Benzocaine/Menthol Lozenges

Generic name: Benzocaine/Menthol Lozenges [ BEN-zoe-kane/MEN-thol ]
Brand names: Cepacol Sore Throat, Chloraseptic
Drug class: Mouth and throat products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 28, 2024.

Uses of Benzocaine/Menthol Lozenges:

• It is used to treat mouth sores.
• It is used to ease mouth and throat pain.
• It is used to treat canker sores.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Benzocaine/Menthol Lozenges?

• If you have an allergy to this medicine (benzocaine/menthol lozenges) or any part of this medicine (benzocaine/menthol lozenges).
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (benzocaine/menthol lozenges) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Benzocaine/Menthol Lozenges?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (benzocaine/menthol lozenges). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not eat while your mouth feels numb. You may bite your tongue.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), check labels closely. Some products have sugar.
• Do not give this medicine (benzocaine/menthol lozenges) to a child younger than 5 years of age.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (benzocaine/menthol lozenges) while you are pregnant.
• Tell the doctor if your child is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about any risks to the baby.

Related/similar drugs

amoxicillin, hydroxyzine, azithromycin, hydrocortisone topical, diphenhydramine, diphenhydramine topical, lidocaine topical

How is this medicine (Benzocaine/Menthol Lozenges) best taken?

Use this medicine (benzocaine/menthol lozenges) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Suck oral lozenge. Do not chew, break, or crush it. Do not swallow it whole.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you take this medicine (benzocaine/menthol lozenges) on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times this medicine (benzocaine/menthol lozenges) is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• When treating a very sore throat, if signs last more than 2 days, or happen with fever, headache, rash, upset stomach, or throwing up.
• Swelling.
• Very bad mouth pain or irritation.

What are some other side effects of Benzocaine/Menthol Lozenges?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Mouth tingling.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Benzocaine/Menthol Lozenges?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from heat.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (benzocaine/menthol lozenges), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer