Linkus Lozenges Mini 8s

Linkus Lozenges Mini 8s are herbal lozenges from the Herbion range, sold in a small pack of 8 mini lozenges that is easy to carry. The key herbal ingredients named on the product are Adhatoda vasica (leaf) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root, and the lozenge is a registered traditional medicine rather than a conventional pharmaceutical medicine. It is available in cherry and strawberry flavours.

The published ingredient list for the Linkus lozenge range shows seven herbal ingredients: Adhatoda vasica leaf (30 mg), Cordia latifolia fruit (5 mg), Piper longum fruit (5 mg), Onosma bracteatum leaf (2.5 mg), Hyssopus officinalis leaf (2.5 mg), Alpinia galanga rhizome (2.5 mg) and Glycyrrhiza glabra root (2.5 mg). The lozenge base also includes menthol, eucalyptus oil and flavourings, and the standard Linkus lozenge base contains sugar, so please check the pack label for the full ingredient list and sugar content.

Linkus Lozenges Mini 8s can be purchased through DoctorOnCall without needing a doctor’s prescription. Because the lozenges contain licorice and several herbal ingredients, people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have high blood pressure or take regular medicines should speak to a pharmacist first. The lozenges are dissolved slowly in the mouth and are not suitable for young children, who could choke on them.

• Dissolve one lozenge slowly in the mouth; do not chew it or swallow it whole.
• Take one lozenge every 2 to 3 hours as needed, and do not take more than 8 lozenges in a day, or the daily maximum printed on your pack.
• Do not give to young children who cannot dissolve a lozenge safely; ask a pharmacist about suitability for children.
• Do not use with other herbal lozenges or licorice-containing products at the same time.
• If symptoms persist or get worse after a few days, stop using the lozenges and consult a doctor.

Adults: one lozenge every 2 to 3 hours as needed, dissolved slowly in the mouth, up to a maximum of 8 lozenges in a day, as listed in the Linkus pack text on Malaysian retailer pages. Please also follow the daily limit printed on your own pack. An age limit for children has not been confirmed in the sources checked, so please ask a pharmacist before giving the lozenges to a child, and do not give them to young children because of the choking risk. If you miss a dose there is nothing to make up, as the lozenges are taken only when needed. If symptoms last more than a few days, get worse, or come with fever, stop using the lozenges and consult a doctor.

Use Linkus Lozenges Mini 8s before the expiry date printed on the pack. Check the expiry date and batch number before each use, and do not use lozenges that are past their expiry date, or that look damaged or have become sticky.

Store as directed on the pack, generally in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Keep the lozenges in their original pack, closed after each use, and keep them out of the reach and sight of children.

• Common: Mild cooling, tingling or numb sensation in the mouth from the menthol and eucalyptus oil, which fades as the lozenge dissolves.
• Common: Mild stomach upset or loose stools if too many lozenges are taken.
• Serious: Allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, which needs urgent medical attention.
• Serious: Swelling of the feet or hands, severe headache, palpitations or muscle weakness with frequent or heavy use of licorice-containing products, which may point to raised blood pressure or low potassium and needs medical review.

• Do not use if you are allergic or hypersensitive to any ingredient, including Adhatoda vasica, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), pepper (Piper longum), menthol or eucalyptus oil.
• Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a doctor or pharmacist has advised it, as Adhatoda vasica is traditionally cautioned in pregnancy.
• Do not give to young children, because lozenges are a choking risk; ask a pharmacist before giving to any child.
• Do not use if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, low blood potassium or serious heart or kidney disease unless your doctor has advised that it is suitable.

• Blood pressure medicines, water tablets (diuretics), digoxin and corticosteroids: licorice can alter potassium levels and blood pressure, so ask your pharmacist before regular use.
• Other herbal products or lozenges containing licorice or similar herbs: avoid using them together, to prevent duplicate dosing.
• Diabetes: the standard Linkus lozenge base contains sugar and glucose, so people monitoring blood sugar should check the pack and ask a pharmacist.
• No other specific drug or food interactions were found in the sources checked; tell your pharmacist about all medicines and herbal products you take.

• Let each lozenge dissolve slowly in the mouth; do not chew or swallow it whole.
• Keep to one lozenge every 2 to 3 hours and no more than 8 a day.
• Check the pack for the flavour you chose (cherry or strawberry) and for the full ingredient and sugar information.
• Tell your pharmacist you are taking a licorice-containing product if you use blood pressure medicines or water tablets.
• Keep the mini pack closed and out of the reach of young children, as lozenges are a choking risk.
• Stop and see a doctor if symptoms last more than a few days or you develop a rash or swelling.

Precautions: Use Linkus Lozenges Mini 8s only as directed on the pack. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, diabetes, or take regular medicines such as blood pressure medicines, water tablets or digoxin. The lozenges contain licorice and herbal ingredients, and the standard Linkus lozenge base contains sugar, so check the label if you monitor your sugar intake. Do not give to young children because of the choking risk, and keep the pack out of the reach of children.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor if your symptoms last more than a few days, get worse, or come with fever, a persistent cough, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing. Seek advice if you notice swelling, palpitations, severe headache or muscle weakness, and seek urgent medical attention for swelling of the face, lips or throat, a spreading rash, or any sign of a severe allergic reaction.