cetylpyridinium chloride + lidocaine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Local anaesthetic combined with an antiseptic
Licensed uses
Pain from common mouth ulcers and denture irritation
Form
Gel applied inside the mouth
Important limitation
Not suitable for teething or babies under 5 months
What is cetylpyridinium chloride + lidocaine hydrochloride used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for local symptom relief.
Pain from common mouth ulcers
Pain caused by denture irritation
It is not licensed for teething
How does cetylpyridinium chloride + lidocaine hydrochloride work?
Lidocaine temporarily blocks sensory nerve impulses, reducing feeling and pain where applied. Cetylpyridinium chloride is an antiseptic that acts locally against susceptible microorganisms.
How to take cetylpyridinium chloride + lidocaine hydrochloride
For use inside the mouth only. Apply directly to the sore area with a clean fingertip or swab. Avoid excessive application, especially on badly damaged tissue, and seek advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Check the seal before first use.
Wash your hands before and after application.
Keep the tube out of children’s reach.
cetylpyridinium chloride + lidocaine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Possible local effects, with frequency not known, include burning on damaged tissue, skin irritation or contact dermatitis.
Get urgent medical advice
- Blue-grey skin, breathlessness, headache or unusual lack of energy, which may indicate methaemoglobinaemia
- Swelling, hives, wheezing, breathing difficulty, low blood pressure or fainting from hypersensitivity
cetylpyridinium chloride + lidocaine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Safety during pregnancy has not been established, so the selected product is not recommended. Ask a pharmacist, doctor or dentist about an alternative.
cetylpyridinium chloride + lidocaine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Small amounts of lidocaine can enter breast milk, while information about cetylpyridinium chloride is lacking. Consult a healthcare professional before using this combination while breastfeeding.
cetylpyridinium chloride + lidocaine hydrochloride interactions
Interactions are considered unlikely with correct local use, but increased absorption or combined local anaesthetic exposure can raise risk.
Cimetidine
May increase the risk of lidocaine toxicity.
Beta blockers, including propranolol and bisoprolol
May increase lidocaine exposure and toxicity risk.
Other local anaesthetics or related antiarrhythmics such as mexiletine
Anaesthetic and toxic effects may be additive.
Common questions about cetylpyridinium chloride + lidocaine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
The selected product relieves pain from common mouth ulcers and denture irritation.
Is it suitable for teething?
No. The selected product is specifically described as unsuitable for treating teething.
Can babies use it?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.