What is lozenges and functions

Lozenges are a form of medicated sweets preparation.. It contains one or more medicines that are usually in flavored sweet taste. Its function is to provide relief and comfort to the irritation of the throat cavity.

The active ingredient contents in the lozenges provide a different function. Each brand and type of lozenges has active ingredients that are also different from each other. The function of active ingredients are mainly for analgesic effects, anesthetic, antiseptic, antimicrobial and antitussive.

Forms of lozenges

There are 2 types of lozenges available in the market. The types depend on the formation of lozenges whether by molding orby compression.

How does it work

Lozenges are solid preparations that are intended to dissolve or disintegrate slowly in the mouth. They contain one or more medicaments usually in a flavored, sweetened base. Lozenges are most often used for localized effects in the mouth. They can also be used for systemic effect if the drug is well absorbed through the buccal lining or is swallowed.

Type of lozenges

Hard Lozenges

Hard lozenges might be considered solid syrups of sugars. These dosage forms are made by heating sugars and other ingredients together and then pouring the mixture into a mold. The hard lozenge will not disintegrate in the mouth but will erode or dissolve over a 5 – 10 minutes period.

Soft Lozenges

Soft lozenges are easily compounded and can be colored and flavored. They can either be chewed or allowed to slowly dissolve in the mouth.

Chewable Lozenges

     
The texture is more likely to soft lozenges. Most formulations are based on the glycerinated gelatin suppository formula which consists of glycerin, gelatin, and water. These lozenges are often highly fruit flavored and may have a slightly acidic taste to cover the acrid taste of the glycerin.

There are various brands of lozenges available in the marketsuch as Ricola, Difflam, Strepsils, Fisherman’s Friend, Wood dan etc.

How to use lozenges

Put in your mouth and it will slowly dissolve in the mouth when sucked.

Possible side effect

No serious side effects have been reported with the usage of lozenges. The common side effects always associated with lozenges are hypersensitivity and sore throat.

Special precaution

This medicine is not known to cause any problems during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. However, as with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with each other. This medicine is unlikely to have any major interactions. But consult your pharmacist or doctor if you get any unusual symptoms while consuming this medicine with other medicines.

Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse during treatment with this medicine.