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"   What is it used for?  Relieving the pain of sore throats or minor infections in the mouth.     How does it work? AAA sore throat spray contains the active ingredient benzocaine, which is a type of medicine called a local anaesthetic. It works by temporarily blocking the pathway of pain signals along nerves. Pain is caused by the stimulation of pain receptors at the ends of nerves. The stimulation causes sodium to enter the nerve ending, which causes an electrical signal to build up in the nerve. When this electrical signal is big enough, it passes along the nerve to the brain, where the signal is interpreted as pain.  Benzocaine acts by stopping the sodium entering the nerve ending at the site of the pain. This prevents an electrical signal building up and passing along nerve fibres to the brain. In this way benzocaine relieves pain in the area it is applied to.  Benzocaine is used to relieve the pain and discomfort of sore throats. It is administered by spraying directly onto the area that needs numbing.   How do I use it?  Shake the spray before use. Raise the spray nozzle from vertical to horizontal position.  Before you use the spray for the first time you should press the button down two or three times to activate the spray. Point the nozzle away from your face while you do this. Hold your head upright and insert the nozzle well into the mouth so it points at the sore area. Hold your breath and press the button down once to spray one metered dose. Do not breathe in the spray. Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age should spray two doses to the affected area every two to three hours as needed. Do not use more than 8 times in 24 hours. For children aged 6 to 12 years, spray one dose to the affected area every two to three hours as needed. Do not use more than 8 times in 24 hours. Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine.  If you still have a sore throat after seven days you should consult your doctor. Do not use the spray continuously for more than seven days unless directed by a doctor.    Warning!  You should consult your doctor before using this medicine if your sore throat is very severe or has lasted longer than a few days, or if you also have breathing or swallowing difficulties, feel sick, have a fever (high temperature) or have a headache. Do not breathe in the spray. Do not use in a child who is unable to hold their breath while you administer the spray. Take care to avoid spraying this medicine into the eyes. Do not use the spray near a naked flame. Your throat will feel temporarily numb after using this spray. Avoid eating or drinking until the numbness has worn off.    Not to be used in  Children under six years of age. Children who can&amp;#039;t hold their breath while you administer the spray. People with inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, which lies at the back of the tongue. This is called epiglottitis and may cause breathing or swallowing difficulties. Do not use this spray and consult your doctor if you have any breathing or swallowing difficulties with your sore throat. People with a rare blood condition callled methaemoglobinaemia.  This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.   Use with caution in   Asthma. People who have previously had an allergic reaction to other local anaesthetics or sunscreen products.    Pregnancy and breastfeeding Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.   The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should get medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine.    Side effects Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.  Temporary numbness of the mouth and throat. Avoid eating or drinking until the numbness has worn off. Sensitisation or allergic reaction. If you experience any breathing difficulties, swelling of your mouth or face, rash or itching after using this spray, stop using it and consult your doctor. A very rare blood condition called methaemoglobinaemia has been reported with benzocaine use.  The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine&amp;#039;s manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.   How can this medicine affect other medicines? It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already using, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicines while using this one, to make sure that the combination is safe.  This medicine may reduce the effect of sulphonamide-type antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole and sulfadiazine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine if you are taking this type of antibiotic.   Other medicines containing the same active ingredient   Ultra chloraseptic anaesthetic throat spray.  Last updated 11.11.2013 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/aches-and-pains/a7851/aaa-sore-throat-spray-benzocaine/>