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phenol

Generic Chloraseptic Sore Throat
Used for Pain
Used for Pain

Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) is a local anesthetic. It eases sore throat and mouth irritation by numbing the area. This medication is available over the counter and can be used by adults and children. Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) is sprayed directly into the mouth and throat once every 2 hours as needed. After each spray, you hold this medication in your mouth for about 15 seconds, then spit it out. Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) comes in different flavors, as well as sugar-free options. It doesn't have many side effects when used as directed.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 4, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat)?

What is Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) used for?

  • Temporarily relieves sore throat and minor pain and irritation in the mouth

How Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) works

Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) is a local anesthetic. It helps block pain signals where it's applied and numbs the area for a short amount of time.

Are you looking for information on benzocaine / menthol (Cepacol) instead?
When does Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsChloraseptic Sore Throat
Drug ClassTopical anesthetic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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What are the side effects of Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat)?

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

This medication doesn't typically cause side effects when used as directed.

Other Side Effects

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Headache, unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips, which may be signs of methemoglobinemia
  • Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Irritation at application site
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat)

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Pros

Conveniently available over the counter

Can be sprayed directly to the sore area in the mouth

Available in different flavors

Works within 5 to 10 minutes to relieve sore throat or mouth

thumbs-down

Cons

Might need to use multiple times per day

Might not be recommended for children under 3 years old

Only meant to be used short-term

Unknown if safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat)

pharmacist

  • If your child is using phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) and they're under 12 years old, always supervise them or help them spray the medication. Make sure that they don't use too much phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) or swallow the medication. Doing so might cause side effects, like gut irritation or sores.

    • Store phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) at room temperature and up and away and out of children's reach and sight. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing medication that's left out. Always put medication away every time you use it.

      • If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat), call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away, even if you aren't completely sure.

        faqs

        Frequently asked questions about Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat)

        How to use phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) spray?
        After spraying one spray of phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) onto the affected area in your mouth, wait 15 seconds and then spit it out. You can repeat this every 2 hours as needed to relieve your symptoms.
        Can you use phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) spray when pregnant?
        Ask your obstetrician and gynecologist (OBGYN) before using phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat). It's unclear whether it's safe to use phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) during pregnancy because this medication hasn't been well-studied in human pregnancy. If appropriate, your OBGYN might recommend you try other treatment options for pain relief, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or natural remedies like sucking on ice chips, gargling with salt water, or drinking warm tea.
        How fast does phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) spray work?
        You'll typically experience pain relief in the mouth and throat within 5 to 10 minutes after a dose of phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat).
        Can you swallow phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) throat spray?
        No. Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) is meant to act directly where it is sprayed, so you don't need to swallow it for it to work. Also, swallowing it can lead to side effects (e.g., stomach upset) and swallowing too much can be dangerous.
        How often can you use phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) spray?
        You can use phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) every 2 hours as needed for sore mouth or throat symptoms. But don't use it for more than 2 days without speaking with your healthcare professional (HCP) first. If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days, call your HCP because you might need more medical attention. Your HCP can check your health and help you get appropriate treatment for your condition.
        Can phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) treat a throat infection?
        No. Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) can only help numb your sore mouth or throat; this medication can't treat any infections. If you start to experience other symptoms, like fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting, call your HCP because you might need to get more medical care.
        Does phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) expire?
        Yes, so make sure to check the expiration date before using it. Don't use phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) after the expiration date has passed because it might not work well for you, and it might be contaminated with bacteria.
        Does phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) have alcohol in it?
        Some phenol throat spray products contain some alcohol. Although the amount of alcohol is very small, you should still check out the product label and ask your pharmacist if you need help choosing an alcohol-free product.
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        What are the risks and warnings for Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat)?

        Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) 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

        Severe sore throat

        Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) should only be used to relieve mouth and throat pain temporarily. Don't use this medication for more than 2 days without speaking to your healthcare professional (HCP) first. If the pain lasts longer than 7 days, gets worse, or if you have fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea or vomiting, talk to your HCP right away. These can be signs and symptoms of a more serious medical condition.

        dosage

        Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) dosage forms

        The average cost for 1 bottle of 177ml of 1.4% of Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) is $7.13 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
        bottle of spray
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        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
        177ml of 1.4%1 bottle$7.13$7.13

        Typical dosing for Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat)

        Each phenol spray product might have slightly different strengths and directions, depending on the manufacturer. Be sure to read the directions on the package of your product before applying.

        In general, phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat) contains 1.4% of phenol.

        Adults and children age 3 years and older: The typical dose is to spray 1 spray to the affected area in your mouth every 2 hours or as directed by your healthcare professional (HCP). Allow the medication to remain in place for 15 seconds, then spit it out.

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        alternatives

        What are alternatives to Phenol spray (Chloraseptic Sore Throat)?

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

        • Temporarily relieves sore throat and minor pain and irritation in the mouth

        $7.13 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
        Cepacol Extra Strength Sore Throat (benzocaine / menthol)
        Used for:

        • Sore mouth and throat

        • Mouth and throat pain

        • Mouth irritation

        $6.52 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
        Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
        Used for:

        • Mild pain

        • Fever

        $2.94 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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        References

        Best studies we found

        Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2014). Medical management guidelines for phenol.

        Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About the PROTECT initiative.

        National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2019). Phenol.

        View All References (3)

        Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. (2023). Chloraseptic sore throat citrus- phenol spray; Chloraseptic sore throat cherry- phenol spray; Chloraseptic sore throat menthol- phenol spray [package insert]. DailyMed.

        PubChem. (n.d.). Phenol.

        Strategic Sourcing Services LLC. (2024). Sore throat cherry- phenol cherry [package insert]. DailyMed.

        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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