Can Strepsils Cure Sore Throat
What do lozenges do? – Lozenges are a solid medication intended to be dissolved or disintegrated slowly in the mouth. They consist of one or more active ingredients and are flavoured and sweetened to make them pleasant tasting. Hard lozenges are generally formed using sucrose or other sugars similar to the process for hard candy confections.
There are many active ingredients added to lozenges, including antiseptics; pain relievers; menthol and eucalyptus oil; cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan and soothing compounds. “Cough drops” and sore throat lozenges are almost identical but may contain different proportions of these ingredients.
Different brands of lozenges advertise a confusing choice of formulations. It is more common now to see brands with “triple action” ingredients that promise to be anaesthetic (to numb pain), antiseptic (to kill germs) and anti-inflammatory (to reduce redness).
Unfortunately, clinical trials directly comparing the benefit of different medication types for most common conditions (head to head trials) are rarely undertaken. This is likely due to the added complexity of such trials compared with placebo controlled trials, and medication research often being funded by the pharmaceutical manufacturer of the products.
So, we have to rely on indirect comparisons instead. The traditional approach to treating sore throat is to assume lozenges or gargling with antiseptics will reduce sore throat by treating the infection causing it. However, a limited number of trials of antiseptic lozenges (such as Strepsils and Betadine lozenges) produced only a small reduction in sore throat pain (a difference of one unit in a ten-point pain scale compared with placebo).
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Does Strepsils work with sore throat?
Strepsils offers relief for all types of sore throats. Even if your sore throat has become too painful, there is a solution that Strepsils can offer you for fast and targeted relief.
How long does Strepsils take to cure sore throat?
My Account Area – 1. Name of the medicinal product Strepsils Honey and Lemon 2. Qualitative and quantitative composition Amylmetacresol 0.6mg 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol 1.2mg Excipient(s) with known effect; Glucose (containing Sulphites – Sulphur Dioxide (E220) and Wheat Starch (containing gluten)) Sucrose Invert Sugar (Honey) Fragrance containing allergens – Citral, d-Limonene*, Geraniol and Linalool (present in Terpeneless lemon oil) * present also in Peppermint oil For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.3. Pharmaceutical form A yellow circular lozenge 4. Clinical particulars 4.1 Therapeutic indications For the symptomatic relief of mouth and throat infections.4.2 Posology and method of administration Posology Use the lowest dose for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms. Adults One lozenge every 2-3 hours up to a maximum of 12 lozenges in 24 hours. Elderly: There is no need for dosage reduction in the elderly. Children over 6 years old: As above for adults. Children under 6 years old: Not suitable for children under 6 years. (see section 4.4). Method of Administration For oral administration. To be dissolved slowly in the mouth.4.3 Contraindications Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use Not to be given to children under 6 years. If symptoms persist, have not improved, or have worsened after 3 days, consult a doctor or health care professional. Important information about some of the ingredients of this medicine: This medicine contains sucrose (1.44g per lozenge) and glucose (0.98g per lozenge). This should be taken into account in patients with diabetes mellitus. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrose-isomaltose insufficiency should not take this medicine. This medicine contains only very low levels of gluten (from wheat starch). It is regarded as ‘gluten-free’ and is very unlikely to cause problems if you have coeliac disease. One lozenge contains no more than 19.52 micrograms of gluten. If you have wheat allergy (different from coeliac disease) you should not take this medicine. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’. This medicine contains fragrance with Citral, d-Limonene, Geraniol and Linalool. Citral, d-Limonene, Geraniol and Linalool may cause allergic reactions. This medicine contains Sulphites – Sulphur Dioxide (E220) (present in liquid glucose) which may rarely cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasm.4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction No clinically significant interactions are known.4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation Pregnancy There are no or limited amount of data from the use of amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorbenzyl alcohol. As with all medicines care should be taken when using this product in pregnancy and medical advice sought if necessary. Breast-feeding It is unknown whether 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, amylmetacresol or metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to the newborns / infants cannot be excluded. Fertility No data are available regarding the effects on fertility.4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines No or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.4.8 Undesirable effects The list of the following adverse effects relates to those experienced with 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol at OTC doses, in short term use. Adverse events which have been associated with 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol are given below, tabulated by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: Very common (≥1/10); Common (≥1/100 and <1/10); Uncommon (≥1/1000 and <1/100); Rare (≥1/10,000 and <1/1000); Very rare (<1/10,000); Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse events are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
| System Organ Class | Frequency | Adverse Events |
| Immune System Disorders | Not known | Hypersensitivity ab1 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | Not known | Glossodynia ab, oral discomfort ab |
a 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol b amylmetacresol 1 Hypersensitivity reactions may include rash, urticaria and angioedema, which may include swelling of the face, neck, throat or tongue that could affect breathing. Reporting of Suspected Adverse Reactions Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important.
- It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product.
- Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.4.9 Overdose Overdosage should not present a problem other than gastrointestinal discomfort.
Treatment should be symptomatic.5. Pharmacological properties 5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties Pharmacotherapeutic group: Throat Preparations; Antiseptics ; ATC Code: R02AA03 Dichlorobenzyl alcohol.2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol are antiseptics and possess antibacterial (bactericidal and bacteriostatic), antifungal and antiviral properties as demonstrated in vitro,
- When the two active agents are combined, a synergistic antibacterial action is observed leading to a reduced combined dose.
- In-vitro studies demonstrated killing effects against some sore throat causing organisms such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenza and Moraxella catarrhalis, at 1 minute contact time.
An overall reduction in the oral bacterial load was also seen in one in-vivo study. In-vitro antiviral action against enveloped viruses including influenza A virus, para-influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, cytomegalovirus and coronavirus has also been observed for both AMC and DCBA as well as the combination of the two after 1-2 minutes contact.
- In clinical studies, there was evidence that Strepsils lozenges led to reduction of throat soreness, and provided relief from pain and difficulty in swallowing, with onset of activity in 5 minutes and lasting for up to 2 hours.
- Significantly more relief than non-medicated lozenge was also demonstrated for up to 3 days treatment.
In one study, Strepsils lozenges have also been shown to significantly decrease post-operative throat soreness and hoarseness 20 minutes and 24 hours after intubation. A study in children (6-16 years) with acute and recurring chronic sore throat demonstrated a reduction in subjective and objective signs of sore throat over 3 days of treatment with Strepsils lozenges.
Strepsils Honey & Lemon lozenges contain flavours and honey whilst the base has a demulcent action providing throat soothing.5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties None available.5.3 Preclinical safety data None available.6. Pharmaceutical particulars 6.1 List of excipients Honey, tartaric acid, peppermint oil (containing d-Limonene), terpeneless lemon oil (containing Fragrance containing allergens – Citral, d-Limonene, Geraniol and Linalool), quinoline yellow, liquid sucrose, liquid glucose (containing sulphites – Sulphur Dioxide (E220) and wheat starch (containing gluten)), potable water.6.2 Incompatibilities Not applicable.6.3 Shelf life 36 months for lozenges packed in blister strips within a carton.36 months for lozenges packed in polypropylene tube, with an in use shelf-life of ‘use within 3 months of opening’.18 months for blister packs attached to a stencilled card.6.4 Special precautions for storage Do not store above 25°C.6.5 Nature and contents of container A blister push through pack consisting of hard temper aluminium foil heat-sealed to a PVC/PVDC blister.
The tray contains an appropriate number of lozenges to give pack sizes of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 32, 36 and 48 lozenges in cardboard cartons or a flow wrap outer composed of PET/aluminium foil/polyethylene Sample packs consisting of two, four or six individual lozenge blister strips attached to a card.
A blister push-through pack consisting of hard temper aluminium foil heat-sealed to a PVC/PVDC blister. The tray contains an appropriate number of lozenges to give a pack size of 8 lozenges in a wrap around cardboard carton with tamper-evident seal. An injection moulded white pigmented polypropylene tube with an injection moulded white polyethylene cap (containing white silica gel that is sealed with a white cardboard disc).
The tube contains 10 lozenges.20 lozenges consisting of a bundled pack of 2 tubes of 10 lozenges each. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling Not applicable.7. Marketing authorisation holder Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd Slough SL1 3UH 8.
Can I take 2 Strepsils at once?
My Account Area – 1. Name of the medicinal product Strepsils Sore Throat and Blocked Nose Lozenges Strepsils Sore Throat and Cough Lozenges 2. Qualitative and quantitative composition
| Amylmetacresol BP | 0.6mg |
| 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol HSE | 1.2mg |
| Levomenthol natural or synthetic EP | 8.0mg |
Excipient(s) with known effect: • Liquid Glucose (containing Wheat Starch (containing Gluten) and Sulphites – Sulphur Dioxide (E220)) • Liquid Sucrose • D-Limonene (present in Eucalyptus oil) For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.3. Pharmaceutical form A blue circular lozenge with a characteristic taste.4. Clinical particulars 4.1 Therapeutic indications For the symptomatic relief of mouth and throat infections, dry, irritating cough associated with the common cold and nasal congestion.4.2 Posology and method of administration Posology Use the lowest dose for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms. Adults: One lozenge every 2 3 hours up to a maximum of 12 lozenges in 24 hours. Children over 6 years old: As above for adults. Elderly: There is no need for dosage reduction in the elderly. Children under 6 years old: Not suitable for children under 6 years (see section 4.4). Method of administration For oral administration. To be dissolved slowly in the mouth.4.3 Contraindications Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use Not to be given to children under 6 years. If symptoms persist, have not improved, or have worsened after 3 days, consult a doctor or health care professional. Important information about some of the ingredients of this medicine • This medicine contains sucrose (1.496g per lozenge) and glucose (1.013g per lozenge). Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine. • This medicine contains only very low levels of gluten (from wheat starch). It is regarded as ‘gluten-free’ and is very unlikely to cause problems if you have coeliac disease. One lozenge contains no more than 20.26 micrograms of gluten. If you have wheat allergy (different from coeliac disease) you should not take this medicine. • This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’. • This medicine contains Sulphites – Sulphur Dioxide (E220) (present in liquid Glucose) which may rarely cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasms. • This medicine contains fragrance with d-Limonene (Eucalyptus oil), d-limonene may cause allergic reactions.4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction No clinically significant interactions are known.4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation Pregnancy There are no or limited amount of data from the use of amylmetacresol, 2,4-dichlorbenzyl alcohol and levomenthol. As with all medicines care should be taken when using this product in pregnancy and medical advice sought if necessary. Breast-feeding It is unknown whether 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, amylmetacresol, levomenthol or metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to the newborns / infants cannot be excluded. Fertility No data are available regarding the effects on fertility.4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines No or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.4.8 Undesirable effects The list of the following adverse effects relates to those experienced with 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol at OTC doses, in short term use. Adverse events which have been associated with 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol are given below, tabulated by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: Very common (≥1/10); Common (≥1/100 and <1/10); Uncommon (≥1/1000 and <1/100); Rare (≥1/10,000 and <1/1000); Very rare (<1/10,000); Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse events are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
| System Organ Class | Frequency | Adverse Events |
| Immune System Disorders | Not known | Hypersensitivity ab1 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | Not known | Glossodynia ab, oral discomfort ab |
a 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol b amylmetacresol 1 Hypersensitivity reactions may include rash, urticaria and angioedema, which may include swelling of the face, neck, throat or tongue that could affect breathing. Reporting of Suspected Adverse Reactions Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important.
- It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product.
- Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.4.9 Overdose Overdosage should not present a problem other than gastrointestinal discomfort.
Treatment should be symptomatic.5. Pharmacological properties 5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties Pharmacotherapeutic group: Throat Preparations; Antiseptics ; ATC Code: R02AA03 Dichlorobenzyl alcohol 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol have antiseptic properties.
Menthol has a mild local anaesthetic action on the throat and also relieves the symptoms of cough and nasal congestion.5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties None available.5.3 Preclinical safety data None available.6. Pharmaceutical particulars 6.1 List of excipients Liquid sucrose, liquid glucose (containing Wheat Starch (containing Gluten) and Sulphites – Sulphur Dioxide (E220)), tartaric acid gran 572 GDE, eucalyptus oil (containing d-Limonene), indigo carmine BP ’73 (E132), water.6.2 Incompatibilities Not applicable.6.3 Shelf life 36 months for lozenges packed in blister strips within a carton.18 months for blister pack attached to a stencilled card.6.4 Special precautions for storage Do not store above 25°C.6.5 Nature and contents of container A blister push-through pack consisting of hard temper aluminium foil heat sealed to a PVC/PVDC blister.
The tray contains an appropriate number of lozenges to give pack sizes of 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 32 and 36 lozenges in a cardboard carton. A blister push-through pack consisting of hard-temper aluminium foil heat-sealed to a PVC/PVDC blister. Two, four or six blisters are attached to a stencilled card.6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling Not applicable.7.
Can I drink water after Strepsils?
3. Keep Hydrated – Preventing dehydration is crucial, Encourage your loved one to sip regularly by keeping some drinks close by. You can never go wrong with water, but you can also feel free to get some teas, fruit or vegetable smoothies, and soups. Make sure the drinks are not too hot as these could further irritate the throat.
Can I sleep off a sore throat?
6 Tips to Get Rid of a Sore Throat Fast – Besides gargling with salt water, here are a few other at-home remedies to help you get rid of a sore throat FAST! 1. Sleep – Yes, your doctor will also tell you this, but I’m a firm believer that sleep can heal more than we realize.
- Whenever I feel even the slightest bit of sickness coming on, I make sure I’m prioritizing sleep.
- Because sleep can actually help your immune system fight your cold or flu on it’s own.
- Getting enough sleep gives your body time to rest, recover and fight off whatever is causing your sore throat.2.
- Propolis Throat Spray – I may or may not have a bottle of this throat spray on me at all times it’s a game changer! It’s packed with immune boosting vitamins and minerals and has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
Of all the throat sprays out there, this is my go to! I use this spray daily during cold and flu season but ramp up my use when I feel a sore throat coming on.3. Herbal tea & honey – You can learn more about the benefits of herbal tea here, but many types of herbal tea can help your body fight infection on its own.
Honey is also super antiviral and antibacterial so be sure to start and end your day with a warm cup of tea and honey. For an added dose of vitamin c you can squeeze a little fresh lemon juice into your tea. Peppermint tea often feels nice because the menthol can help cool your sore throat.4. Stay hydrated! – This goes hand in hand with the last one make sure you’re getting plenty of fluids and liquids in general.
Sip on water all day and add in tea and honey in between. Fun fact: “When you’re dehydrated, your body can’t produce enough saliva and mucus to keep your throat naturally lubricated. This will make the swelling and inflammation worse.” ( Source ) 5. Use a humidifier – If you don’t have a humidifier or a vaporizer, steamy showers work wonders as well! Besides feeling amazing, the steam actually does reduce inflammation in your throat and can help you sweat out toxins.
I like to drop a few drops of essential oils on the floor of my shower for a spa-like experience while getting the benefits of essential oils as well! 6. Get your vitamins – Yes vitamins actually DO help you health and specific ones (like vitamin C and zinc) can actually help boost your immune system and shorten the length of your symptoms.
I like to take these supplements in pill form but there are gummies, powders, etc. if you don’t like swallowing pills. Other than these two 7 tips to get rid of a sore throat fast, you’ll likely need to take some steps to keep yourself comfortable. Taking over the counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help with the pain, as can eating easy-to-digest foods like chicken soups and popsicles.
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Do Strepsils have side effects?
Like all medicines, Strepsils Lozenges for Adults and Children Over Six can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side effects may include rash, stomach pain, feeling sick, oral discomfort, allergic reaction.
How many Strepsils can I have a day?
Lozenges for sore throats and mouth infections. Double antibacterial action. Extra soothing. Product Type Lozenges Treatment Sore Throat Dosage Strepsils Lozenges are suitable for adults and children. Dissolve one lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 to 3 hours.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. Instructions Dissolve one lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 to 3 hours as required. Do not exceed the stated dose. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor., Dissolve one lozenge slowly in mouth every 2 to 3 hours as required. Strepsils Lozenges are suitable for adults and children over 6 years.
Not suitable for children 6 years and under. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. Storage & Disposal Store Below 25 Degree Celsius., Store below 25 Degrees Celsius. Warnings Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Do Strepsils make you sleepy?
Common side effects –
DrowsinessConstipationNauseaVomitingDrug Interactions:
Alcohol- increased drowsiness;avoid combined use CNS depressants- increased respiratory depression;avoid concurrent useo MAOIs- may cause serotonin syndrome;avoid concomitant use
What causes sore throat?
Treatment – Most sore throats are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not help viral sore throats. Using these medicines when they are not needed leads to antibiotics not working as well when they are needed. Sore throat is treated with antibiotics if:
A strep test or culture is positive. Your provider cannot diagnose strep throat by symptoms or a physical exam alone.A culture for chlamydia or gonorrhea is positive.
Sore throat caused by the flu (influenza) may be helped by antiviral medicines. The following tips may help your sore throat feel better:
Drink soothing liquids. You can either drink warm liquids, such as lemon tea with honey, or cold liquids, such as ice water. You could also suck on a fruit-flavored ice pop.Gargle several times a day with warm salt water (1/2 tsp or 3 grams of salt in 1 cup or 240 milliliters of water).Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges. Young children should not be given these products because they can choke on them.Use of a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can moisten the air and soothe a dry and painful throat.Try over-the-counter pain medicines, such as acetaminophen.
Do Strepsils have antibiotics?
Whether your throat infection is caused by a virus or bacteria will determine how it should be treated. Treating a viral throat infection Viral infections are mainly fought by the body’s own immune system. This means that only the symptoms can be treated.
- A viral throat infection will usually get better by itself within 7 days.5 Rest and home remedies, such as drinking a warm tea to soothe the throat or sucking on cold foods like an ice block to numb the throat, can be helpful.
- Throat lozenges and sprays are also helpful for relieving a viral throat infection.
Strepsils ® has a wide range of products to help relieve the symptoms of a sore throat. If your throat is extremely painful and inflamed, look for something with an anaesthetic ingredient to numb the throat and an anti-inflammatory ingredient to help reduce throat inflammation.
Strepfen ® Lozenges contain an anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving active ingredient to help relieve painful swelling and tenderness of an inflamed sore throat. It is also available in a throat spray, Antibiotics offer no benefit for infections caused by viruses and do not relieve throat pain. Treating a bacterial throat infection A mild bacterial throat infection can be relieved in the same way as a viral throat infection, as the body’s own immune system can usually fight the bacteria by itself.
You could try Strepsils ® Extra Lozenges which have both antibacterial* and anaesthetic action to help relieve painful sore throats. Antibiotics are not needed for treating most sore throats, and rest and home remedies are recommended in most cases. If a bacterial throat infection is confirmed, your doctor will decide if an antibiotic is necessary.
Which Strepsil is best?
Strepsils Extra Triple Action is our best ever range to reduce the severity of sore throat.
Why is sore throat worse at night?
Treatment – The following strategies may help reduce snoring and OSA:
avoiding drinking alcohol before bedtimeavoiding nonessential medicines that can increase sleepinessavoiding sleeping on the backreaching or maintaining a moderate weight
If the above strategies do not alleviate OSA, a person should see their doctor. The doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device: A machine that pumps pressurized air through a face mask and into a person’s airways while they sleep. This helps keep the airways open, thereby reducing episodes of sleep apnea. Dental devices: Some people may benefit from a dental device that brings the bottom jaw forward. This may help keep the airways open. Surgery: If other treatment options are ineffective, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove excess tissue from the back of the throat or to remove or bypass airway blockages.
Allergies can cause nasal congestion and postnasal drip, This is where mucus drains from the nose and into the throat. Excess mucus in the throat can lead to itching, irritation, and soreness. Postnasal drip typically increases when a person is lying down.
feathers in pillowsdust and dander in mattressespollen from plants or trees near an open window
Why does it hurt to swallow?
Esophagitis – Any condition that irritates the esophagus will most likely cause painful swallowing. The esophagus carries food and liquid from your mouth to the stomach. Unfortunately, you can experience inflammation in the esophagus due to allergic reactions, acid reflux, infections, or medications. Along with painful swallowing, you may experience:
Heartburn Nausea Chest pain Stomach aches Hoarse voice
Why do Strepsils work?
History – Strepsils was originally introduced in 1950 by Boots Healthcare as a mouthwash, Strepsils throat lozenges were introduced in 1958. Strepsils was one of the Boots Healthcare brands acquired by Reckitt Benckiser in 2006. Strepsils have been in production since 1958 and contain two active ingredients, namely: amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol.
These ingredients are mild antiseptics that can kill bacteria associated with mouth and throat infections. However, as indicated in the package, research has not demonstrated the presence of an antibacterial agent to reduce the duration or severity of an infection. Extra Strepsils contains hexylresorcinol as an active ingredient and strepsils sore throat and nose covered contains menthol 8 mg.
Reckitt Benckiser also produces a higher resistance pill that used to be marketed under the Strepsils Intensive label, but is now marketed under the Strefen brand, which contains the active ingredient flurbiprofen 8.75 mg. In Australia and Argentina also Reckitt Benckiser market Strepsils Plus, which contains lidocaine, as well as antiseptic agents present in original Strepsils.
- Strepsils are sold in Italy under the Benagol brand.
- In Germany are sold now as Dobendan and Dobensana brand, from 2009 till 2013 were sold as Dobendan Strepsils.
- In Strepsils Norway they are sold without active ingredients under the Repsil brand.
What is the warning on Strepsils?
My Account Area – 1. Name of the medicinal product Strepsils Original Lozenges 2. Qualitative and quantitative composition
| Amylmetacresol | 0.6mg |
| 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol | 1.2mg |
Excipient(s) with known effect: Carmoisine (E122) Ponceau 4R (E124) Liquid Glucose Liquid Sucrose Wheat Starch (containing gluten) * Sulphites – sulphur Dioxide (E220)* Anisyl Alcohol** d-Limonene** Linalool** d-Limonene*** *present in Liquid Glucose **present in Star Anise Oil ***present in Peppermint Oil For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.3. Pharmaceutical form A red circular lozenge.4. Clinical particulars 4.1 Therapeutic indications For the symptomatic relief of mouth and throat infections.4.2 Posology and method of administration Posology Use the lowest dose for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms. Adults One lozenge every 2-3 hours up to a maximum of 12 lozenges in 24 hours. Elderly: There is no need for dosage reduction in the elderly. Children over 6 years old: As above for adults. Children under 6 years old: Not suitable for children under 6 years. (see section 4.4). Method of Administration For oral administration. To be dissolved slowly in the mouth.4.3 Contraindications Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use Not to be given to children under 6 years. If symptoms persist, have not improved, or have worsened after 3 days, consult a doctor or health care professional. Important information about some of the ingredients of this medicine: This medicine contains 1.496 g sucrose per lozenge and 1.013 g glucose per lozenge. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrose-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine. This medicine contains only very low levels of gluten (from wheat starch). It is regarded as ‘gluten-free’ and is very unlikely to cause problems if you have coeliac disease. One lozenge contains no more than 20.26 micrograms of gluten. If you have wheat allergy (different from coeliac disease) you should not take this medicine. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’. This medicine contains Carmoisine (E122) and Ponceau 4R (E124) which may cause allergic reactions. This medicine contains sulphites – Sulphur dioxide (E220) which may rarely cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasm. This medicine contains fragrance with Anisyl Alcohol, d-Limonene and Linalool, which may cause allergic reactions.4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction No clinically significant interactions are known.4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation Pregnancy There are no or limited amount of data from the use of amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorbenzyl alcohol. As with all medicines care should be taken when using this product in pregnancy and medical advice sought if necessary. Breast-feeding It is unknown whether 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, amylmetacresol or metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to the newborns / infants cannot be excluded. Fertility No data are available regarding the effects on fertility.4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines No or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.4.8 Undesirable effects The list of the following adverse effects relates to those experienced with 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol at OTC doses, in short term use. Adverse events which have been associated with 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol are given below, tabulated by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: Very common (≥1/10); Common (≥1/100 and <1/10); Uncommon (≥1/1000 and <1/100); Rare (≥1/10,000 and <1/1000); Very rare (<1/10,000); Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse events are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
| System Organ Class | Frequency | Adverse Events |
| Immune System Disorders | Not known | Hypersensitivity ab1 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | Not known | Glossodynia ab, oral discomfort ab |
a 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol b amylmetacresol 1 Hypersensitivity reactions may include rash, urticaria and angioedema, which may include swelling of the face, neck, throat or tongue that could affect breathing. Reporting of Suspected Adverse Reactions Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important.
It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.4.9 Overdose Overdosage should not present a problem other than gastrointestinal discomfort.
Treatment should be symptomatic.5. Pharmacological properties 5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties Pharmacotherapeutic group: Throat Preparations; Antiseptics ; ATC Code: R02AA03 Dichlorobenzyl alcohol.2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol have antiseptic properties.5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties None available.5.3 Preclinical safety data None available.6.
Pharmaceutical particulars 6.1 List of excipients Star anise oil (containing Anisyl Alcohol, d-Limonene and Linalool), peppermint oil (containing d-Limonene), menthol natural or menthol synthetic, tartaric acid gran 571 GDE, ponceau 4R edicol (E124), carmoisine edicol (E122), liquid glucose (containing wheat starch (containing gluten) and Sulphites – Sulphur Dioxide (E2220)), liquid sucrose, water (potable).6.2 Incompatibilities Not applicable.6.3 Shelf life 36 months for lozenges packed in blister strips within a carton.24 months for blister packs attached to a stencilled card.6.4 Special precautions for storage Do not store above 25°C.6.5 Nature and contents of container A blister push-through pack consisting of 15 or 20μm hard temper aluminium foil heat-sealed to a 250μm PVC/40gms or 90gms PVDC blister.
The tray contains an appropriate number of lozenges to give pack sizes of 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 32 and 36 lozenges in a cardboard carton or a flow wrap composed of PET/aluminium foil/polyethylene. A blister push-through pack consisting of 15 or 20μm hard-temper aluminium foil heat-sealed to a 250μm PVC/40gms or 90gms PVDC blister.
- Two, four or six blisters are attached to a stencilled card.
- A blister push-through pack consisting of 15 or 20μm hard temper aluminium foil heat-sealed to a 250μm PVC/40gms or 90gms PVDC blister.
- The tray contains an appropriate number of lozenges to give a pack size of lozenges in a wrap around cardboard carton with tamper-evident seal.6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling Not applicable.7.
Marketing authorisation holder Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd Slough SL1 3UH 8. Marketing authorisation number(s) PL 00063/0396 9. Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation 10. Date of revision of the text 05/07/2022
Do you swallow Strepsils?
Do not chew, crunch or swallow the lozenges whole. Move the lozenge around your mouth whilst sucking it. You should get some relief from pain and soreness within half an hour of sucking the lozenge and this relief should last up to 4 hours.
Do throat lozenges really help a sore throat?
The takeaway – Sore throat lozenges and sprays provide some additional relief for the pain of sore throat, particularly those with anti-inflammatory or local anaesthetic ingredients. They are often combined with an antiseptic agent, which may or may not add any significant benefit.
Are you supposed to swallow Strepsils?
Do not chew, crunch or swallow the lozenges whole. Move the lozenge around your mouth whilst sucking it. You should get some relief from pain and soreness within half an hour of sucking the lozenge and this relief should last up to 4 hours.
