cetylpyridinium chloride + chlorocresol + lidocaine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Topical local anaesthetic with antiseptic agents
Applied to
The painful area inside the mouth or on the gums
Important safety point
Do not use another lidocaine-containing product at the same time
Teething
Use only a formulation specifically licensed for teething, after non-medicine measures have proved insufficient
What is cetylpyridinium chloride + chlorocresol + lidocaine hydrochloride used for?
Selected UK products provide temporary local relief of:
Pain from recurrent mouth ulcers
Pain caused by denture irritation
Teething pain in children from 5 months, but only with liquid or teething-gel formulations after non-medicine measures have failed
How does cetylpyridinium chloride + chlorocresol + lidocaine hydrochloride work?
Lidocaine temporarily blocks nearby pain signals and numbs the treated area. Chlorocresol and cetylpyridinium chloride have local antiseptic activity, but this combination relieves symptoms rather than treating a spreading infection.
How to take cetylpyridinium chloride + chlorocresol + lidocaine hydrochloride
Use only inside the mouth and follow the leaflet for the exact product and age group.
Wash your hands and apply locally with a clean fingertip.
Apply liquid undiluted or gel directly to the affected area.
Do not use adult-strength gel for teething or in children under 12 years.
Do not use another lidocaine-containing product at the same time.
If a child spits out, vomits or swallows an application, do not immediately apply more.
Seek advice if symptoms persist, worsen or repeatedly return.
cetylpyridinium chloride + chlorocresol + lidocaine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- No adverse effects are identified as common in the selected product information.
- Local dermatitis and non-specific mouth ulceration have been reported with unknown frequency.
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction, especially facial or throat swelling, hives or breathing difficulty
- Systemic lidocaine toxicity after excessive exposure, including confusion, severe drowsiness, visual disturbance, ringing in the ears, muscle twitching, seizure or abnormal heartbeat
cetylpyridinium chloride + chlorocresol + lidocaine hydrochloride in pregnancy
The selected combination products are not recommended during pregnancy because their safety as complete formulations has not been established. Ask a pharmacist, dentist or prescriber about alternatives.
cetylpyridinium chloride + chlorocresol + lidocaine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Lidocaine enters breast milk in quantities generally too small to affect the child at therapeutic exposure, but evidence for the complete combination is limited. Check with a pharmacist or prescriber, particularly if the infant was premature or is unwell, and wash your hands after application.
cetylpyridinium chloride + chlorocresol + lidocaine hydrochloride interactions
Check with a pharmacist or prescriber before use if taking medicines that may increase lidocaine exposure or cardiac effects.
Other local anaesthetics or lidocaine-containing products
Toxic effects may be additive; avoid concurrent lidocaine products.
Mexiletine and related amide antiarrhythmics
May produce additive toxicity.
Common questions about cetylpyridinium chloride + chlorocresol + lidocaine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be used for teething?
Only liquid and teething-gel formulations are licensed for teething from 5 months, after non-medicine measures have not provided enough relief. Adult-strength gel must not be used for teething.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.