Benzyl Alcohol

Benzyl Alcohol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Benzyl Alcohol is a brand name. Its generic name is Benzyl Alcohol.

Introduction

Benzyl alcohol is a colorless and odorless liquid with a mild, sweet and burning taste. It is derived from essential oils like jasmine, hyacinth and honeysuckle. It is used primarily in the cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fragrances and medical devices formulations.

Uses

Benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative and antiseptic in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and medical devices formulations. It is also used as a solvent in paints, dyes, inks, and adhesives. It is used as a flavor in foods and beverages and as a fragrance in perfumes, lotions, and soaps.

Mechanism of Action

Benzyl alcohol has antibacterial properties as it is able to disrupt the cell membrane of Gram-positive bacteria. It also has antifungal properties and can inhibit the growth of fungi. It also inhibits the growth of yeast.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

The effect of benzyl alcohol will depend on the type of product used and its concentration. Generally speaking, benzyl alcohol works within a few minutes of application.

Absorption

Benzyl alcohol is rapidly absorbed both orally and through the skin, with peak concentration reached in 30 minutes and 4 hours respectively.

Route of Elimination

Benzyl alcohol is metabolized in the liver and eliminated mainly via the kidneys.

Dosage

The usual adult dosage for benzyl alcohol is between 0.5 to 3% either orally or topically.

Administration

Benzyl alcohol is available in a variety of formulations including tablets, creams, suppositories, aerosols, sprays, and liquids. It can be administered orally, topically, or intravenously.

Side Effects

Benzyl alcohol has been known to cause skin irritation, burning, skin rash, itching, and redness. Rarely, it may also lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Toxicity

Overdoses of benzyl alcohol can lead to nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, confusion, nausea, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing.

Precaution

Benzyl alcohol should be used with caution in patients with liver and kidney dysfunction. It should also be used cautiously in pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children below the age of six.

Interaction

Benzyl alcohol may interact with other medications and can alter their effectiveness. Therefore, it should not be used with medications such as antibiotics, antihistamines, diuretics, sedatives, and antianxiety medications.

Disease Interaction

Benzyl alcohol can interact with certain diseases such as kidney diseases, liver diseases, and heart diseases. Therefore, benzyl alcohol should be used with caution in patients with such conditions.

Drug Interaction

Benzyl alcohol may interact with certain drugs such as antibiotics, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, antihistamines, and sedatives. Therefore, it should not be used with such drugs.

Food Interactions

Benzyl alcohol has no known food interactions. However, it should be used cautiously in patients with food allergies and sensitivities.

Pregnancy Use

Benzyl alcohol should be used with caution in pregnant women due to the risk of severe adverse effects on the unborn child.

Lactation Use

Benzyl alcohol should be used with caution in breastfeeding women as it can pass into breastmilk and might cause harm to the baby.

Acute Overdose

In case of an acute overdose of benzyl alcohol, immediate medical attention should be sought as it may lead to severe adverse effects.

Contraindication

Benzyl alcohol should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to it.

Use Direction

Benzyl alcohol should be used as directed by the physician or as per the directions on the label. It should not be used in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Storage Condition

Benzyl alcohol should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct light and moisture. It should be kept away from children and pets.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of benzyl alcohol in the body is 0.5 L/kg.

Half Life

The half-life of benzyl alcohol is about 14 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of benzyl alcohol from the body is approximately 2500 mL/min.

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