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.
Can it be used for toothache?
Toothache is not a listed indication for the selected products. It may indicate a dental problem and should not be masked instead of obtaining dental advice.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.