HEALTHPOINT's Proprietary EXACTACAIN(TM) Spray Topical Anesthetic Can Reduce Risk Of Benzocaine Overdosing

Main Category: Pain / Anesthetics
Article Date: 02 Aug 2006 - 1:00 PDT

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A 2006 FDA advisory about the dangers associated with possible overdosing and erroneous administration of benzocaine products highlights the value of one product that may be a safer dosing alternative for physicians and their patients --- HEALTHPOINT's EXACTACAIN(TM) (benzocaine 14%, butamben 2%, tetracaine hydrocholoride 2%) Spray Topical Anesthetic.

According to HEALTHPOINT Surgical, a subsidiary of DFB Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that distributes EXACTACAIN, the topical anesthetic spray controls pain and suppresses the gag reflex during endoscopy via metered dose application. EXACTACAIN is indicated for the production of anesthesia of all accessible mucous membranes except the eyes.

Benzocaine products are commonly used in endoscopic procedures nationwide. More than 10 million gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures are performed annually in the United States to examine the digestive tract including the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and portions of the small intestines.

"EXACTACAIN's metered system provides precision dosing that can eliminate overdosing," said Steve Owens, director of marketing, HEALTHPOINT Surgical. "It offers physicians performing endoscopies a potentially safer alternative."

EXACTACAIN's proprietary, patent-pending delivery system can reduce risks mentioned in the FDA advisory. One risk is a potentially dangerous, even fatal, side effect known as methemoglobinemia, a condition whereby critical amounts of hemoglobin in red blood cells can no longer bind and carry oxygen to living tissues.

Unlike other benzocaine products, EXACTACAIN's dosage and administration are both metered and clear. This patent-pending delivery system can help ensure accurate dosing via a precise spray that provides effective anesthesia, controls pain and suppresses the gag reflex. EXACTACAIN's metered spray is precise, controls dosage, and directs the medicine where it needs to go unlike other anesthetic sprays. Additionally, this new delivery system provides secure, single use applicators, an added cost-efficiency benefit, which can reduce the possibility of cross-contamination.

HEALTHPOINT's increased supply will ensure availability of this product, according to the company.

"EXACTACAIN provides the benefits of a topical anesthetic spray while potentially limiting the possibility of the negative or dangerous side effects noted in the FDA Advisory," emphasized Mr. Owens. "When it comes to safety, EXACTACAIN raises the bar for anesthetic sprays."

More details about EXACTACAIN are available at http://www.EXACTACAIN.com.

Since its inception in 1992, HEALTHPOINT has established a U.S. presence in the research, development, and marketing of branded pharmaceuticals, over the counter drugs, and medical devices for surgical, dermatology, and tissue management indications. An aggressive research and development effort has brought HEALTHPOINT's unique technologies to the market, setting the pace for its highly trained field sales organization of direct sales representatives. HEALTHPOINT, with over 300 employees, is a DFB Pharmaceuticals, Inc. affiliate company. HEALTHPOINT is based in Fort Worth, Texas. Visit HEALTHPOINT's web site at http://www.healthpoint.com.

Also headquartered in Fort Worth, DFB provides technology-driven products, outsourcing services, and licensing opportunities to the healthcare industry worldwide through its affiliate companies, contract partners, and branded marketing organizations.

HEALTHPOINT
http://www.healthpoint.com