4 mins read

Benzocaine/menthol is primarily used to relieve pain or irritation of the mouth or throat. It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals for pain and calming irritating sensations. The most common side effects are a temporary stinging or burning sensation where it is applied. Serious side effects are rare, but include a serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. Benzocaine/menthol is available in several forms, including a liquid, spray, and lozenge.

Uses

What is benzocaine/menthol used for?

Benzocaine/menthol is commonly used to relieve pain or irritation of the mouth or throat. 

Benzocaine/menthol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does benzocaine/menthol work (mechanism of action)?

Benzocaine/menthol works by blocking nerve signals for pain and calming irritating sensations.

How is benzocaine/menthol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cepacol
  • Chloraseptic

Dosage forms

  • Oral lozenges
  • Oral spray
  • Oral liquid

Benzocaine/menthol is also available in a topical form. See Benzocaine/Menthol topical for more information. 

How should I store benzocaine/menthol?

Benzocaine/menthol products should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Protect from moisture.

Check the product label for specific storage information. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to store your benzocaine/menthol product. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of benzocaine/menthol?

The most common side effects of benzocaine/menthol are a temporary stinging or burning sensation where it is applied. Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

There may be other side effects of benzocaine/menthol that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of benzocaine/menthol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of benzocaine/menthol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Methemoglobinemia. Benzocaine/menthol can cause a serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. Hemoglobin is a protein that normally carries oxygen in your blood. Methemoglobinemia is when you have too much of a form of hemoglobin called methemoglobin. If you have methemoglobinemia, it is harder for your body to get oxygen to your tissues. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of methemoglobinemia.

  • Changes in the color of your skin, including pale, gray, or blue colored skin
  • Headache
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Tiredness or weakness

Severe Allergic Reactions. Benzocaine/menthol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using benzocaine/menthol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use benzocaine/menthol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use benzocaine/menthol.

  • Cepacol
  • Chloraseptic
  • Benzocaine
  • Menthol
  • Procaine, butacaine, or any other anesthetic ending with “-caine”
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product you are using

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in specific benzocaine/menthol products.

Teething. Benzocaine/menthol should not be used in babies that are teething. 

What should I know about benzocaine/menthol before using it?

Keep benzocaine/menthol out of the reach of children.

This medicine can cause numbness in the mouth or throat. This may increase your risk for accidentally biting your tongue or choking on food. Do not eat or chew gum while your mouth or throat are numb. 

If your sore throat lasts more than two days or your sore mouth lasts more than seven days, contact your healthcare provider. If you have other symptoms, such as a fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, contact your healthcare provider.

There are multiple forms of benzocaine/menthol available. Follow the instructions on the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using benzocaine/menthol?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if benzocaine/menthol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how benzocaine/menthol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if benzocaine/menthol passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does benzocaine/menthol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between benzocaine/menthol and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect benzocaine/menthol. 

Does benzocaine/menthol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between benzocaine/menthol and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much benzocaine/menthol?

If you or someone else has used too much benzocaine/menthol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of benzocaine/menthol?

Benzocaine/menthol is meant to be used only when needed. Use it as your healthcare provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.