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Health

Sore throat lozenges

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Throat lozenges are a popular and easy treatment option and have many benefits:

  • quickly relieve pain and inflammation;
  • soften the mucous membrane of the throat;
  • prevent coughing fits;
  • eliminate bad breath;
  • destroy pathogenic microorganisms;
  • well tolerated by children;
  • convenient for use in any environment;
  • pleasant to taste;
  • affordable.

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Indications for the use of throat lozenges

Indications for the use of throat lozenges:

  • dry or wet cough with acute respiratory viral infections and colds;
  • cough due to smoking;
  • tonsillitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis;
  • inflammatory pathologies of the mouth (stomatitis, gingivitis);
  • reflex cough;
  • preparation for examination of the pharynx, dental prosthetics.

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Release form

There are several forms of throat lozenges: tablets, pastilles, dragees, caramels. This diverse pharmacological group is united by a sweet taste, aromas of essential oils and a common name - lozenges.

"Sweet medicines" are also packaged and sold in different ways: as individual "candies", blisters, blister packs, foil packages. Secondary packaging (lamination, plastic jars, cardboard boxes) is also used, and they are supplied with instructions.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The composition of throat lozenges includes vegetable oils and extracts (eucalyptus, menthol, anise). They form a protective film in the throat, which reduces inflammation, soothes and softens the mucous membrane of the pharynx and mouth.

Anesthetics reduce pain, antibiotics have a negative effect on pathogenic microorganisms.

The pharmacodynamics of the drug Travisil have been studied. Its formulation includes various herbs that have a complex effect:

  • Analgesic.
  • Expectorant.
  • Antitussive.
  • Antiseptic.
  • Anti-inflammatory.
  • Antipyretic.
  • Antihistamine.
  • General tonic.
  • Anti-cold.
  • Deodorizing.

Most components of throat lozenges act locally when dissolved in the mouth. Due to the low level of systemic absorption and the multi-component composition, there is little information on pharmacokinetics.

An exception is Falimint; it is known that the active substance of the drug maximally saturates the blood in about an hour and is excreted in the urine.

Names of throat lozenges

The most popular component of lozenges was menthol at first. Now they use honey, sage, various essential oils, additional ingredients (sugar, vitamins, plant extracts). The composition is reflected in the names of lozenges for sore throat.

  • Adzhisept is recommended for people who strain their vocal apparatus: announcers, teachers, artists.
  • Grammidin – has antibacterial and anesthetic properties.
  • Carmolis – created according to an ancient recipe, using essential oils of ten alpine herbs.
  • Dr. Mom is an excellent complement to cough treatment thanks to medicinal herbs.
  • Strepsils – with eucalyptus and menthol.
  • Licorice drops are a natural remedy made from licorice extract and a sugar substitute; useful for diabetes.
  • With sage extract - helps relieve inflammation, restore a hoarse voice, and freshen breath.
  • Coldact Lorpils with antibiotic – accelerates therapy for chronic tonsillitis, purulent sore throats, pharyngitis; softens mucous membranes, reduces pain (as prescribed by a doctor).
  • Travisil is made from extracts of a dozen and a half herbs.
  • Rinza lorsept – for the treatment of inflamed mouth and throat.
  • Falimint – with antiseptic, analgesic effects; does not dry out mucous membranes.
  • Bobs caramel candy – eliminates cough during colds and acute respiratory viral infections.
  • Koflet – with a unique herbal formula (promotes normalization of bronchial smooth muscle cells).
  • Lizobact is especially useful for dental problems, eliminates inflammatory symptoms in the upper respiratory tract.
  • You can also make your own throat lozenges.

Grammidin

An effective antibacterial agent in tablets against ENT diseases, contains the active component gramicidin, which is destructive to most pathogens that cause inflammatory processes in the mouth.

Throat lozenges come in tablet form:

  • Grammidin.
  • Grammidin NEO.
  • Grammidin with anesthetic.

The tablets have an antibacterial effect, quickly relieve pain and alleviate the patient's condition, and are not addictive. The version with an anesthetic provides pain relief.

They apply

  • four times a day, two tablets;
  • children 4 – 12 years old – one each;
  • prohibited for children under four years of age and during lactation;
  • pregnant women - with caution;
  • no longer than 5 – 6 days;
  • Grammidin NEO - one tablet: children one or two times, adults three or four times, up to seven days;
  • After dissolution, do not drink or eat for one to two hours.

Other forms (ointments, sprays) are obvious counterfeits.

Strepsils

Throat lozenges of this brand are available in several flavors, but the most effective is with menthol and eucalyptus. The medicine contains:

  • essential oils;
  • mint (reduces pain);
  • eucalyptus (relieves inflammation);

Other ingredients:

  • eliminate the cause of pain;
  • make breathing easier and fresher.

Strepsils is packed in cardboard boxes, two blisters of 12 pieces each. The lozenges are convenient for use outside the home, on the road.

  • Strepsils Intensive relieves pain and inflammation. When absorbed, it is distributed throughout the oral cavity, does not provoke local irritation.

Also indicated for children aged 12 years and over. Dose: 1 tablet every three to six hours, maximum daily dosage: five tablets; use until throat discomfort disappears, but no more than three days.

Cough and throat lozenges

Cough and sore throat lozenges have a complex effect, eliminating both pain and cough symptoms at the same time:

  • Doctor Mom – eliminates irritation and facilitates expectoration.
  • Falimint does not dry out, eliminates unproductive cough.
  • Sage lozenges.
  • Koflet with a unique herbal additive.
  • Vokasept - mint-eucalyptus.
  • Chlorophyllipt.
  • Ricola cough drops with echinacea.
  • Jakemans with natural composition.
  • For cough 36.6 anise and mint.
  • Licorice lozenges.
  • The power of four herbs.

Throat lozenges for kids

Throat lozenges for children should be chosen with a minimum of dyes and flavors, artificial additives, allergens. Be especially careful to follow the recommendations regarding age, daily dosage, duration of use. So that seemingly harmless drugs do not harm the child instead of helping.

List of lollipops for kids:

  • Carmolis for babies (menthol instead of honey and lemon).
  • Carmolis on alpine herbs, with vitamin C.
  • Tantum Verde after 3 years.
  • Faringosept after 3 years.
  • Septolete Neo from 4 years old.
  • Strepsils from 5 years (possible allergy).
  • Adzhisept from 6 years old.
  • Strepfen from 12.
  • With sage extract, honey after 12 years.

Antibiotic Throat Lozenges

Throat lozenges with antibiotics enhance the therapeutic effect for coughs and upper respiratory tract inflammations:

  • Falimint – by acting on nerve endings, has an analgesic effect and prevents vomiting.
  • Faringosept has a bacteriostatic effect on pneumo-, staphylo-, and streptococci.
  • Lizobact – with the active natural ingredient lysozyme.
  • Sage Green Doctor (lozenges, pastilles, tablets) – three in one: antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal effect.
  • Dr. Theiss (with anise and fennel + vitamin C).
  • Chlorophyllipt – with natural eucalyptus extract.
  • Grammidin is one of the options.
  • Koldakt Lorpils.

Throat lozenges with anesthetic

Throat lozenges with anesthetic are indicated for severe pain in the oral cavity. Due to this composition, they provide additional pain relief. Here are some of these lozenges:

  • Grammidin with anesthetic.
  • Theraflu in lozenges.
  • Tantum Verde.
  • Hexoral tabs classic.
  • Laripront in tablets: used for infectious and inflammatory pathologies of various etiologies, before and after dental and ENT procedures.

How to use and dosage of throat lozenges

All forms of throat lozenges are designed to be slowly dissolved in the mouth and distributed throughout the oral cavity, pharynx, and pharynx. They should not be chewed, but simply held in the mouth until completely dissolved.

Take one or two pieces, repeating after a few hours. In order not to reduce the therapeutic effect, for some time after taking (at least half an hour) you cannot drink, eat, or gargle.

Directions for use and dosage of throat lozenges:

  • Ajisept: 1 tablet every three hours (for both children and adults).
  • Travisil: adults 2-3 pieces, children over 6 years old - one or two lozenges three times a day (or as prescribed by a doctor).
  • Falimint: one tablet every 2-3 hours. Long-term use (more than five days) without consulting a doctor is not recommended.

The permissible duration of use is usually from 3 to 5 days, the maximum is 8.

Throat lozenges during pregnancy

Information about the indications and contraindications of lozenges for pain during pregnancy should be indicated in the annotation. In doubtful cases, in the absence of such studies, it is better to refrain from use, choose a safe option or a completely different therapy.

  • Allowed during pregnancy - Lizobact, Faringosept, Breast Collection 4 in tablets, Strepsils (in minimal quantities - due to possible adverse reactions); Doctor Mom - according to the instructions.
  • With individual permission from a doctor - Bobs.
  • Contraindicated: Vicks, Strepfen, Falimint.

Especially dangerous are lozenges containing phenol, which have a negative effect on a woman’s nervous system.

Travisil - the effect on pregnancy and lactation has not been studied.

Stopangin: prohibited for both spouses when planning pregnancy.

Self-medication during pregnancy is strictly prohibited. In each specific case, only a doctor can recommend the most useful remedy.

Contraindications for use and side effects

Throat lozenges are an effective addition to the main therapy. This is an easy way to get rid of unpleasant sensations: pain, irritation, hoarseness, loss of voice, slight coughing or hacking cough. But lozenges are not indicated for everyone and not always.

Contraindications for use:

  • Travisil – hypersensitivity to individual components, age under 6 years.
  • Falimint - during pregnancy.
  • Doctor Mom – up to 18 years of age and during pregnancy.
  • Grammidin - during breastfeeding.

Septolete Neo is recommended to be used with caution during pregnancy and lactation.

Diabetics need to take into account the presence of sugar (for example, 1 Falimint dragee is equal to 0.03 bread units) and calorie content (Bobs is a fairly high-calorie product).

It is not recommended to give sweet medicine to children without consulting a pediatrician.

Side effects of throat lozenges are rare, but they are possible in case of overdose and hypersensitivity of the body to individual components. It is known that allergy to travisil manifests itself as rash and itching.

Possible side effects of other lozenges:

  • burning and increased negative processes in the throat;
  • hives on the skin;
  • nausea and indigestion in the form of diarrhea or, conversely, constipation.

Some chemicals (dyes, flavors, taste imitators) can have a negative effect on children, pregnant women, and patients with chronic pathologies.

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Overdose and interactions with other drugs

Overdosing on throat lozenges can cause side effects and allergic reactions, such as:

  • adzhisept - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • travisil - increases side effects;
  • Falimint: no cases of intoxication have been recorded.

To avoid overdose, it is necessary to use lozenges according to the instructions; the daily norm of lozenges (pills, pastilles, tablets) for adults does not exceed eight to ten pieces, for children - a little less. Sugar-free lozenges are healthier for them, because children lose their appetite from sweets, gain weight, and healthy teeth are damaged by caries.

In therapeutic doses, throat lozenges are safe and, in most cases, well tolerated by the body (for example, Travisil).

Doctor Mom is not compatible with antitussives and expectorants.

There is little research into the drug interactions of many types of throat lozenges.

Storage conditions and shelf life

Throat lozenges are well preserved at room temperature (but not above +25 degrees), in a dry place protected from sunlight and out of the reach of children.

The shelf life of various throat lozenges is from 3 to 5 years. It is not recommended to use expired medications.

Best Throat Lozenges

Ratings of the best throat lozenges can be formed based on several indicators: effectiveness, price, presence of additional and minimum undesirable properties.

  1. Homeovox is effective for laryngitis, loss of voice, hoarseness.
  2. Grammidin – quickly relieves discomfort, has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial properties.
  3. Septolete Neo is an excellent remedy against pain and inflammation in the throat.
  4. Lizobact is a natural preparation against fungi, viruses, and bacteria.
  5. Pharyngosept is a powerful remedy for pain and inflammation of bacterial etiology.
  6. Chlorophyllipt - natural composition, effective and inexpensive, indicated for children and pregnant women.
  7. Sage (lozenges, tablets for resorption) – complex action, including expectorant.
  8. Lorsept is very fast acting, after two days the pain disappears completely (but other medications are needed for the cough).
  9. Breathe with honey and cinnamon - a completely natural composition, essential oils quickly restore a hoarse voice.

Inexpensive throat lozenges

There is a huge competition among throat lozenge manufacturers, so it is not easy to choose a product that ideally combines effectiveness, taste and price. Many are convinced that expensive drugs always have cheaper analogues, usually domestically produced.

The list of inexpensive throat lozenges is compiled based on reviews from regular consumers:

  • Chlorophyllipt (with eucalyptus).
  • Strepsils.
  • Asterisk (menthol and eucalyptus).
  • Tonzipret (homeopathic medicine).
  • Septefllil.
  • Farrington.
  • Theraflu.
  • Kerr Drop.
  • Neo-angin.
  • GlaxoSmithKline Sebidine.
  • Lizak (analogue of Lizobact).
  • Anti-angin.
  • For cough 36.6 anise and mint.
  • Planetary Herbals stippery elm lozenges.

Throat lozenges are popular due to their availability, ease of use, and pleasant taste. They can help eliminate unpleasant symptoms and avoid visiting a clinic. However, pharmacy sweets are also medicine, and it is better to choose them together with a pharmacist: to avoid overdose, allergies, and other undesirable consequences.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Sore throat lozenges" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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