20110527 · Latest Report: 20250218

What Are the Most Common BENOXINATE Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Toxic anterior segment syndrome
29 reports (36.7%)
#2 Most Reported
Aqueous fibrin
19 reports (24.1%)
#3 Most Reported
Inflammation
16 reports (20.3%)

All BENOXINATE Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Toxic anterior segment syndrome 29 36.7% 0 0
Aqueous fibrin 19 24.1% 0 0
Inflammation 16 20.3% 0 0
Conjunctivitis 13 16.5% 0 0
Hypopyon 10 12.7% 0 0
Vitritis 10 12.7% 0 0
Malaise 9 11.4% 0 8
Bradycardia 8 10.1% 0 8
Hypotension 7 8.9% 0 6
Syncope 7 8.9% 0 6
Cold sweat 6 7.6% 0 6
Dizziness 6 7.6% 0 6
Dyspnoea 6 7.6% 0 1
Fall 5 6.3% 4 0
Fatigue 5 6.3% 0 0
Urticaria 5 6.3% 0 2

Who Reports BENOXINATE Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 71.6% female, 28.4% male. Average age: 69.8 years. Most reports from: BE. View detailed demographics →

Is BENOXINATE Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2011 2 0 2
2013 2 0 0
2014 5 0 2
2016 1 0 1
2017 7 0 4
2019 3 0 2
2020 7 0 7
2021 3 0 0
2022 35 5 0
2023 1 0 1
2024 2 0 1
2025 1 0 1

View full timeline →

What Is BENOXINATE Used For?

IndicationReports
Preoperative care 25
Product used for unknown indication 25
Local anaesthesia 8
Anaesthesia 7
Cataract operation 5

Official FDA Label for BENOXINATE

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

Altafluor Benox (fluorescein sodium and benoxinate hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) 0.25%/0.4% is a sterile disclosing agent in combination with a short-acting ester anesthetic for topical ophthalmic use. Fluorescein sodium is represented by the following structural formula: C 20 H 10 Na 2 O 5 Mol. Wt.

376.27 Chemical Name: Spiro [isobenzofuran-1 (3 H ),9’-9[9 H ] xanthene]-3-one, 3’,6’ dihydroxy, disodium salt. Benoxinate hydrochloride is represented by the following structural formula: C 17 H 28 N 2 O 3

  • HCl Mol. Wt.

344.88 Chemical Name: 2-(Diethylamino) etyl 4-amino-3-butoxybenzoate monohydrochloride. Each mL contains: Actives: fluorescein sodium 2.5 mg (0.25%) equivalent to fluorescein 2.2 mg (0.22%), benoxinate hydrochloride 4 mg (0.4%) equivalent to benoxinate 3.6 mg (0.36%); Inactives: povidone, hydrochloric acid, boric acid, sodium hydroxide, water for injection. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH (4.3 – 5.3). Preservative: chlorobutanol 11mg (1.1%).

Fluorescein

Sodium and Benoxinate Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution USP, 0.25%/0.4% is a disclosing agent with rapid anesthetic action of short duration.

Fluorescein

Sodium is represented by the following structural formula.

Benoxinate

Hydrochloride is represented by the following structural formula:

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

AND USAGE Fluorescein Sodium and Benoxinate Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, 0.3%/0.4% is indicated for ophthalmic procedures in adult and pediatric patients requiring a disclosing agent in combination with a topical ophthalmic anesthetic agent.

Fluorescein

Sodium and Benoxinate Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, 0.3%/0.4% is a combination of fluorescein sodium, a disclosing agent and benoxinate hydrochloride, a local ester anesthetic indicated for procedures in adult and pediatric patients requiring a disclosing agent in combination with a topical ophthalmic anesthetic. ( 1 )

Dosage & Administration

AND ADMINISTRATION Instill 1 to 2 drops of Altafluor Benox in the eye as needed.

Instill

1 to 2 drops topically in the eye as needed to achieve adequate anesthesia. ( 2 )

Contraindications

Fluorescein Sodium and Benoxinate Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, 0.3%/0.4% is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of this product. Known hypersensitivity to any component of this product. ( 4 )

Known Adverse Reactions

REACTIONS The following serious ocular adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

  • Corneal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
  • Corneal Injury due to Insensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] The following adverse reactions have been identified following use of Fluorescein Sodium and Benoxinate Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, 0.3%/0.4%: ocular hyperemia, burning, stinging, eye irritation, blurred vision and punctate keratitis. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The most common ocular adverse events are: stinging, burning and conjunctival redness. ( 6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Oceanside Pharmaceuticals at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Warnings

AND PRECAUTIONS Corneal Toxicity : Prolonged use or abuse may lead to corneal epithelial toxicity and manifest as epithelial defects which may progress to permanent corneal damage. ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. )

Corneal

Injury : Patients should not touch the eye for approximately 20 minutes after using anesthetic as accidental injuries can occur due to insensitivity of the eye. ( 5.2 )

5.1 Corneal Toxicity Prolonged use or abuse may lead to corneal epithelial toxicity and may manifest as epithelial defects which may progress to permanent corneal damage with accompanying visual loss.

5.2 Corneal Injury Due to Insensitivity Patients should not touch the eye for approximately 20 minutes after using this anesthetic as accidental injuries can occur due to insensitivity of the eye.