Linkus Lozenges 16s

Linkus Lozenges 16s is a herbal lozenge made by Herbion and sold in Malaysia as a traditional medicine product. Each 2.5 g lozenge contains extracts of seven botanicals: 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 (licorice) root 2.5 mg. The 16s pack contains 16 lozenges, supplied as two strips of 8.

The lozenges are made with sugar and liquid glucose, together with ascorbic acid, menthol, spearmint and eucalyptus oil flavouring, so they are not sugar-free. They come in several flavours in Malaysia, including mint, honey lemon and orange, and the exact excipients can differ between flavours, so please check the carton of the pack you receive.

Linkus is an OTC (Over-the-Counter) traditional product that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. It is dissolved slowly in the mouth and is not meant to be chewed or swallowed whole. As with other herbal medicines, people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic conditions, or who take regular medicines, should ask a pharmacist before using it.

• Dissolve one lozenge slowly in the mouth; do not chew or swallow it whole.
• Adults: take one lozenge every 2 to 3 hours, up to a maximum of 8 lozenges in 24 hours.
• For children, follow the age and dose directions printed on the pack insert, or ask a pharmacist; do not give to young children who may choke.
• Do not exceed the stated maximum number of lozenges per day.
• Use for a short time only, and stop and see a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.

Adults: one lozenge every 2 to 3 hours as directed, up to a maximum of 8 lozenges in 24 hours, dissolved slowly in the mouth. For children, the age and dose bands differ between product labels, so please follow the directions printed in the pack insert for your pack, or ask a pharmacist; children who cannot dissolve a lozenge safely should not be given one. Do not take extra lozenges to make up for a missed dose. This product is for short-term use; if symptoms persist for more than a few days or get worse, stop and see a doctor.

• Common: A mild cooling, tingling or sweet-tasting sensation in the mouth and throat while the lozenge dissolves.
• Common: Mild stomach upset or nausea in some people, particularly if several lozenges are taken in quick succession.
• Uncommon: Mouth irritation, rash or itching as a mild allergic reaction to one of the herbal ingredients.
• Serious: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or widespread rash can be signs of a severe allergic reaction. Stop the lozenges and seek urgent medical attention.
• Serious: Prolonged or heavy intake of licorice-containing products can cause raised blood pressure, fluid retention, swollen ankles, muscle weakness or palpitations (from low potassium). Stop the product and see a doctor if these occur.

• Do not use in anyone with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the herbal ingredients (including licorice, ginger-family plants, pepper-family plants or eucalyptus) or to menthol.
• Not recommended for young children who cannot dissolve a lozenge safely in the mouth.
• Do not use if the packaging is damaged or the product is past its expiry date.

• Licorice root can interact with diuretics (water tablets), corticosteroids, digoxin and some blood pressure medicines by lowering potassium or affecting blood pressure; ask a pharmacist before use if you take these regularly.
• The lozenges contain sugar and liquid glucose, which may affect blood sugar control; people with diabetes should check with a pharmacist or doctor.
• Herbal ingredients such as Piper longum (long pepper) may alter how some medicines are absorbed; tell your pharmacist about all prescription, OTC and herbal products you take.
• No specific food interactions are known; avoid taking several herbal or medicated lozenges together.

• Dissolve each lozenge slowly and avoid chewing it.
• Count your lozenges: the maximum is 8 in 24 hours for adults.
• Check the carton for the flavour you received, as the excipients differ between mint, honey lemon and orange.
• These lozenges contain sugar, so people with diabetes should check with a pharmacist, and brush your teeth if you use several during the day.
• Tell your pharmacist if you take regular medicines, especially for blood pressure or fluid retention, because of the licorice content.
• Keep the strips dry and in their carton, and out of the reach of children.

Precautions: Linkus lozenges are an herbal product containing sugar, liquid glucose and a small amount of licorice root extract. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver conditions, or low potassium, and those taking regular medicines such as diuretics, corticosteroids or digoxin, should seek advice from a pharmacist before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor first, as safety has not been established. Do not give to young children who may choke, and keep out of children’s reach.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms last more than a few days, get worse, or come with fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, or blood-stained or coloured phlegm. Stop the lozenges and seek urgent medical help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash.