benzyl benzoate

Benzyl benzoate is an organic small molecule used primarily as a topical treatment for scabies and lice infestations. It acts as a scabicide and pediculicide by being absorbed into the mites and lice and disrupting their nervous system leading to their death. It has vasodilating and spasmolytic effects and is also used as an excipient in some testosterone-replacement medications. Besides medical uses in humans for ectoparasitic infections caused by Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies) and Pediculus humanus (lice), it is also employed in veterinary medicine for similar parasitic conditions. The compound is additionally utilized industrially as a solvent, plasticizer for cellulose derivatives like nitrocellulose acetate films, dye carrier in textiles, fixative in perfumes and flavors due to its pleasant odor profile. Although effective against parasites with no demonstrated resistance so far, it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions such as rash or blistering when applied topically. It was first studied medically around 1918 and remains on the WHO List of Essential Medicines but is not approved for medical use in the United States[1][2][4][6][9].

Brand names

ScabancaScabiozonScabitoxNovoscabin

Other names

Benzoic acid phenylmethylesterBenzoic acid benzyl esterPhenylmethyl benzoateBenzylis benzoas