Benzocaine/ glycerin/ dextromethorphan spray
Generic name: benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan [ BEN-zoe-kane/GLIS-er-in/DEX-troe-meth-OR-fan ]
Brand name: Cepacol Dual Relief
Benzocaine/ glycerin/ dextromethorphan spray is used for:
Temporarily relieving minor irritation, pain, sore mouth and throat, and cough caused by minor throat or bronchial irritation that may occur with the common cold.
Benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray is an oral anesthetic, demulcent, and cough suppressant combination. It works by numbing and soothing the affected area, protecting irritated areas of the mouth and throat, and reducing a dry or nonproductive cough.
Do NOT use benzocaine/ glycerin/ dextromethorphan spray if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray or to other similar local anesthetics (eg, procaine)
- you are taking or have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using benzocaine/ glycerin/ dextromethorphan spray:
Some medical conditions may interact with benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray. Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have chronic cough, chronic bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or if cough occurs with a large amount of mucus
- if you have mood or mental problems or Parkinson disease
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Furazolidone or MAOIs (eg, phenelzine) because the risk of toxic side effects may be increased by benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use benzocaine/ glycerin/ dextromethorphan spray:
Use benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Shake well before each use.
- Spray into the throat or onto the affected area as directed by your doctor or on the package.
- Do not use benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray more than 4 times daily unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- If you miss a dose of benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray.
Important safety information:
- Benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not get benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray in your eyes. If you get it in your eyes, rinse right away with cool water. If irritation persists, contact your doctor.
- Do NOT use more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
- Do not use benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray for more than 2 days for sore throat without checking with your doctor. Sore throat that is severe, persistent, or occurs with high fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting may be serious. Contact your doctor right away if these symptoms occur.
- Tell your doctor if your sore mouth symptoms do not get better in 7 days or if they get worse. Also tell your doctor if your cough lasts for more than 7 days, goes away and comes back, or if you also have a fever, rash, or persistent headache. These could be signs of a serious condition.
- Benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray has dextromethorphan in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has dextromethorphan in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray is flammable. Do not store or use near an open flame or while smoking.
- Benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray while you are pregnant. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray.
Possible side effects of benzocaine/ glycerin/ dextromethorphan spray:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. No COMMON side effects have been reported with benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; excitement; hallucinations; slowed breathing.
Proper storage of benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray:Store benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using benzocaine/glycerin/dextromethorphan spray.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
