Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
ointment
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
gel
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
liquid
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
paste/cream
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
oral spray
- 5%
lozenge
- 3mg (Cepacol Sensations Hydra)
- 4mg (Cepacol Sensations Warming)
- 6mg (Kids Chloraseptic Sore Throat Lollipops)
- 15mg (Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat Lozenges)
Dental/Gum Pain/Cold Sores
Apply to gum/oral mucosa, allow to remain in place for 1 minute, then expectorate
May apply up to 4 times/day; not to exceed 7 days
Lozenge: Allow lozenge to dissolve slowly in mouth; may repeat q2hr prn
Pharyngitis
Oral spray: Spray into oral mucosa (about 0.5 seconds); may repeat up to QID
Lozenge: Allow lozenge to dissolve slowly in mouth; may repeat q2hr prn
Dosage Forms & Strengths
ointment
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
gel
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
liquid
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
paste
- 7.5%
- 10%
- 20%
oral spray
- 5%
lozenge
- 3mg (Cepacol Sensations Hydra)
- 4mg (Cepacol Sensations Warming)
- 6mg (Kids Chloraseptic Sore Throat Lollipops)
- 15mg (Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat Lozenges)
Teething
2 years or older: Apply to gum/oral mucosa, allow to remain in place for 1 minute, then expectorate
May apply up to QID; not to exceed 7 days
Pharyngitis
Oral spray (2 years or older): Spray into oral mucosa (about 0.5 seconds); may repeat up to QID
Lozenge (5 years or older): Allow lozenge to dissolve slowly in mouth; may repeat q2hr prn
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Burning
Contact dermatitis
Erythema
Pruritus
Rash
Stinging
Tenderness
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cross-sensitivity to other ester local anesthetics (eg, procaine) or PABA-containing products
Cautions
Contact physician if pharyngitis persists >48 hr
Avoid eyes
Rare reports of methemoglobinemia
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Local anesthetic; decreases the neuronal membrane's permeability to sodium ions, which inhibits depolarization and subsequently blocks conduction of nerve impulses
Absorption
Higher absorption at mucous membranes and traumatized skin; poor absorption at intact skin
Metabolism
Via hydrolysis by cholinesterase into metabolites
Elimination
Excretion: Urine (metabolites)
