hexylresorcinol

Hexylresorcinol is a medication taken for temporary relief of minor irritation, pain or soreness in the mouth and throat. Hexylresorcinol is available over-the-counter (OTC) as oral solutions or as lozenges that dissolve slowly in the mouth. Hexylresorcinol is often a component of topical antiseptic applications used for minor skin infections. In addition, hexylresorcinol is commonly found in anti-aging creams and is being studied for use in anti-cancer therapy.

Hexylresorcinol works as a local anesthetic to relieve oral and throat pain caused by throat inflammation (pharyngitis). Hexylresorcinol is believed to block sodium channels in nerve cells (neurons) which inhibits the generation and conduction of nerve signals that transmit pain.

Hexylresorcinol also has mild antiseptic activity, which makes it useful as an OTC drug for immediate relief.

Hexylresorcinol may also inhibit oxidative DNA damage by enhancing the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes in the body. Ongoing studies indicate that hexylresorcinol may suppress the growth of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, however these uses require further research.

• Do not use if you have hypersensitivity to hexylresorcinol or any of its components.
• Avoid use in children younger than 6 years of age, lozenges can be a choking hazard.
• Stop self-medication with OTC hexylresorcinol and seek medical help if mouth or throat pain lasts longer than 7 days.
• Do not self-medicate for longer than 2 days if you have severe sore throat, if sore throat is accompanied by fever, rash, nausea or vomiting, or if symptoms worsen.
• Do not apply hexylresorcinol antiseptic in your eyes or extensive areas on your body.

Side effects of hexylresorcinol include:

• Skin irritation from topical use

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Lozenge

• 2.4 mg

Solution

Oral

Topical antiseptic

Pharyngitis

Adults and children over 6 years

• Indicated for temporary relief following occasional mouth and throat symptoms including minor irritation, pain, sore mouth, and sore throat

Lozenge

• Allow lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth; may be repeated every 2 hours as needed
• Not to exceed 10 lozenges/day

Solution

• Apply to the affected area or gargle and swish for 1 minute, then expectorate; may use up to 4 times daily or as directed by the health care provider

Children under 6 years

• Safety and efficacy not established (lozenge may be a choking hazard)

Topical Antiseptic

• First aid antiseptic to protect minor cuts, scrapes, or burns from skin infection
• Apply small amount to the affected area 1 to 3 times daily

• Hexylresorcinol oral overdose may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation.
• In case of overdose, discontinue the drug and if symptoms don’t resolve seek medical help or contact Poison Control.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Hexylresorcinol has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information.

Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• It is not known if hexylresorcinol can cause fetal harm if used by pregnant women, or if it is present in breast milk.
• Check with your healthcare provider before taking any OTC medication including hexylresorcinol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Do not self-medicate with OTC drugs including hexylresorcinol for prolonged periods, consult your physician.
• Store hexylresorcinol out of reach of children.