What is the difference between Anbesol and Orajel?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
What is the difference between Anbesol and Orajel?
Anbesol and Orajel are two different brands which offer a wide range of topical medicinal products, like gels, ointments, swabs, topical solutions, etc to relieve dental pain or mouth sores (1,2).
Some of the products of Anbesol and Orajel might be similar as both Anbesol and Orajel contain Benzocaine as the main active ingredient in their formulations (1,2).
Benzocaine acts as a local anaesthetic and it numbs down the area of pain to provide maximum pain relief. The percentage of Benzocaine used varies from product to product and it usually lies within the range of 5 to 20%. (1,2)
Some Anbesol and Orajel products contain other active ingredients along with Benzocaine, like Menthol, zinc chloride, etc. They all are intended to be used for pain relief and for the prevention of bacterial infection.
How to choose between Anbesol and Orajel?
When deciding between Anbesol and Orajel for relieving oral pain or discomfort, consider the following factors: (1,2)
- Type of pain: Determine the specific type of oral pain or discomfort you are experiencing. Both Anbesol and Orajel are topical oral analgesics, but they may have different formulations for addressing various issues like toothaches, canker sores, or gum irritation.
- Active ingredients: Check the active ingredients in each product. Anbesol contains benzocaine, while Orajel may contain benzocaine or another numbing agent like lidocaine. Some people may prefer one active ingredient over the other based on their individual sensitivity or effectiveness.
- Product form: Both Anbesol and Orajel are available in different forms, such as gels, liquids, or creams. Choose the product form that is easiest for you to apply to the affected area.
- Age restrictions: Pay attention to age restrictions, as some formulations may not be suitable for young children. Always use the product according to the recommended age range specified on the packaging.
- Medical history: If you have any allergies or medical conditions, check the product’s label for any potential contraindications. If you are uncertain, consult with your healthcare provider before using either product.
- Personal preference: Some individuals may have a personal preference for one brand over the other based on past experiences or recommendations.
Always follow the instructions on the product label and use the recommended dosage. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have any concerns, seek advice from a healthcare professional for guidance.
Final words
To sum up, Anbesol and Orajel are different formulations but can be used interchangeably as they contain similar ingredients. However, it’s best to consult with a doctor if you have a dental issue or any other thing for which you wish to use these formulations.
Both Orajel and Anbesol expire, so make sure you check for drug expiry before using medications to ensure their safety and potency.
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References
1.-
LABEL: ANBESOL MAXIMUM STRENGTH- benzocaine gel. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=dcc37403-0192-4658-bb7a-059273ce0047&type=pdf
2.-
LABEL: ORAJEL INSTANT PAIN RELIEF MAXIMUM STRENGTH- benzocaine gel. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=1463de61-91ba-4bac-a43a-f0d7ceeee0d0&type=pdf
