Lollipops for a sore throat

A sore throat often occurs with inflammatory ENT diseases. Among the many medications for treating the throat, it is worth noting the therapeutic effectiveness and ease of use of such local auxiliary agents as throat lozenges.

Indications for use of these products include acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, laryngotracheitis, glossitis. It is recommended to use lozenges for sore throat and cough during colds and bronchitis.

Here are some names of throat lozenges: Decatilen (Mepha Schweiz AG, Switzerland), Lizobact (Bosnalijek, Bosnia), Lizak (Farmak, Ukraine), Faringosept (Ranbaxy Laboratories, India), throat lozenges and cough lozenges Doctor Mom (Johnson & Johnson).

There are no special throat lozenges for children. Decatilen and Lizak are only approved for use by children over four years of age; Lizobact and Faringosept – over three years of age; and Doctor Mom lozenges are intended for adults (starting from the age of 18).

Pharmacodynamics

All the presented throat lozenges have antiseptic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which are provided by the active substances that are part of these products.

The pharmacodynamics of Decatilen lozenges is based on the bactericidal and antifungal action of the antiseptic dequalinium chloride, which penetrates the cell membranes of pathogenic microorganisms and disrupts their metabolism. And the pain and discomfort in the throat when swallowing is reduced by the amide anesthetic of local action, cinchocane.

Lizobact contains the enzymatic antiseptic lysozyme hydrochloride (which destroys the walls of bacterial cells and disrupts the synthesis of their amino acids), as well as pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), which protects the mucous membranes of the oropharynx, increasing the activity of their immune cells.

Lizak lozenges consist of lysozyme hydrochloride and dequalinium chloride, so they act similarly to the first two drugs. The pharmacological action of Faringosept is provided by the benzoquinone derivative ambazone, which is active against strepto-, staphylo- and pneumococci.

And Dr. Mom throat and cough drops are herbal remedies and contain extracts of licorice root (as an antitussive component for better expectoration of phlegm), ginger rhizome (which has a wide range of therapeutic effects on inflamed mucous membranes), emblica officinalis fruit (which has antioxidant properties) and light local pain reliever levomenthol.

Pharmacokinetics

The instructions for the products Dekatilen, Lizobact and Lizak note that they do not have a systemic effect on the body due to the fact that they do not enter the bloodstream.

The manufacturers of Faringosept and Doctor Mom lozenges have not provided information regarding their pharmacokinetics.

Method of application and dosage of throat lozenges

All throat and cough drops should be taken 20-30 minutes after meals and at least two hours before the next meal, slowly dissolving them in the mouth until they are completely dissolved.

The recommended dosage of Decatilen: for adults and children over 12 years old – one lozenge at intervals of at least two hours (increasing the intervals to 4 hours as the sore throat subsides). The maximum permissible dose is 10-12 lozenges per day. Children aged 4-12 years are recommended to take one lozenge at intervals of three hours (increasing the intervals to six hours as the throat condition improves). The maximum duration of Decatilen use is five days.

Lizobact lozenges should be used: for adults and children over 12 years old – 2 lozenges up to 4 times a day; for children 7-12 years old – one lozenge 4 times a day; for children 3-7 – one lozenge three times a day. It is not recommended to use Lizobact for longer than 7-8 days.

Lizak dosage: for adults and children over 12 years old – one lozenge every three hours; for children 4-12 years old – one lozenge every four hours, but no more than five lozenges per day.

Pharyngosept can be used by adults and children over 7 years old, one lozenge up to five times a day, children 3-7 years old - one lozenge three times a day.

An overdose of Decatilen, Lizak, Faringosept and Doctor Mom, according to the manufacturers, is unlikely. Exceeding the recommended dose of Lizobact lozenges can cause paresthesia (numbness) of the extremities, and in such situations you should drink more fluids to increase urine output.

Contraindications for use

The listed throat lozenges have the following contraindications for use:

Decatilen - hypersensitivity to components and age up to four years;

Lizobact - hypersensitivity to components, lactase deficiency or malabsorption, age under three years;

Faringosept – individual intolerance to the drug, age up to three years;

Dr. Mom - under 18 years of age.

There is no categorical prohibition against using throat lozenges during pregnancy, however, in the instructions, the manufacturers note that the drugs (in particular, Dectilen and Doctor Mom) have not been studied for safety for pregnant women, so their use is not recommended. And Lizobact, Lizak and Faringosept are not contraindicated for use by pregnant women, but only in extreme cases.

Side effects

Throat lozenges Decatilen, Lizobact and Doctor Mom may have side effects in the form of a skin allergic reaction.

Side effects of Lizak may include dry mouth, nausea, and skin rashes.

According to the official instructions, no side effects have been recorded from the use of Faringosept lozenges.

Interactions with other drugs

When used simultaneously with antibacterial and diuretic drugs, Lizobact lozenges enhance their effect.

Lizak should not be used together with other topical medications, and Doctor Mom throat and cough drops should not be used with antitussive secretolytics.

Storage conditions for these medicines do not require special temperature conditions, but they should be kept away from children.

The shelf life of the listed throat lozenges is five years.