What it does
Benzylbenzoate is a topical treatment used to help eliminate certain skin infections caused by parasites.
Commonly used for: scabies, lice infestation
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 20:18:59 · updated 2026-08-03 04:19:21
About this medicine
Benzylbenzoate is a topical treatment used to help eliminate certain skin infections caused by parasites.
What it treats
- scabies
- lice infestation
How it works
It works by killing the mites and lice that cause these infections.
Who it's for
It is suitable for adults and children over a certain age, as directed by a healthcare provider.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Benzylbenzoate
BNF-referencedBenzyl benzoate is a topical medication primarily used for the treatment of scabies and lice infestations. It exhibits insecticidal properties by acting on the nervous system of parasites, leading to their death. Although effective, its irritant nature limits its use as the first-line treatment, especially in sensitive populations such as children.
Indications
- Scabies
- Lice infestations (head and body)
Dosage
Children: For children, apply 2–3 times a day, continuing for 7 days.
Adults: Apply over the whole body; repeat without bathing on the following day and wash off 24 hours later. A third application may be required in some cases.
Mechanism of action
Benzyl benzoate exerts toxic effects on the nervous system of the parasite, resulting in its death. It is also toxic to mite ova. In vitro studies show that benzyl benzoate can kill the Sarcoptes mite within 5 minutes.
Pharmacodynamics
Benzyl benzoate is recognized as one of the older preparations for treating scabies, a skin infection caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The condition is characterized by intense itching, particularly at night, and red spots, which may lead to secondary infections. Benzyl benzoate is lethal to the Sarcoptes mite and is also effective against lice infestations. However, due to its irritant properties, it is not considered the treatment of choice for scabies.
Pharmacokinetics
Benzyl benzoate is absorbed through the skin upon topical application, with systemic absorption being minimal. Its pharmacokinetics can vary based on the formulation and the area of application. The drug is metabolized in the body and excreted primarily through urine. Due to its irritant potential, caution is advised when applying to large areas of skin.
Adverse effects
- Eye irritation
- Mucosal irritation
- Skin irritation
- Hypersensitivity
- Skin reactions
Precautions
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes
- Should not be applied to broken skin
- Use caution in sensitive areas such as the head and neck
Pregnancy
Use only if necessary and under medical supervision, as safety during pregnancy has not been established.
Breast-feeding
Suspend feeding until the product has been washed off.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from light.
Formulations
- Cream
- Ointment
- Liquid
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Benzylbenzoate
PubChem CID 2345Molecular formula: C14H12O2
Mechanism of action
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. In vitro, benzyl benzoate has been found to kill the Sarcoptes mite within 5 minutes.
Pharmacodynamics
Benzyl benzoate is one of the older preparations used to treat scabies. Scabies is a skin infection caused by the mite sarcoptes scabiei. It is characterised by severe itching (particularly at night), red spots, and may lead to a secondary infection. Benzyl benzoate is lethal to this mite and so is useful in the treatment of scabies. It is also used to treat lice infestation of the head and body. Benzyl benzoate is not the treatment of choice for scabies due to its irritant properties.
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.