Lozenges

Products

There are many lozenges available in the market. They are medicines, medical devices or dietary supplements.

Structure and properties

Lozenges are solid and single-dose preparations intended for sucking. They contain one or more active ingredients, usually in a flavored or sweetened base, and they are intended to dissolve or or disintegrate slowly in the mouth when sucked. Lozenges can be made by casting or pressing (like tablets), among other methods. Lozenges usually have sweeteners added, such as sorbitol, saccharin, or sucralose. Some contain sugar (sucrose).

Effects

Lozenges usually exert a local effect in the oral cavity and throat. However, there are also representatives that have a systemic effect in the digestive tract or in the whole organism. Among their advantages is that they do not need to be swallowed like the tablets or capsules, which is important for people with swallowing difficulties and children.

Indications for use

Typical indications for use of lozenges are:

In addition, other indications exist, for example, supplementation with vitamins and minerals.

Dosage

According to the professional information. Lozenges should be allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth or cheek pocket and not chewed or swallowed whole, otherwise they cannot exert their effects. The maximum daily dose should not be exceeded.

Active ingredients (selection)

  • Disinfectant
  • Antibiotics
  • Local anesthetics
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Expectorants
  • Antifungals
  • Mucilages, anti-irritant agents
  • Essential oils
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Antiallergics
  • Antacids

Contraindications

Contraindications include:

  • Hypersensitivity

Depending on the active ingredient, various other precautions should be observed. The full details can be found in the drug information leaflet.

Adverse effects

Adverse effects depend on the active and excipient ingredients and may be local or systemic. The most common possible adverse reactions include local reactions such as irritation, a burning sensation, altered taste, numbness, and hypersensitivity reaction. Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may also occur.