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Chemist 4 U Certified

Updated by	Laura Henderson
Role	Medical Content Writer
Updated on	19/11/2018
Next review	18/11/2020

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What is Anbesol Teething Gel 10G?

Anbesol Teething Gel is a local anaesthetic gel that numbs the pain sensation caused by teething, ulcers, and other damage to the mouth. Whilst working to ease the pain, Anbesol Teething Gel also eliminates bacteria in the mouth, helping to prevent infection and further irritation.

Who is the gel suitable for?

This gel is perfect for babies over the age of 5 months who are suffering with teething pain. It can also be used by adults, the elderly, and older children who are suffering with pain in their mouths, for example, pain caused by mouth ulcers, or ill-fitting dentures or braces.

What happens when my baby is teething?

When your baby is teething, their first teeth start to cut through their gums, coming through into their mouth. This usually begins when a child is around 6 months old and can cause your little one a lot of discomfort and irritation. Some of the most common symptoms you may notice when your baby is teething include:

• Sore, red gums where the tooth is coming through
• Dribbling
• Your baby wants to chew or gnaw on things
• One flushed or red cheek
• Your baby may be fussy or irritable

How will this product ease teething pain?

Anbesol Teething Gel contains the active ingredient lidocaine hydrochloride, which is a local anaesthetic. This means that it works wherever you apply it to ease pain in that area. This gel also contains the ingredients chlorocresol and cetylpyridinium chloride, which help to kill bacteria in the mouth that could cause further irritation or infection.

Is this gel suitable for someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before using this or any other medication. Some medications may not be suitable for you or your baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Anbesol Teething Gel contains lidocaine, which can pass through your breastmilk to your baby, however the small quantities should not be enough to harm your baby if you use this product as directly.

Is it ok to use other medication when using Anbesol Teething Gel?

You should speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before using this gel if you are currently using any other type of medication. Some medications can interact, causing unwanted effects or making your medication less effective. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you are using:

• Other anaesthetics or medicines that are similar to lidocaine, e.g. antiarrhythmic drugs such as mexiletine
• Erythromycin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections
• Itraconazole, an antifungal medication
• Antiarrhythmic drugs used to control irregular heartbeats, e.g. amiodarone
• Cimetidine, for stomach ulcers or heartburn
• Beta-blockers, e.g. Atenolol (Tenormin), Bisoprolol (Cardicor, Emcor), Carvedilol
• Calcium Chloride, for hypocalcaemia or as a food additive
• Codeine phosphate, as pain relief or to treat coughs or diarrhoea
• Diamorphine hydrochloride, a painkiller
• Paveretum, a painkiller which can also be used to calm you before an operation
• Quinine hydrochloride, for malaria or leg cramps
• Methylcellulose, for constipation
• Non-ionic surfactants, e.g. Catomacrogol 1000, polysorbate 80. These are used in medicines, foods, and cosmetics

How do I apply the gel?

For adults and the elderly, gently apply a small amount of Anbesol Teething Gel to the affected area using a clean fingertip. Two applications straight away should normally be enough to ease your pain temporarily.

If you are giving this to a baby or child, gently apply a pea size blob of gel to the area using a clean fingertip. If necessary, apply a further dose after 3 hours. Do not use more than 6 times in any 24-hour period and do not use for more than 7 days at a time. If you child vomits or spits out this medicine, do not apply more until 3 hours have passed.

Why do I need to answer medical questions before I can buy this product?

You do not need a prescription for Anbesol Teething Gel, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your Chemist-4-U pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that Anbesol is the best choice for you.

When should Anbesol Teething Gel not be used?

This product is not suitable for use by babies under the age of 5 months. Do not use this product if you are allergic to lidocaine hydrochloride, chlorocresol, cetylpyridinium chloride, other anaesthetics similar to lidocaine, or any of the other listed ingredients in this product. You should not use this gel if you have porphyria, a disease which causes stomach pain, constipation, changes in the colour of urine, skin rashes and disturbed behaviour. Speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before using this product if you or your child have open wounds or damage in the lining of the mouth. This can result in too much of the active ingredient being absorbed.

Are there any side effects?

Like all medications, Anbesol Teething Gel can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. These include:

• Allergic reactions, e.g. difficulty breathing, rash, itch
• Ulcers
• Dermatitis, showing symptoms such as red, itchy, and scaly skin

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist right away. For more information about reporting side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

How to store this product

Store in a cool, dry place that is below 25 degrees C. Store in original packaging and do not use this product after expiry date printed on packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Important Information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about an addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

• NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction
• Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support