Strepsils Extra Strong Menthol Lozenges

Strepsils Extra Strong Menthol Lozenges are medicated throat lozenges from the Strepsils range, a well-known brand owned by Reckitt. Each lozenge contains two antiseptic ingredients, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol 1.2 mg and amylmetacresol 0.6 mg, together with menthol, in a hard sugar-based lozenge that is meant to be dissolved slowly in the mouth.

The lozenge base is made from glucose syrup and sucrose, with tartaric acid and colouring and flavouring agents, so every lozenge contains sugar. This is worth noting for anyone who has diabetes, is watching their sugar intake, or has been told they have an intolerance to certain sugars. It is a lozenge only: it is not a spray, a gargle or a liquid, and it is not a sugar-free product.

Strepsils Extra Strong Menthol Lozenges are an OTC (Over-the-Counter) product that can be purchased through DoctorOnCall without needing a doctor’s prescription. They are supplied in lozenge packs of different counts, so please check the pack size shown on the product page and read the label on your pack for the exact strengths, directions and expiry date before use.

• Adults and children aged 6 years and above: dissolve one lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 to 3 hours, as needed.
• Allow each lozenge to dissolve completely in the mouth; do not chew it and do not swallow it whole.
• Do not take more than 12 lozenges in 24 hours.
• Do not give to children under 6 years of age, and do not keep using the lozenges for more than a few days without medical advice.
• If the directions printed on your pack differ from the above, follow the printed pack directions.

Adults, the elderly and children aged 6 years and above: one lozenge dissolved slowly in the mouth every 2 to 3 hours, up to a maximum of 12 lozenges in 24 hours. This product is not intended for children under 6 years. There is no need to make up for a missed lozenge; simply take the next one when you need it, and never take several lozenges together to compensate. Stop and see a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms last for more than 3 days, get worse, or are accompanied by fever, headache or nausea. Always follow the dosing printed on your pack.

Use before the expiry date printed on the pack. Check the expiry date and batch number before use, and do not use lozenges that have passed their expiry date, that are damaged, or whose wrapper has been opened for a long time.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture, following any storage temperature printed on the pack. Keep the lozenges in their wrapper until you are ready to use them, close the pack after use, and keep out of the reach and sight of children, as lozenges can be a choking hazard.

• Common: mild tingling, warmth or irritation in the mouth or on the tongue while the lozenge is dissolving.
• Common: mild stomach upset or nausea in some people.
• Serious: an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Stop using the lozenges and seek medical attention straight away, as this can become life-threatening.
• Serious: mouth sores, blistering or persistent soreness that appears after using the lozenges. Stop using them and see a doctor or pharmacist.

• Do not use if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, amylmetacresol, menthol or any other ingredient in the lozenges.
• Do not give to children under 6 years of age.
• Do not use if you have been diagnosed with hereditary fructose intolerance or another sugar intolerance that prevents you from having sucrose or glucose syrup, unless a doctor advises otherwise.

• No clinically significant drug interactions are established for Strepsils Extra Strong Menthol Lozenges when taken as directed, but tell a pharmacist about all medicines you are taking before use.
• Avoid using other medicated throat lozenges, sprays or gargles containing antiseptic ingredients at the same time unless a pharmacist advises it, to avoid doubling up on similar ingredients.
• No specific food interactions are known. The lozenges contain sugar (sucrose and glucose syrup), which should be counted in the daily sugar intake of people with diabetes.

• Let each lozenge dissolve slowly in the mouth; chewing or crunching it is not how the product is meant to be taken.
• Keep count of the lozenges you take through the day so you stay within 12 lozenges in 24 hours.
• The lozenges contain sugar, so people with diabetes or on a sugar-restricted diet should check with a pharmacist first.
• Avoid using several medicated throat products at once without asking a pharmacist, to prevent doubling up on similar ingredients.
• Keep the pack closed and out of the reach of young children, as a lozenge can be a choking hazard.
• Check the expiry date and the strengths printed on the pack, since pack designs and variants in the Strepsils range look similar.

Precautions: Each lozenge contains sugar (sucrose and glucose syrup), so people with diabetes or who have to limit sugar should check with a pharmacist first, and those with hereditary fructose intolerance should avoid it. Do not exceed 12 lozenges in 24 hours and do not give to children under 6 years. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and anyone taking other medicines, should ask a doctor or pharmacist before use. Do not chew or swallow the lozenges whole, and keep them away from young children because of the choking risk.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor if your throat symptoms last for more than 3 days, keep coming back, or are accompanied by fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash, or swollen glands. Seek urgent medical attention if you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, drooling, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or tongue.