Zilactin® is an anesthetic medicine used to temporarily relieve the pain of toothache, canker sores, cold sores, fever blisters and minor dental procedures. It is available for use as a topical gel or as medicated swabs that can be applied directly to the affected area.
How It Works
Anesthetic products such as Zilactin® cause a reduction in pain sensation and/or numbness of the skin by altering the signal conduction of the sensory nerves that supply the affected area. The Zilactin® blocks the sodium (Na) channels that transmit pain signals along nerve cells to the brain.
If the membrane of the post synaptic neuron has been sufficiently blocked, it will not depolarize and will therefore not transmit an electric impulse to the brain. This prevents the transmission of pain signals by blocking them before they begin. In this case, Zilactin® prevents the signals of pain from mouth ulcers and cold sores by numbing the affected area for 4-
Gel Products
Zilactin® Early Relief Cold Sore Gel is of use at the first appearance of a cold sore or fever blister outside the mouth, while Zilactin®-
Zilactin® gel products should only be used by adults and children over 2 years of age. Users should dry the affected area before application, and then apply a thin coat of gel with a cotton swab or a clean finger. Allow the gel to dry for 30-
Medicated Swabs
Zilactin® Tooth and Gum Instant Pain Reliever is a maximum strength anesthetic made to relieve throbbing oral pain. To use, remove swabs from their packaging by opening their foil bag. Grasp the swab by its handle and lift it from the opened foil. Apply the medicated swab directly onto the affected area. Hold the swab in place for at least 30 seconds before discarding.
Safe Use of Zilactin®
An adult should supervise all children under the age of 12 who use Zilactin®. Children under 2 years should not use this product. Users with any concerns should consult a physician or dentist. Do not continue to use Zilactin® for more than 7 days unless directed by a physician or dentist. Those with a history of allergy to local anesthetics such as procaine, butacaine or other “caine” anesthetics should not use this product. Avoid contact with the eyes and do not exceed stated dosage for each product. Store at room temperature.
Side Effects
Serious side effects of Zilactin® include:
• headaches, feeling tired, and experiencing confusion;
• a fast heart rate; feeling light headed or short of breath; and
• a pale, blue or grey appearance of the skin, lips or fingernails.
These are rare but serious side effects: get emergency help immediately.
If a user experiences the following symptoms he or she should stop using Zilactin® and speak to his or her doctor:
• severe burning, stinging or sensitivity where the medicine is applied;
• swelling, warmth or redness; or
• oozing, blistering or any signs of infection.
Less serious side effects of Zilactin® may include:
• the presence of dry white flakes in the area where the medicine was applied;
• skin tenderness and redness; or
• a mild stinging, itching or burning sensation on application.
Other documented side effects have included:
• Dermatitis: inflammation of the skin.
• Uticaria: a pale red rash, often called ‘hives’.
• Edema: abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin.
• Angiodema: swelling of the membranes in the mouth, throat and tongue; ‘hives’ may also be present.
• Methemoglobinemia: a disorder of the blood where hemoglobin’s ability to release oxygen to body tissues is reduced.
Active Ingredients
Zilactin® Early Relief Cold Sore Gel: Benzyl Alcohol 10%
Zilactin®-
Zilactin® Tooth and Gum Instant Pain Reliever: Benzocaine 20%
Manufacturer
Blairex Laboratories Inc. are an Indiana-
Price
Zilactin® Early Relief Cold Sore Gel (0.25oz) –
Zilactin®-
Zilactin® Tooth and Gum Instant Pain Reliever (8.0 ea.) –
Reviews
Customer reviews for all three Zilactin® products are generally very positive.