Benzethonium
Benzethonium is a quaternary ammonium antiseptic compound used in throat lozenges and oral preparations for symptomatic relief of sore throat and minor mouth infections. It works by providing local antimicrobial activity against bacteria in the oral and pharyngeal cavity.
Topical antiseptic agent used in lozenges and mouthwashes for sore throat and minor oral infections.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- unclassified
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Benzethonium
- Class
- atc-r02
- Brands
- Lanacane, Bedside-Care, New-Skin Liquid Bandage, Berberex Wound Cleanser, NoRisc, Dermoplast Antibacterial, Calagel, StaphAseptic
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- topical, oral
- Forms
- liquid, spray, ointment, solution, cleanser
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia
- Monitoring
- skin irritation, allergic reactions
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
generaluse minimal amount on small areas
avoid use on large surface areas or broken skin during pregnancy
monitor for skin irritation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid application to breast or nipple area
do not apply to nipples before breastfeeding
ensure thorough cleansing before nursing
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants newbornsuse with extreme caution
avoid use in neonates and infants under 2 months due to immature skin barrier
monitor for skin irritation and systemic absorption
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenno adjustment needed
suitable for use in children over 2 months when used as directed
supervise use to prevent ingestion
geriatric
elderlyuse lower frequency if skin irritation occurs
may have increased skin sensitivity; monitor for irritation
check for skin dryness or breakdown
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
minimal systemic absorption makes renal dosing unnecessary
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
anyno adjustment needed
minimal systemic absorption eliminates hepatic metabolism concerns
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for topical antiseptic
Drug class
Antiseptic and disinfectant classification
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses for Benzethonium-based products
Symptomatic relief of sore throat, pharyngitis, minor mouth infections, and inflammation of the oral mucosa. Often found in combination with local anesthetics in throat lozenges.
Benzethonium is a cationic surfactant with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It disrupts bacterial cell membranes, providing local antiseptic action in the oral cavity and throat.
For topical/oral use only - not for systemic absorption. Generally well-tolerated but may cause local irritation in some users. Should not be swallowed in large quantities. Avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to quaternary ammonium compounds.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy