Comprehensive medication guide to Cepastat Sore Throat & Cough including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
As an OTC product, Cepastat Sore Throat & Cough is generally not covered by insurance, but may be reimbursable through FSA/HSA plans.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Cepastat Sore Throat & Cough typically costs $5 to $10 per 18-count package without insurance.
Medfinder Findability Score
30/100
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Cepastat Sore Throat & Cough is an over-the-counter combination lozenge designed to temporarily relieve minor sore throat pain and suppress cough. Each sugar-free cherry-flavored lozenge contains three active ingredients: Benzocaine (6 mg) as a local anesthetic, Dextromethorphan HBr (5 mg) as a cough suppressant, and Menthol (10 mg) for cooling relief and additional pain relief. It is manufactured by Insight Pharmaceuticals LLC and is approved for treating sore throat, minor mouth irritation, canker sore pain, and cough.
Cepastat Sore Throat & Cough works through a triple-action mechanism. is a local anesthetic that numbs sore throat tissue by blocking nerve signals, providing fast pain relief. suppresses cough by acting on the cough center in the brain, reducing the urge to cough. provides a cooling sensation and acts as an additional oral anesthetic and analgesic. Together, these three ingredients address both sore throat pain and cough symptoms simultaneously.
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Cherry-flavored sugar-free lozenges (18 count)
Benzocaine 6 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg, and Menthol 10 mg per lozenge
Cepastat Sore Throat & Cough has a findability score of 30 out of 100, meaning it is very difficult to find in stock. The Cepastat brand appears to have limited distribution or may be discontinued entirely, making it increasingly rare on pharmacy shelves. Patients looking for this specific product will likely need to search multiple retailers or consider switching to an equivalent alternative like Chloraseptic Total Sore Throat + Cough, which contains the same active ingredients.
Cepastat Sore Throat & Cough is an over-the-counter (OTC) product that does not require a prescription. You can purchase it directly from pharmacies, drugstores, and retail stores without seeing a doctor. However, if your sore throat or cough persists for more than 7 days, is accompanied by high fever, or worsens, you should consult a healthcare provider such as a primary care physician, ENT specialist (otolaryngologist), or visit an urgent care clinic.
No, Cepastat Sore Throat & Cough is not a controlled substance. It is an over-the-counter product available without a prescription. While it contains Dextromethorphan (DXM), which can be misused at very high doses, the amount per lozenge (5 mg) is low and it is not DEA-scheduled.
Serious but rare side effects include methemoglobinemia (a blood oxygen condition linked to benzocaine — watch for pale, gray, or blue-colored skin), severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), and serotonin syndrome when combined with certain medications. Contact a doctor immediately if you experience any serious symptoms.
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Chloraseptic Total Sore Throat + Cough Lozenges
Contains the same active ingredients (Benzocaine 6 mg, DXM 5 mg, Menthol 10 mg) under a different brand. The closest direct substitute.
Cepacol Extra Strength Sore Throat & Cough Lozenges
Benzocaine 7.5 mg + Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg, available in mixed berry flavor.
Halls Cough Drops with Menthol
Menthol-only lozenges for sore throat and cough, widely available over the counter.
Ricola Cough Drops
Herbal cough drops with menthol for sore throat relief.
Prefer Cepastat Sore Throat & Cough? We can find it.
MAO inhibitors
moderate(Selegiline, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine) — Do not use Cepastat Sore Throat & Cough if you are taking or have taken an MAOI within the past 2 weeks. Risk of serotonin syndrome with the DXM component.
SSRIs and SNRIs
moderate(Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Venlafaxine) — Potential serotonin interaction with the Dextromethorphan component.
Other CNS depressants and sedatives
moderateMay cause additive drowsiness when combined with DXM.
Other benzocaine-containing products
moderateUsing multiple benzocaine products increases the risk of methemoglobinemia.
Alcohol
moderateMay increase drowsiness from the Dextromethorphan component.
Cepastat Sore Throat & Cough is an effective triple-action OTC lozenge for sore throat pain and cough, but it has become very difficult to find in stores as of 2026. With a findability score of just 30 out of 100, patients may need to explore alternatives like Chloraseptic Total Sore Throat + Cough (which has identical active ingredients) or Cepacol Extra Strength. If you're set on finding Cepastat specifically, try using Medfinder to check stock at pharmacies near you. At $5–$10 per package, it's an affordable option — if you can find it.
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