chlorhexidine gluconate + lidocaine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Antiseptic with a local anaesthetic.
Form
Sugar-free oromucosal spray directed towards the back of the throat.
Age restriction
The selected product must not be used by children under 12 years.
Food and drink
Wait at least 30 minutes after use before eating or drinking.
What is chlorhexidine gluconate + lidocaine hydrochloride used for?
The selected product provides symptomatic relief rather than treating the underlying cause.
Temporary relief of pain and irritation associated with a sore throat.
A bacterial infection accompanied by fever may require further assessment and treatment.
How does chlorhexidine gluconate + lidocaine hydrochloride work?
Lidocaine temporarily reduces pain by blocking nerve impulse conduction in the treated area. Chlorhexidine acts locally as an antiseptic against susceptible microorganisms.
chlorhexidine gluconate + lidocaine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Oromucosal preparation
Route: Oromucosal
Strengths: 0.2% + 0.05% w/v
How to take chlorhexidine gluconate + lidocaine hydrochloride
Follow the pack instructions. Position the applicator tube, point the nozzle towards the back of the throat and operate the spray without directing it into the eyes. Fold the tube down afterwards and avoid food or drink for at least 30 minutes.
For use in the mouth and throat only.
Avoid contact with the eyes.
Do not swallow liquid directly from the bottle.
Not intended for prolonged continuous or repeated use.
chlorhexidine gluconate + lidocaine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary numbness, tingling or reduced sensation in the mouth or throat.
- Dry mouth.
- Temporary altered taste or mild burning.
- Reversible staining of the teeth or tongue.
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using the spray and seek emergency help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty, severe dizziness, collapse or other signs of anaphylaxis.
- Stop using it and obtain prompt medical advice for a significant rash, hives, blistering or marked mouth irritation.
chlorhexidine gluconate + lidocaine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Combination-specific evidence in human pregnancy is inadequate. Use the selected product only under a physician’s direction.
chlorhexidine gluconate + lidocaine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Use the selected product only under a physician’s direction while breastfeeding. Ingredient-level evidence suggests low exposure, but advice is particularly important if the infant is premature or unwell.
chlorhexidine gluconate + lidocaine hydrochloride interactions
Important interactions are unlikely with appropriate local use, but theoretical lidocaine interactions exist. Tell a pharmacist or prescriber about all medicines and supplements.
Propranolol or cimetidine
May reduce hepatic blood flow or lidocaine clearance, although a clinically relevant interaction is unlikely with this topical spray.
Beta blockers and anti-arrhythmics such as mexiletine
Cardiac-depressant effects can be additive with systemic lidocaine, but this is unlikely to be clinically relevant during appropriate topical use.
Phenytoin or barbiturates
Long-term use can increase lidocaine metabolism; this is mainly a theoretical concern for the spray.
Common questions about chlorhexidine gluconate + lidocaine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is this throat spray used for?
Temporary relief of pain and irritation from a sore throat.
Is it an antibiotic?
No. Chlorhexidine is a local antiseptic and lidocaine numbs pain. The spray does not replace assessment or additional treatment when bacterial infection is suspected.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.