Benzocaine oropharyngeal

Benzocaine oropharyngeal is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to treat dental/gum pain/cold sores and symptoms of pharyngitis.

• Benzocaine oropharyngeal is available under the following different brand names: Anbesol, Orajel Adult, Anbesol Baby, Anbesol Cold Sore Therapy, Anbesol Jr, Baby Orajel Teething Nighttime Formula, Baby Orajel Teething Pain Gel, Baby Orajel Teething Swabs, Baby Orajel Teething Pain Liquid, Benzodent, Cepacol Dual Relief Sore Throat, Cepacol Sensations Hydra, Cepacol Sensations Warming, Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat Lozenges, Kids Chloraseptic Sore Throat Lollipops, Maximum Strength Anbesol, Orabase, Orajel Mouth-Aid, Orajel Cold Sore Cream, Orajel Regular Strength Toothache Pain Relief, Orajel Maximum Strength Toothache Pain Relief, Viroxyn Professional Use 

Common side effects of Benzocaine oropharyngeal include:

• Mild stinging, burning, or itching where the medicine is applied;
• Skin tenderness or redness; or
• Dry white flakes where the medicine was applied.

Serious side effects of Benzocaine oropharyngeal include:

• A headache, tiredness, confusion;
• Fast heartbeats;
• Feeling light-headed or short of breath; 
• Pale, blue, or gray appearance of the skin, lips, or fingernails.
• Hives; 
• Difficult breathing; 
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat;
• Severe burning, stinging, or sensitivity where the medicine is applied;
• Swelling, warmth, or redness; or
• Oozing, blistering, or any signs of infection.

Rare side effects of Benzocaine oropharyngeal include:

• none 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

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

• 3 mg (Cepacol Sensations Hydra)
• 4 mg (Cepacol Sensations Warming)
• 6 mg (Kids Chloraseptic Sore Throat Lollipops)
• 15 mg (Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat Lozenges)

Dental/Gum Pain/Cold Sores

• Adult dosage
• 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 the mouth; may repeat every 2 hours whenever necessary

Pharyngitis

• Adult dosage
• Oral spray: Spray into oral mucosa (about 0.5 seconds); may repeat up to four times a day
• Lozenge: Allow lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth; may repeat every 2 hours whenever necessary

Teething

• Pediatric dosage
• 2 years or older: Apply to gum/oral mucosa, allow to remain in place for 1 minute, then expectorate
• May apply up to four times a day; not to exceed 7 days
• Pharyngitis

Pediatric dosage

• Oral spray (2 years or older): Spray into oral mucosa (about 0.5 seconds); may repeat up to four times a day
• Lozenge (5 years or older): Allow lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth; may repeat every 2 hours whenever necessary

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first

• Benzocaine oropharyngeal has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Benzocaine oropharyngeal has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Benzocaine oropharyngeal has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Benzocaine oropharyngeal has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity 
• Cross-sensitivity to other ester local anesthetics (.g, procaine) or PABA-containing products

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Benzocaine oropharyngeal?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Benzocaine oropharyngeal?”

Cautions

• Contact physician if pharyngitis persists above 48 hours
• Avoid eyes
• Rare reports of methemoglobinemia

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy.

Lactation

• Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution