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Throat lozenge

Medicated tablet to be dissolved in the mouth

  • 2 min read
  • 3 chapters
cough drop
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Ingredients

Some throat lozenges contain active ingredients such as benzocaine (anaesthetic), or amylmetacresol (mild antiseptic) or 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol (mild antiseptic) or 4-Hexylresorcinol (anaesthetic, antiseptic) or dextromethorphan (cough suppressant).

Many varieties such as Halls contain menthol, peppermint oil and/or spearmint as their active ingredient(s). Some may contain other essential oils (generally "cooling" ones) such as eucalyptus oil and methyl salicylate.

Non-menthol throat lozenges generally use either zinc gluconate glycine or pectin as an oral demulcent. Honey lozenges are also available.

The purpose of the throat lozenge is to calm the irritation that may be felt in the throat while swallowing, breathing, or even drinking certain fluids. However, one study found that excessive use of menthol cough drops can prolong coughs rather than relieve them.

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