Topical scabicide

Benzyl benzoate

Brand names: Ascabiol (specialist)

Benzyl benzoate is a topical agent used in the treatment of scabies and sometimes pediculosis, applied to the skin as an emulsion.

Dosing — no UK product information found

We found no UK product information (SmPC) for this medicine or presentation on the eMC or MHRA Products (checked October 2026). It may be unlicensed in the UK, imported, a medical device, or no longer marketed. ClinCalc Pro shows only doses it can trace to official product information, so none is shown — follow your specialist service or local guideline.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is toxic to the mite Sarcoptes scabiei and its eggs through actions on the parasite's nervous system, leading to its death.

Prescribing in practice

It is irritant, can cause a burning sensation (especially on genitalia and broken skin) and is less suitable for children, in whom alternatives such as permethrin are generally preferred.
Apply over the whole body and treat all close contacts simultaneously to prevent re-infestation.
Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.

Monitoring

Review after treatment to confirm eradication, recognising that itch can persist for some weeks after successful treatment.

Counselling the patient

Apply to the whole body, not just visibly affected areas, and reapply to the hands after washing.
Treat all household and sexual contacts at the same time, and wash bedding and clothing.
Itching may continue for a couple of weeks even after the mites are cleared.

Evidence & guidelines

Benzyl benzoate is an established scabicide, with topical permethrin generally recommended as first-line in current guidance.

Reference: NICE CKS Scabies; UKHSA; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways