Cetylpyridinium

• Use helps control plaque that leads to gingivitis

Directions adults and children 6 years & older: rinse for 30 seconds with 20 mL (4 teaspoonfuls) twice a day do not swallow children 6 years to under 12 years of age: supervise use when used after brushing, rinse mouth with water first children under 6 years of age: do not use

for this product

ADVERSE REACTION DISTRIBUTED BY DEMOULAS SUPER MARKETS, INC. 875 EAST STREET TEWKSBURY, MA 01876

1. 1Dyspnoea497.6%
2. 2Nausea457.0%
3. 3Pain416.4%
4. 4Fatigue396.1%
5. 5Cough335.1%
6. 6Vomiting325.0%
7. 7Ageusia314.8%
8. 8Sepsis294.5%
9. 9Death284.4%
10. 10Pneumonia284.4%
11. 11Asthenia274.2%
12. 12Oral Pain274.2%
13. 13Tooth Discolouration274.2%
14. 14Dizziness264.0%
15. 15Oral Discomfort264.0%

Recent PubMed references pinned to Cetylpyridinium as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

• Exfoliating effect of β-glycyrrhetinic acid on plaque inducing gingivitis: Comparison with cetylpyridinium chloride.
  PloS one · 2026 · Kato S, Ma X, Sato K, et al.
  PMID 42207850DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0348495
• The effects of cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash combined with triamcinolone acetonide on oral microbiota and the Th17/Treg balance in patients with oral lichen planus.
  Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences · 2026 · He L, Zhong Q, Zhang X, et al.
  PMID 41934308DOI 10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.6.162.1
• Development and characterization of cetylpyridinium chloride/mucilage-based composite membranes for environmental pollution control: adsorption of Alizarin Red S and antimicrobial properties.
  Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research · 2026 · Alsayer IA
  PMID 41910110DOI 10.2166/wst.2026.244
• Antiviral effect of cetylpyridinium chloride on SARS-CoV-2 in patients with COVID-19: An Observational Study.
  Journal of oral biosciences · 2026 · Takeda R, Sawa H, Sasaki M, et al.
  PMID 41862273DOI 10.1016/j.job.2026.100772
• Cetylpyridinium chloride inhibits the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages and the proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer cells.
  Biochemical and biophysical research communications · 2026 · Jiang G, Li C, Jia B, et al.
  PMID 41653625DOI 10.1016/j.bbrc.2026.153389
• Antiplaque and Antigingivitis Efficacy of Mouthwash Containing Cetylpyridinium Chloride and Zinc Lactate Compared to Essential Oils With Alcohol.
  Compendium of continuing education in dentistry (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995) · 2025 · Stewart B, García-Godoy B, Dillon R, et al.
  PMID 41627985
• Mouthwash Containing Cetylpyridinium Chloride and Zinc Lactate Shows Enhanced Antiplaque and Antigingivitis Efficacy.
  Compendium of continuing education in dentistry (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995) · 2025 · Stewart B, García-Godoy B, Mateo LR, et al.
  PMID 41627984
• Antibacterial and Anti-Malodor Efficacy of a Cetylpyridinium Chloride and Zinc Lactate Mouthwash.
  Compendium of continuing education in dentistry (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995) · 2025 · Schaeffer L, Daep CA, Ahmed R, et al.
  PMID 41627983

The 10 most recently updated of 73 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Cetylpyridinium as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.

• Evaluate the Efficacy of an Oral Health Behavioral Intervention in People With Diabetes
  Enrolling by invitation · Phase 4 · Interventional · 10,000 enrolled · Colgate Palmolive
  NCT07619729updated 2026-06-03
• Investigation of Clinical Efficacy of a New Mouthwash on Reducing Dental Plaque and Helping Prevent Gum Problems as Compared to a Control Mouthwash
  Completed · Phase 3 · Interventional · 80 enrolled · Colgate Palmolive
  NCT07263698updated 2026-05-26
• Efficacy of a Stannous Fluoride Toothpaste, Cetylpyridinium Chloride Mouthwash, and Battery Toothbrush Regimen in Reducing Established Dental Plaque and Gingivitis.
  Completed · Phase 3 · Interventional · 134 enrolled · Colgate Palmolive
  NCT07398846updated 2026-05-22
• Periodontal Disease and Small Vulnerable Newborns in Rural Nepal: A Community-based Trial
  Not yet recruiting · Phase 3 · Interventional · 2,280 enrolled · Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
  NCT07553286updated 2026-05-01
• 0.2% Chlorhexidine vs MicroRepair ABX in Gingivitis
  Completed · Interventional · 40 enrolled · University of Pavia
  NCT07088666updated 2026-04-29
• MicroRepair® ABX vs Chlorhexidine 0.12% in Gingivitis Patients
  Completed · Interventional · 40 enrolled · University of Pavia
  NCT07088653updated 2026-04-23
• Effects of Two Daily CHX Mouthrinses on Plaque, Gingivitis and Staining
  Completed · Phase 3 · Interventional · 81 enrolled · Dental School
  NCT07351370updated 2026-04-08
• Antiplaque Efficacy and Patient Reported Outcome of Chlorohexidine, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, and Essential Oil Mouthwashes in Orthodontic Patients
  Recruiting · Interventional · 24 enrolled · University of Baghdad
  NCT07490873updated 2026-03-24
• Microbiological Effect of 0.12% Chlorhexidine Digluconate and 0.05% Cetylpyridinium Chloride vs Probiotics (Lactobacillus Reuteri Prodentis) on Porphyromonas Gingivalis.
  Active not recruiting · Phase 4 · Interventional · 20 enrolled · Universidad de Colima
  NCT07489924updated 2026-03-24
• Clinical Research Study to Assess the Efficacy of Two Brushing Regimens in the Reduction of Established Dental Plaque and Gingivitis.
  Completed · Phase 3 · Interventional · 82 enrolled · Colgate Palmolive
  NCT06244303updated 2026-03-19

Frequently asked questions

What is Cetylpyridinium used for?

According to FDA labeling, Cetylpyridinium carries indications including: Use helps control plaque that leads to gingivitis. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.

What class of drug is Cetylpyridinium?

Cetylpyridinium is classified as Antiinfectives, Antiseptics, Medicated dressings with antiinfectives, Quaternary ammonium compounds.

What are the brand names for Cetylpyridinium?

Cetylpyridinium is marketed under brand names including Bucalsep, Cepacol Antibacterial Mouthwash, Colgate Total Mouthwash, Crest Mouthwash, DuoCare Clinical, Orasep Reformulated Dec 2013.