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Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat

benzocaine
Used for Pain
Used for Pain

Benzocaine lozenges, also known by the brand name Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat, are used to relieve mouth and throat pain in adults and children. Benzocaine works as a local anesthetic and numbs the area. The lozenges are dissolved in the mouth and then swallowed. They're taken every 2 hours as needed. Most people have few to no side effects after they take Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) as directed for sore throat and sore mouth.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
Last reviewed on June 5, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageContraindicationsAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine)?

What is Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) used for?

Short-term relief of:

  • Sore mouth and sore throat

  • Mouth irritation

How Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) works

Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) is a local anesthetic. It works by stopping pain signals from passing along the nerves in your mouth and throat. This temporarily numbs the area and relieves pain.

Are you looking for information on topical benzocaine, benzocaine/menthol lozenges (Cepacol), or lidocaine viscous instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsChloraseptic Warming Sore Throat
Drug ClassLocal anesthetic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Mouth and throat numbness

Other Side Effects

  • Mouth tingling

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe blood problem (methemoglobinemia): seizure; loss of consciousness; trouble breathing; fast heart rate; confusion; feeling dizzy, faint, or tired; skin color turning blue or pale
  • Serious allergic reaction: swelling of the face, trouble breathing, throat tightening up, trouble speaking, red and itchy rash, lightheadedness, clammy skin

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine)

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Pros

Has very few side effects if taken as directed

Available over the counter, so you don't need a prescription

Works within 20 minutes for most people

Can be used for children (check package label for specific age)

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Cons

Only for temporary relief of mouth or throat pain

Pain relief is short, so might need to take every 2 hours

Might not completely relieve the pain

Doesn't treat infections or colds

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine)

pharmacist

  • Place the Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) lozenge in your mouth and let it slowly melt. As it melts, the medication will coat your mouth and throat to relieve pain. Don't chew on the lozenge.

    • It's not recommended to use more than one medication or product containing benzocaine at the same time unless a healthcare professional instructed you to. This can raise your risk for serious side effects, like low blood pressure and methemoglobinemia.

      • Don't use Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) for more than 2 days to treat your sore throat unless a healthcare professional (HCP) says it's safe to do so. Call an HCP to see whether you need to be examined if you need to use the lozenges for longer than 2 days.

        • Speak to your primary care provider if your sore throat pain is severe or it doesn't seem to go away. Also talk to them if you have fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting with your sore throat. These could be signs of a throat infection, like strep throat or tonsillitis. You might need antibiotics to treat the infection.

          • Stop using Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) and contact your primary care provider if your sore mouth symptoms don't get better after 1 week or if any irritation, pain, or redness doesn't get better or worsens. Also stop using the lozenges and talk to an HCP if any swelling, rash, or fever develops. These might be signs of a more serious medical problem.

            • Don't use Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) for teething pain in your baby or sore throat in your toddler because it can lead to serious side effects. Some other options for sore throat include using a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer at home. You can also try giving your toddler popsicles to suck on to soothe their sore throat.

              • Store Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) at room temperature and up and away and out of children's reach and sight. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing medication that was left out.

                • Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) can cause serious harm to babies and toddlers. Call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away if you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine), even if you aren't completely sure.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine)

                  How long does it take for Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) to work?
                  Studies show that it can take about 20 minutes to start feeling pain relief after you take a Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) lozenge.
                  How long does the pain relief from Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) last?
                  The pain-relieving effects of Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) don't last very long. So, you might need to take another lozenge 2 hours later to continue to feel pain relief.
                  How often can you take Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine)?
                  You can take Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) up to every 2 hours. But you can take the lozenges as needed. This means that you can take them less often than every 2 hours if you're not having symptoms as often. But don't take Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) more often than every 2 hours unless a healthcare professional said it's safe for you to do so.
                  Can you swallow Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine)?
                  Yes, but after it dissolves in your mouth. When you put Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) in your mouth, it'll dissolve slowly to coat your throat and mouth, which will provide pain relief. Then, you can safely swallow it. Don't swallow the lozenge too quickly; it might not work as well to numb your mouth and throat and it also might raise your risk for choking.
                  Is Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) safe?
                  Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) is safe as long as you're taking it as recommended by the manufacturer. Although rare, taking too much Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) can lead to serious side effects, like severely low blood pressure, slow heart rate, or methemoglobinemia (a life-threatening condition that affects your red blood cells). Also, because of these risks, never give Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) to young children (review the package label for the specific age cut-off). Store Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) at home in an area that's out of reach for children and pets.
                  Is Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) lozenge safe during pregnancy?
                  There's limited research about whether Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) is safe to use during pregnancy. But current information suggests that only a small amount of benzocaine gets absorbed into the bloodstream and this amount is unlikely to cause harm to the baby. To be safe, ask your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) whether Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) is right for you if you're pregnant.
                  Is Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) lozenge habit-forming?
                  No, Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) isn't habit-forming (addicting). It also doesn't have a risk of misuse or dependence.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine)?

                  Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Risk of serious blood problem (methemoglobinemia)

                  • Risk factors: Young children | Older people with heart or breathing problems | History of smoking cigarettes | People with low levels of glucose-6-phosphodiesterase (G6PD)

                    Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) can cause a rare, but serious condition known as methemoglobinemia. With this condition, your blood can't carry enough oxygen for your body. The risk for methemoglobinemia is higher in young children, older adults, and people with heart or breathing problems.

                    Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia include headache; confusion; trouble breathing; fast heart rate; feeling tired; and pale, gray- or blue-colored skin, lips, and nail beds. These can appear within minutes to 1 to 2 hours after taking Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine). They can also develop after taking the lozenges for the first time or even if you've taken it previously. Contact your primary care provider right away if you notice any of these symptoms after taking Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine).

                    risk-warning

                    Need medical attention for severe sore throat

                    Only use Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) to temporarily relieve mouth and throat pain. Please talk to your primary care provider right away if the pain lasts longer than 2 days or gets worse. Also speak to a healthcare professional if you have fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting in addition to your sore throat. These can be signs and symptoms of a more serious medical condition.

                    risk-warning

                    Serious allergic reaction

                    Don't use Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) if you have an allergy to pain medications that end in "caine," such as procaine, bupivacaine, or lidocaine. These pain medications are similar to benzocaine.

                    Watch out for signs and symptoms of serious allergic reactions, such as hives; trouble breathing; and swelling of your face, lips, or throat. Get medical attention right away if you have these signs and symptoms.

                    dosage

                    Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) dosage forms

                    Typical dosing for Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine)

                    Each lozenge contains 15 mg of benzocaine.

                    Different Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) branded products might have slightly different age cut-offs. Check the label for your specific product for the age cut-off.

                    In general:

                    • Adults and children ages 6 years and older: The typical dose is 1 lozenge dissolved in the mouth every 2 hours as needed.

                    • Children under 6 years old: Ask your child's pediatrician.

                    contraindications-icon

                    Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine) will not be safe for you to take.

                    • Children younger than 6 years old

                    • Children who are teething

                    • Allergy to lidocaine or other similar medications

                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat (benzocaine)
                    Used for:

                    Short-term relief of:

                    • Sore mouth and sore throat

                    • Mouth irritation

                    View Prices
                    Cepacol Extra Strength Sore Throat (benzocaine / menthol)
                    Used for:

                    • Sore mouth and throat

                    • Mouth and throat pain

                    • Mouth irritation

                    $5.36 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Menthol cough drop
                    Used for:
                    View Prices

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Chrubasik, S., et al. (2012). Efficacy of a benzocaine lozenge in the treatment of uncomplicated sore throat. European Archives of Oto-rhino-laryngology.

                    MedlinePlus. (2022). Methemoglobinemia.

                    Mother To Baby. (2023). Benzocaine. Organization of Teratology Information Specialists.

                    View All References (3)

                    Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. (2024). Chloraseptic Warming Honey Lemon- benzocaine lozenge [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Singh, R., et al. (2024). Benzocaine. StatPearls.

                    U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). Risk of serious and potentially fatal blood disorder prompts FDA action on oral over-the-counter benzocaine products used for teething and mouth pain and prescription local anesthetics.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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