Chloraseptic and Phenol Spray: Product Clarification
No, Chloraseptic spray is NOT the same as benzocaine spray—Chloraseptic's active ingredient IS phenol (1.4%), not benzocaine. The confusion in your question appears to stem from a misunderstanding of the product formulation. 1
Active Ingredient Clarification
Chloraseptic spray contains phenol 1.4% as its active ingredient, functioning as an oral anesthetic/analgesic for sore throat relief. 1
Benzocaine is a completely different local anesthetic that works through a distinct mechanism and is found in other throat products (like benzocaine lozenges), but NOT in Chloraseptic spray. 2, 3
The FDA labeling for phenol spray products explicitly states they "compare to Chloraseptic active ingredient," confirming that Chloraseptic = phenol spray. 1
Mechanism and Clinical Use
Phenol works as a topical anesthetic by affecting tactile sensitivity thresholds in mucous membranes of the oropharynx, providing temporary relief of minor throat irritation and pain. 1, 3
Benzocaine operates differently, increasing tactile sensory thresholds through local anesthetic effects on nerve endings, but these are distinct chemical entities with different pharmacologic profiles. 3
Studies demonstrate that gargling and expectorating phenol solutions produces significantly greater anesthetic effect on oropharyngeal mucous membranes compared to spraying and swallowing or drinking the solution. 3
Important Clinical Distinction
If you're looking for a phenol-based throat spray, Chloraseptic IS that product—it contains phenol 1.4% and is indicated for ages 2 years and older. 1
If you're looking for benzocaine specifically, you need a different product entirely, as benzocaine lozenges (typically 8 mg) have demonstrated superiority over placebo for sore throat pain relief but are a separate formulation. 2