Cepacol Products for Sore Throat and Cough

Written by Ami Ishver, PharmD
Medically Reviewed by Laurel Riemann, PharmD on December 02, 2025

Cepacol products are used to treat symptoms such as sore mouth or throat. Some Cepacol products also help soothe cough. The type of cough that a Cepacol product may ease is one caused by minor throat and lung irritation that may happen with the common cold.

Cepacol products contain an oral anesthetic, which helps numb the area. These oral anesthetics can include benzocaine or menthol. Some Cepacol products contain an ingredient called dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant and can help lessen the urge to cough.

Cepacol products are generally well tolerated. Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using.

Cepacol products that contain benzocaine may cause a rare but serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia, which can cause your blood to carry less oxygen to your tissues. Stop taking the product and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Pale, gray, or blue skin
  • Headache
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Tiredness or lack of energy

Do not take a Cepacol product that contains a local anesthetic called benzocaine if you have an allergy or a history of an allergy to other local anesthetics, including benzocaine, butacaine, procaine, or other “-caine” anesthetics. This may increase your risk of having an allergic reaction.

Stop taking the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

Sore Throat. Contact your health care provider if you have a really bad sore throat or also have a fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting. Do not use a Cepacol product for your sore throat for longer than two days unless your health care provider says that it is OK to do so. Your health care provider may want to see you to figure out what is causing your sore throat.

Sore Mouth Symptoms. Some Cepacol products can be used for children as young as 5 years old, but do not use Cepacol products for teething. Stop using a Cepacol product and contact your health care provider or dentist if your sore mouth symptoms do not get better in seven days or if you have irritation, pain, or redness that does not get better or gets worse. Also, stop use and get medical help if you get swelling, rash, or a fever.

Cough. Stop taking Cepacol and ask your health care provider if your cough lasts more than seven days, goes away and returns, or if you develop a fever, rash, or a headache that doesn’t go away. If you have a cough with too much mucus or a long-term cough, talk to your health care provider before taking a Cepacol product. This includes coughs associated with smoking, asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

Cepacol products that contain dextromethorphan should not be used if you are taking a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or for two weeks after stopping the MAOI. An MAOI is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease. If you do not know whether your prescription medicine contains an MAOI, ask your health care provider or pharmacist before taking a Cepacol product.

Read the label of your Cepacol product. Follow the directions on how many lozenges to use. Do not use more than the amount stated each day (24 hours) unless your health care provider approves.

There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Cepacol product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.

Oral pain relievers can help with sore throat, sore mouth, and canker sores.

Cepacol Extra Strength Sore Throat Cherry Lozenges

  • Main ingredients: benzocaine 15 mg and menthol 3.6 mg (oral pain relievers)
  • Adults and children at least 5 years of age

Cepacol Extra Strength Sore Throat Honey Lemon Lozenges

  • Main ingredients: benzocaine 15 mg and menthol 2.6 mg (oral pain relievers)
  • Adults and children at least 5 years of age

Cepacol Extra Strength Sore Throat and Cough Lozenges

  • Main ingredients: benzocaine 7.5 mg (oral pain reliever) and dextromethorphan 5 mg (cough suppressant)
  • Adults and children at least 12 years of age