Side effects of Locastad
Within the scope of application, mild diseases of the immune system rarely (less than 1 in 1,000 of the patients) occur. Possible are hypersensitivity reactions, which can manifest themselves by a burning or itching sensation, painless swelling of the face (so-called angioedema), a stinging in the throat area and the appearance of an unpleasant taste. In the case of severe overdose or use in children under 12 years of age, the systemically high doses of the individual active ingredients can trigger different symptoms.
High concentrations of lidocaine in the blood may cause symptoms in the area of the central nervous system or the heart. Seizures, drowsiness, unconsciousness, low blood pressure (hypotension) and a slow heartbeat (bradycardia) are possible in exceptional cases. In case of prolonged use (more than 5 days), the antibacterial and antiviral effects of amylmetacresol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol may destroy the normal bacterial flora in the mouth and throat area, which is important for protection against pathogenic germs, among other things. As a result, further and sometimes more serious infections can occur.
Interactions of Locastad®
Locastad® is not suitable for children under 12 years of age due to its lidocaine content. Compared to adults, significantly more lidocaine enters the bloodstream in children, which can cause symptoms in the central nervous system and heart area. In the case of allergies or hypersensitivity reactions to local anesthetics or other ingredients of Locastad® it is also not recommended to take it.
In asthmatics, Locastad® should only be taken under medical supervision, as the anaesthetic in the throat may cause the patient to cough while eating, which may lead to obstruction of the airways. In addition, for diabetes mellitus patients, it should be noted that lozenges usually contain sugar syrup. Detailed information about the amount of ingredients can be found in the package insert.
Dosage of Locastad®
Locastad® is administered in the form of lozenges. One lozenge contains 2mg lidocaine, 0.6mg amylmetacresol and 1.2mg dichlorobenzyl alcohol. One lozenge can be taken every 2-3 hours.
In case of particularly severe infections, no more than 8 tablets per day for adults or 4 tablets per day for adolescents (older than 12 years) should be taken. Care should be taken not to drink or eat directly after taking Locastad®. The mild anaesthetic effect of lidocaine may cause swallowing difficulties. Locastad® should not be used in children and adolescents under 12 years of age.