Glycerin/ phenol spray
Generic name: glycerin/phenol [ GLIS-er-in/FEE-nol ]
Brand name: Vicks Formula 44 Sore Throat Spray
Glycerin/ phenol spray is used for:
Treating sore throat pain, sore mouth pain, and minor mouth irritation. It is also used to protect irritated areas in sore mouth and sore throat. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Glycerin/phenol spray is an oral anesthetic/analgesic and demulcent combination. It works by numbing the painful or irritated areas.
Do NOT use glycerin/ phenol spray if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in glycerin/phenol spray
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using glycerin/ phenol spray:
Some medical conditions may interact with glycerin/phenol spray. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of allergic reaction to other local anesthetics
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with glycerin/phenol spray. However, no specific interactions with glycerin/phenol spray are known at this time.
Ask your health care provider if glycerin/phenol spray may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use glycerin/ phenol spray:
Use glycerin/phenol spray as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- If you are using glycerin/phenol spray for relief of sore throat irritation or pain, apply to the affected area as directed by your doctor or the package labeling. Allow to remain in place for at least 15 seconds and then spit out.
- If you are using glycerin/phenol spray to protect an irritated area, apply to affected area as directed by your doctor or the package labeling. Gargle, swish in the mouth for at least 1 minute, then spit out.
- Glycerin/phenol spray may be repeated every 2 hours or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you do not understand how to use glycerin/phenol spray, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
- An adult should supervise the use of glycerin/phenol spray in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old.
- If you miss a dose of glycerin/phenol spray, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as directed by your doctor or on the package label. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use glycerin/phenol spray.
Important safety information:
- Severe or persistent sore throat or sore throat that occurs with fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting may be serious. Check with a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
- If your symptoms do not improve or they become worse, contact your doctor. Contact your doctor if you develop swelling, rash, fever, or trouble breathing.
- Do not use more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
- Do not use for longer than 2 days for sore throat or 7 days for sore mouth without checking with your doctor.
- Use of glycerin/phenol spray is not recommended in CHILDREN younger than 3 years of age without checking with the child's doctor; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using glycerin/phenol spray while you are pregnant. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use glycerin/phenol spray, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of glycerin/ phenol spray:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:Numbness of cheeks, tongue, or mouth.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); shortness of breath.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of glycerin/phenol spray:Store glycerin/phenol spray at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep glycerin/phenol spray out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about glycerin/phenol spray, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Glycerin/phenol spray is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take glycerin/phenol spray or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about glycerin/phenol spray. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to glycerin/phenol spray. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using glycerin/phenol spray.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.