Hexylresorcinol
Pronunciation: (HEK-sil-ree-SOR-si-nol).
- Generic name
- Hexylresorcinol
- Brand names
- Betadine Lozenges, Strepsils, Covonia Throat Lozenges, Cofsils, Vicks Lozenges, Difflam Lozenges
- Drug class
- Oral Antiseptic / Local Anesthetic (OTC sore-throat lozenge)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Hexylresorcinol is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Hexylresorcinol works
Hexylresorcinol acts as an antiseptic by disrupting bacterial cell membranes and as a local anesthetic by blocking nerve conduction in the mucosa, resulting in reduced pain and discomfort in the throat. (1)
What Hexylresorcinol is used for
Antiseptic
Local anesthetic
Treatment of minor sore throat and mouth irritation
Before taking Hexylresorcinol
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to hexylresorcinol or formulation excipients. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2) (1)How to take Hexylresorcinol
- General Instructions: Use hexylresorcinol lozenges or sprays as directed on the package or by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose.. Adult Dosing: Adults and children 12 years and over: take 2 lozenges (one after another), allowing each to dissolve slowly in the mouth; may repeat every 2 hours as needed.. Pediatric Dosing: Children 6-11 years: take 1 lozenge, allow to dissolve slowly; may repeat every 2 hours as needed. Do not use in children under 6 years — lozenges are a choking hazard in this age group.. Administration: Allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth. Do not chew or swallow whole. Avoid eating or drinking immediately after use for best effect.. When To Stop: Seek medical advice promptly if sore throat symptoms are severe, persist for more than 2 days, or are accompanied by fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting; your clinician will advise on whether to continue or stop use.. Storage: Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F), away from moisture and heat; keep lozenges in the original pack until use and out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2) (1)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
Overdose is rare but may cause increased side effects such as mouth irritation, nausea, or vomiting. In case of accidental ingestion of large amounts, seek medical attention or contact Poison Control immediately. (2) (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Skin irritation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Redness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Itching
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Burning sensation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dryness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Allergic reaction
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Signs of an allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing, severe rash)
(2)Sore throat that is severe, persists more than 2 days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting
(2)Serious warnings
Do not use if allergic to hexylresorcinol — serious
Symptoms: Do not use if allergic to hexylresorcinol. Do not use in children under 6 years — lozenges are a choking hazard in this age group. Seek medical advice promptly for persistent or severe sore throat. If signs of an allergic reaction occur, seek medical attention promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop use. Use only as directed on the package.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (1)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database, corrected against the FDA Drug Facts label — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database, corrected against the FDA Drug Facts label: contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to hexylresorcinol or formulation excipients. Do not use in children under 6 years (choking hazard). Use with caution in patients with a history of allergic reactions to local anesthetics.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Hexylresorcinol has a low risk of drug interactions when used as directed. However, avoid using with other topical anesthetics or antiseptics in the mouth unless advised by a healthcare provider. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
If pregnant, ask a health professional before use. Data specific to hexylresorcinol lozenges in pregnancy are limited. (2) (1)
Breastfeeding
If breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use. Data specific to hexylresorcinol lozenges while breastfeeding are limited. (2) (1)
Children
Adults and children 12 years and over: 2 lozenges, may repeat every 2 hours as needed. Children 6-11 years: 1 lozenge, may repeat every 2 hours as needed. Children under 6 years: do not use — lozenges are a choking hazard in this age group. (2) (1)
Renal_impairment
The FDA OTC Drug Facts label for hexylresorcinol lozenges contains no renal- or hepatic-impairment guidance; systemic absorption from a dissolved oral lozenge is minimal, and the label does not direct any dose adjustment for organ impairment. (2) (1)
Hepatic_impairment
The FDA OTC Drug Facts label for hexylresorcinol lozenges contains no renal- or hepatic-impairment guidance; systemic absorption from a dissolved oral lozenge is minimal, and the label does not direct any dose adjustment for organ impairment. (2) (1)
Monitoring
(2) (1)Storage
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F), away from moisture and heat; keep lozenges in the original pack until use and out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Antiseptic / local anesthetic (oral lozenge)
Dose summary: Adults/12+: 2 lozenges dissolved slowly in the mouth, may repeat every 2 hours as needed. Children 6-11: 1 lozenge, may repeat every 2 hours as needed. Children under 6: do not use.
Renal context: The FDA OTC Drug Facts label reviewed for this page (hexylresorcinol oral antiseptic lozenge) states no renal-impairment dosing guidance. No dose adjustment is specified; renal status should be assessed by the prescriber rather than adjusted from a published table. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is hexylresorcinol used for?
Hexylresorcinol is used to relieve sore throat, mouth irritation, and minor throat pain. It is commonly found in lozenges and throat sprays.
How quickly does hexylresorcinol work?
Relief usually begins within minutes as the lozenge dissolves and numbs the affected area.
Can I use hexylresorcinol with other medications?
Hexylresorcinol is generally safe with most medications, but avoid combining with other local anesthetics or antiseptics unless directed by your doctor.
Is hexylresorcinol safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There is limited data on safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider before use.
What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction?
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe rash; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop use.
How long can I use hexylresorcinol lozenges?
Use for up to 2 days. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider.
Are there any foods or drinks to avoid while using hexylresorcinol?
Avoid eating or drinking immediately after using the lozenge to allow the medicine to work effectively.
What happens if I take too much Hexylresorcinol?
Taking too much Hexylresorcinol can lead to increased local irritation, burning, or numbness. In rare cases, systemic absorption from excessive use might cause dizziness or nausea. If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms, discontinue use immediately and seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Hexylresorcinol?
As Hexylresorcinol is primarily used topically as an antiseptic and local anesthetic, direct interactions with ingested alcohol are generally not expected. However, if Hexylresorcinol is used for oral conditions, alcohol consumption might further irritate the affected area or exacerbate any discomfort. It's always best to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is Hexylresorcinol safe during pregnancy?
Hexylresorcinol's pregnancy category requires consultation with a doctor. While topical application may limit systemic absorption, it is crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before using Hexylresorcinol if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. They can provide guidance based on your specific medical history.
What is the mechanism of action of Hexylresorcinol?
Hexylresorcinol acts as an antiseptic by disrupting bacterial cell membranes and as a local anesthetic by blocking nerve conduction in the mucosa, resulting in reduced pain and discomfort in the throat. (1)
What is the generic name of Hexylresorcinol?
The generic name is Hexylresorcinol. It is sold under brand names including Betadine Lozenges, Strepsils, Covonia Throat Lozenges, Cofsils, Vicks Lozenges, Difflam Lozenges.
What class of drug is Hexylresorcinol?
Hexylresorcinol is classed as: Oral Antiseptic / Local Anesthetic (OTC sore-throat lozenge).
References
- MedGuideGlobal Clinician-Authored Medicine Record for HexylresorcinolMedGuideGlobal · Global (internal clinician record) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- MUCINEX INSTASOOTHE SORE THROAT PLUS PAIN RELIEF (hexylresorcinol lozenge) Drug Facts labelU.S. Food and Drug Administration (DailyMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- Hexylresorcinol Lozenge, FDA OTC Drug Facts LabelU.S. Food and Drug Administration (DailyMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 3
- MUCINEX INSTASOOTHE SORE THROAT PLUS COUGH SUGAR FREE (HEXYLRESORCINOL AND MENTHOL) LOZENGE [RECKITT BENCKISER LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- terrasil First Aid Antiseptic Wound and Burn Care — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA M003)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Hexylresorcinol — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 5321)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Hexylresorcinol names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- terrasil First Aid Antiseptic Wound and Burn Care.1 g00g · aidance scientific, inc, dba aidance skincare & topical solutions
- MUCINEX INSTASOOTHE SORE THROAT PLUS PAIN RELIEF2 mg · reckitt benckiser llc
- S.T.371.1 mg/mL · numark brands, inc
- MUCINEX INSTASOOTHE SORE THROAT PLUS SOOTHING COMFORT2.4 mg · reckitt benckiser llc
Canada
- BRADOSOL LOZENGES
- BRADOSOL LOZENGES EXTRA STRENGTH 3.5MG MINT
- SUCRETS EXTRA STRENGTH CHERRY LOZENGES
- STREPSILS ANAESTHETIC FORMULA