Introduction
Locastad® is a drug frequently used for symptom relief of sore throats in adults and adolescents (older than 12 years) in the context of bacterial and viral infections. It is taken in the form of lozenges (various flavours). Locastad® is a preparation containing three active substances (lidocaine, amylmetacresol, dichlorobenzyl alcohol) which are responsible for its pain-relieving and antiseptic or slightly antibacterial effect.
Indications for Locastad®
The drug is used in the context of bacterial and viral infections of the upper respiratory tract (oral cavity, throat, pharynx). One speaks thereby of a ‘classical cold’. It is often characterized by a scratching and burning sensation in the throat and pain when swallowing and speaking.
It is often accompanied by unspecific symptoms (including rhinitis, hoarseness, headache, fever). The majority of these infections are caused by viruses (rhino viruses, corona viruses, parainfluenza viruses), secondary colonization and infection with bacteria is possible. Colds occur more frequently in children and infants (on average 6 to 8 times a year).
In adults, colds generally occur less frequently. Nevertheless, infections of the upper respiratory tract are among the most common human infectious diseases worldwide. Thanks to its pain-relieving effect and at the same time its local antiseptic or antibacterial action, Locastad® relieves above all the sore throat of the infections.
Due to the rapid pain-relieving effect of the active ingredient lidocaine, sore throats can be improved within a short time. If the symptoms do not improve or worsen within 2 days, a doctor should be consulted to rule out another cause. Among other things, Locastad® should not be used on larger wounds in the mouth and throat area.
Active ingredients contained in Locastad
The Locastad® preparation contains three active ingredients: lidocaine, amylmetacresol, dichlorobenzyl alcohol. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic of the amide type, which blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels in the body. This mechanism of action can suppress the transmission of pain along nerve fibers and thus alleviate the sensation of pain. The combination of amylmetacresol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol has local antibacterial and antiviral effects. As a result, viral or bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract not only lead to an alleviation of symptoms (including sore throat), but at the same time, the pathogens and thus the cause of the infections are fought.
