Is it safe to use benzocaine gel before insertion of a foley catheter?

Yes: There is a Lidocaine jelly which can be used intraurethrally prior to insertion of a Foley catheter or cystoscopic procedure done under local anesthesia. The comfort level of the patient is noticeably better with the injection of the jelly into the urethra, placement of a penile clamp for men, and waiting 5 minutes prior to insertion of the Foley or cystoscope.