chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + lidocaine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Local antiseptic and local anaesthetic
Usual role
Symptomatic relief of soreness and irritation affecting the mouth or throat
How it is used
Allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth for local action
Age restriction
The selected product must not be used by children younger than 12 years
What is chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + lidocaine hydrochloride used for?
The selected product is licensed for local symptomatic treatment in the mouth and throat.
Sore or red throat with irritation
Irritation affecting the mouth or throat
Local antiseptic action with temporary pain relief
How does chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + lidocaine hydrochloride work?
Chlorhexidine reduces susceptible microorganisms without sterilising the mouth or throat. Lidocaine blocks sodium channels in nearby sensory nerves, temporarily reducing pain signals. Both ingredients are released locally as the lozenge dissolves.
chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + lidocaine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Lozenge
Route: Oromucosal
Strengths: 5 mg + 1 mg
How to take chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + lidocaine hydrochloride
Allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth. Follow the pack instructions and avoid continuous, repeated or long-term use.
For oromucosal use
Do not give to a child younger than 12 years
Seek advice if symptoms persist or worsen
Do not take more than the pack directs
chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + lidocaine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary tingling or numbness in the mouth
- Altered taste or a burning feeling on the tongue
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis, including swelling, breathing difficulty or collapse
- Allergic rash or inflammation of the skin or mouth lining
- Excessive throat numbness with impaired swallowing or choking
chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + lidocaine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Use may be considered when necessary, but evidence for the combination is limited. Ask a pharmacist, doctor or midwife before use.
chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + lidocaine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Lidocaine enters breast milk in small quantities, while information about chlorhexidine transfer is limited. Chlorhexidine treatments and local anaesthetics are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but seek advice if the baby is premature or unwell.
chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + lidocaine hydrochloride interactions
Few clinically important interactions are expected from local use, but product-specific restrictions apply.
Other mouth or throat antiseptics
Avoid simultaneous or consecutive use because antiseptics may oppose or inactivate one another.
Herbal remedies and supplements
Evidence is insufficient; discuss concurrent products with a pharmacist if uncertain.
Common questions about chlorhexidine dihydrochloride + lidocaine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does it cure a throat infection?
Not necessarily. It reduces susceptible microorganisms and relieves symptoms but does not sterilise the throat or replace treatment of a significant bacterial infection.
Can children use these lozenges?
The selected product must not be used by children younger than 12 years.
Why does my mouth feel numb?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.