[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Scabicides and pediculicides](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/scabicides-and-pediculicides/) › Benzyl benzoate # Benzyl benzoate ## Scabicides and pediculicides? Scabicides and pediculicides A topical lotion that kills the scabies mite. It is the WHO-listed alternative to permethrin; it can burn on application. Updated Nov 1, 2026 ## Quick facts **Group** [Scabicides and pediculicides](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/scabicides-and-pediculicides/) **Target** Scabies mite and lice (molecular target not established) **Used for** Scabies · Head **Key effects** Burning sensation on application **Monitor** Skin irritation · Treatment of all close contacts **ATC** P03AX01 No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline. On this page - The basics Mechanism of action - Indications - Adverse effects - Pharmacokinetics - Memory aid - Safety Contraindications - Key interactions - What is monitored - Administration and safety - Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Nursing care - Study Test yourself - Connections Connections ## Mechanism of action Benzyl benzoate is the ester of benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid. Spread over the whole body, it is toxic to Sarcoptes scabiei and to lice, which die; its precise molecular target has not been established. It irritates, and absorption rises through broken skin, so it is kept off raw skin, the face and mucous membranes. - Lotion spread over the whole body reaches the mites in their burrows - It is toxic to the mites, which die - Itch that persists afterwards is a reaction to dead mites ## Indications - Scabies, as an alternative when permethrin is unavailable or has failed [Scabies →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/scabies/) - Head, body and pubic lice [Pediculosis (head, body and pubic lice) →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/pediculosis/) ## Adverse effects ### Common - Burning sensation on application - Contact dermatitis after repeated applications - Irritation if it reaches the eyes ### Serious (rare, important) - Seizures if a lot is absorbed through the skin - Hypersensitivity reactions (rare) ## Contraindications - Broken or raw skin (risk of systemic absorption) - Face and mucous membranes - Hypersensitivity to benzyl benzoate ## Key interactions **Some plastic containers used for dilution** The lotion can damage certain plastics, so dilutions are prepared in glass. ## What is monitored - Skin irritation or dermatitis after each application - Persistence of new lesions after the itch period, which suggests re-treatment - Treatment of all close contacts ## Administration and safety - Applied to the whole body from the neck down, avoiding the face, eyes and mucous membranes; eyes are rinsed with plenty of water if splashed. - In children it is diluted and left on for a shorter time; young children's hands are covered so they do not lick it or rub their eyes. - Not applied to the breasts during breastfeeding. - Clothing and bed linen of the patient and contacts are decontaminated after each treatment. ## Pregnancy and breastfeeding Not contraindicated in pregnancy; during breastfeeding it is not applied to the breasts. ## Nursing care - Warn that a burning sensation can follow application. - Check the skin for raw areas before application; they are not covered. - Treat close contacts at the same time, with or without symptoms. - Explain that itch can last up to several weeks and is not a reason to re-treat by itself. ## Pharmacokinetics **Absorption** Absorption rises through broken skin, which is why it is not applied there. **Onset and duration** Acts during the application; itch may persist for weeks after cure. ## Memory aid Benzyl Benzoate: Burns, but Beats mites. Never on Broken skin. ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Why is benzyl benzoate never applied to broken skin? Absorption through raw skin is higher and can cause systemic toxicity such as seizures. ## What local effects are typical after benzyl benzoate is applied? A burning sensation; repeated applications can also cause contact dermatitis. ## What precaution is taken for young children treated with benzyl benzoate? The lotion is diluted, and their hands are covered to stop them licking it or rubbing their eyes. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/benzyl-benzoate/) [More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology) ## Connections ## Related drugs 2 - [Permethrin](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/permethrin/) - [Ivermectin](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/ivermectin/) ## Related conditions 2 - [Scabies](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/scabies/) - [Pediculosis (head, body and pubic lice)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/pediculosis/) [← Back to the class: Scabicides and pediculicides](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/scabicides-and-pediculicides/) Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given. Sources: [BENZYL BENZOATE, lotion](https://medicalguidelines.msf.org/en/viewport/EssDr/english/benzyl-benzoate-lotion-16687167.html) (Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF Medical Guidelines), 2026); [Scabies](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/scabies) (World Health Organization, 2026); [Scabies: Diagnosis and Treatment with Images](https://dermnetnz.org/topics/scabies) (DermNet, 2026); [eEML - Electronic Essential Medicines List](https://list.essentialmeds.org/?query=benzyl%20benzoate) (World Health Organization, 2025). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/benzyl-benzoate/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/benzyl-benzoate/