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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.

BENZYL ALCOHOL: 54 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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54
Total FAERS Reports
17 (31.5%)
Deaths Reported
6
Hospitalizations
54
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
1
Life-Threatening
Apr 9, 2009
FDA Approved
CVS Pharmacy Inc.
Manufacturer
Discontinued
Status

Drug Class: Pediculicide [EPC] · Route: TOPICAL · Manufacturer: CVS Pharmacy Inc. · FDA Application: 022129 · HUMAN OTC DRUG · FDA Label: Available

First Report: 20040312 · Latest Report: 20250430

What Are the Most Common BENZYL ALCOHOL Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Toxicity to various agents
16 reports (29.6%)
#2 Most Reported
Drug administered to patient of inappropriate age
16 reports (29.6%)
#3 Most Reported
Metabolic acidosis
11 reports (20.4%)

All BENZYL ALCOHOL Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Drug administered to patient of inappropriate age 16 29.6% 15 0
Toxicity to various agents 16 29.6% 15 0
Metabolic acidosis 11 20.4% 10 0
Drug ineffective 8 14.8% 0 1
Drug abuse 5 9.3% 1 2
Gasping syndrome 5 9.3% 5 0

Who Reports BENZYL ALCOHOL Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 75.0% female, 25.0% male. Average age: 38.2 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is BENZYL ALCOHOL Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2004 1 0 0
2014 1 0 0
2017 3 0 1
2020 1 1 0
2021 1 0 0
2022 2 1 0
2023 1 0 1
2024 6 0 2
2025 1 0 0

View full timeline →

What Is BENZYL ALCOHOL Used For?

IndicationReports
Product used for unknown indication 22
Catheter management 13

Other Drugs in Same Class: Pediculicide [EPC]

Official FDA Label for BENZYL ALCOHOL

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

Use Temporarily relieves pain and itching associated with insect bites, minor burns, sunburn, minor cuts, scrapes, minor skin irritations, hives and rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac

Dosage & Administration

Directions

  • remove imprinted safety seal from bottle cap
  • to remove child-resistant cap, squeeze smooth sides of cap while turning. Reclose tightly. Ready to use, no mixing needed. Adults and children 2 years of age or over: Swish one-half capful (2 teaspoons = 10mL) around the mouth over the affected area for at least 1 minute and then spit out. Use up to 4 times daily after meals and at bedtime or as directed by a dentist or healthcare provider Children under 12 years of age: Should be supervised in the use of this product Children under 2 years of age: Consult a dentist or healthcare provider Other Information
  • cap tightly
  • keep away from heat or direct sunlight
  • do not use if safety seal is broken or missing

Warnings

Warnings For external use only Flammable: Keep away from fire or flame -Do not use near heat or flame or while smoking. -avoid long term storage above 40 degree Celcius. -do not puncture or incinerate. COntents under pressure -do not store at temperatures above 49 degree Celcius Do not use on large areas of the body or cut or wounds or damaged skin on puncture wounds for more than one week without consulting a doctor When using this product use only as directed avoid contact with the eyes, mucous membranes or rashes avoid spraying on face avoid inhalation of spray do not bandage or apply local heat such as heating pads or a medicated patch to area of use do not use at the same time as other topical analgesics Stop use and ask a doctor if skin reactions occur, such as rash, itching, redness, irritaion, pain, swelling and blistering conditions worsen symptoms persist for more than 7 days symptoms clear up and occur again within a few days If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Active Ingredient

Active ingredients......................................Purpose Benzyl alcohol 10%......................................Topical analgesic Pramoxine hydrochloride 1%.......................Topical analgesic

Inactive Ingredients

Inactive ingredients bentonite, benzethonium chloride, camphor, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, hydroxyethylcellulose, lanolin alcohol, lanolin oil, magnesium aluminum silicate, menthol, petrolatum, polyethylene glycol, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, purified water, PVP, red 33, sorbitan stearate, squalane, yellow 5, yellow 6