What do Chloraseptic products treat?
Chloraseptic products are used to treat mouth or throat symptoms, including minor pain, soreness, or irritation.
Most Chloraseptic products contain an oral anesthetic, which helps numb the area. These oral anesthetics can include benzocaine, menthol, or phenol. Some Chloraseptic products can also help with a cough. These products can contain an ingredient called dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant that can help lower the urge to cough. There are also Chloraseptic products that contain glycerin, which may have a soothing and protective effect.
What are the possible side effects of Chloraseptic products?
Chloraseptic products are generally well tolerated. Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using.
Chloraseptic 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 using 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 use a Chloraseptic product with benzocaine if you are allergic to a local anesthetic such as butacaine, procaine, or other "caine" anesthetics. This may increase your risk of having an allergic reaction.
Stop using 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.
What should I know before using Chloraseptic products?
Different Chloraseptic products contain different ingredients and are used in different ways. Read and follow the label on the specific product you are using to learn more.
Stop using a Chloraseptic product and talk to your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- A sore throat that is severe, lasts more than two days, or happens with a fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting
- Sore mouth symptoms get worse or last for more than seven days
- Irritation, pain, or redness that does not get better or gets worse
- Swelling, rash, or fever
- A cough that lasts for more than seven days (one week), keeps coming back, or happens with a fever, rash, or a headache that does not go away
If you have certain health conditions, you may have to check with your health care provider before using a Chloraseptic product. Some examples include the following.
- A long-term cough or a cough that does not go away, such as a cough that can happen with smoking, asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema
- Cough with too much mucus
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
You should not use any Chloraseptic products that contain dextromethorphan if you take or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks. An MAOI is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease. Before using a Chloraseptic product that has dextromethorphan or a decongestant in it, you should ask your health care provider first if you take or have taken an MAOI.
Follow the instructions on the Chloraseptic product you are using. If you are using a Chloraseptic throat spray, spray the medicine to the affected area and allow the medicine to remain in that area for 15 seconds. After that, spit out the medicine. Do not swallow the medicine. Get medical help right away or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222 if you or your child swallow more than the amount used for minor mouth or throat pain.
If you have trouble using a throat spray, Chloraseptic products also come as lozenges. Do not bite or chew Chloraseptic lozenges. The lozenges are meant to be dissolved slowly in your mouth. If a child is using a Chloraseptic lozenge, it is important that they do not lie down or run around with a lozenge in their mouth. This can increase their risk of choking.
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 Chloraseptic 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.
Which Chloraseptic product is right for my symptoms?
Chloraseptic products can be used in adults and children as young as 3 years old, depending on the product. Chloraseptic products come as a throat spray or a lozenge. Some products may also come as maximum strength products, meaning they can contain higher doses of medicine than the non-maximum strength products. All Chloraseptic products help with minor mouth or throat pain, soreness, or irritation, but some may also help with a cough.
Mouth/throat pain, soreness, or irritation
| Products | Active Ingredients & Comments |
|---|---|
| Throat Sprays | |
Chloraseptic Children’s Sore Throat Cherry Spray Chloraseptic Sore Throat Spray Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat Honey Lemon Spray | Phenol Available in a variety of flavors; also comes in a travel-sized option; sugar-free and aspirin-free |
| Chloraseptic Max Sore Throat Wild Berries Spray | Phenol and glycerin |
| Lozenges | |
Chloraseptic Max Sore Throat Wild Berries Lozenges Chloraseptic Sore Throat Lozenges | Benzocaine and menthol Available in a variety of flavors |
| Chloraseptic Warming Sore Throat Honey Lemon Lozenges | Benzocaine |
Cough or mouth/throat pain, soreness, or irritation
| Products | Active Ingredients & Comments |
|---|---|
| Lozenges | |
Chloraseptic Total Sore Throat and Cough Sugar Free Wild Cherry Lozenges Chloraseptic Total Sore Throat and Cough Wild Cherry Lozenges | Benzocaine, dextromethorphan, and menthol |