Strepsils Lozenge: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Strepsils Lozenge is a brand of throat lozenges available in different formulations. Some versions contain flurbiprofen, an NSAID that reduces inflammation and pain, while others, such as the Honey & Lemon version, contain antibacterial agents that help kill bacteria causing sore throats. It is used to relieve sore throat symptoms and, depending on the product, to help fight bacteria responsible for sore throats and minor mouth infections.

What is Strepsils Lozenge

Strepsils is a brand of throat lozenges. Some versions contain flurbiprofen, an NSAID that reduces inflammation and pain, while others (like Strepsils Sore Throat Relief Honey & Lemon) contain antibacterial agents to help kill bacteria that cause sore throats.

Strepsils Lozenge uses

• Relieve symptoms of sore throats, such as soreness, pain and swelling
• Help kill bacteria that can cause sore throats and mouth infections
• Relief from minor mouth infections

Benefits of Strepsils Lozenge

• Fast, soothing and effective relief from sore throat discomfort
• Relief from pain and soreness can begin within half an hour and last up to 4 hours (flurbiprofen version)

How Strepsils Lozenge works

Flurbiprofen belongs to a group of medicines called NSAIDs, which help reduce inflammation (swelling) and pain.

Strepsils Lozenge dosage

For the antibacterial lozenge, suitable for adults and children 6 years of age and over, dissolve one lozenge slowly in the mouth as needed, spaced a few hours apart. Do not use if the foil seal is broken.

For the flurbiprofen lozenge, suitable for adults and children over 12 years, suck the lozenge slowly; do not chew, crunch, or swallow it whole. Move the lozenge around your mouth while sucking to help prevent mouth irritation. Do not exceed the recommended dose or use for longer than 3 days. Dissolve lozenges in the mouth with caution to lessen the risk of choking.

Available forms and strengths

• Lozenge

Side effects of Strepsils Lozenge

Common

• Tingling in the mouth while sucking the lozenges
• Mouth ulcers or irritation
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness (mild)
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Constipation

Serious

• Stomach discomfort or pain, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea or other abdominal symptoms
• Stomach pain with black tarry stools, vomiting particles that look like coffee grounds (signs of gastrointestinal bleeding)
• Allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itchy lumps on the skin, itchy runny nose, worsening of asthma or breathing difficulties
• Visual or hearing disturbances
• Kidney problems causing fluid retention and swelling of the feet
• Liver problems causing yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Easy skin bruising or bleeding (very rare)
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty in urination
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Shakiness and unsteady walk
• Slowed breathing
• Severe unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take if you have or have ever had a stomach ulcer, are allergic to flurbiprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs, have had gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation with NSAIDs, have had wheezing, runny nose or hives after taking aspirin or NSAIDs, are under 12 years old, or have ever had heart failure.
• This medicine may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack or stroke, especially with high doses and prolonged use. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment (3 days).
• Not suitable for children under 6 for the antibacterial lozenge version.
• Dissolve lozenges in the mouth carefully to reduce the risk of choking.
• Flurbiprofen may make it more difficult to become pregnant; this is reversible when stopping the medicine. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking these lozenges.
• If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking these lozenges.
• Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking these lozenges if you have kidney problems.
• Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking these lozenges if you have liver problems.

Storage

• Store below 25°C
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the pack and the foil blister

When to see a doctor

• If your cough has not improved after 7 days, if your sore throat has not improved after 2 days, if you have a high fever, skin rash, or continuing headache with the cough, or if you have asthma or high blood pressure, check with your doctor.
• Stop taking this medicine and see a doctor right away if you have stomach discomfort or pain, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, or other abdominal symptoms; stomach pain with black tarry stools or coffee-ground vomit; or allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itchy lumps, runny nose, worsening asthma or breathing difficulties.
• If you take too many lozenges by mistake, or if a child under 12 takes them, talk to a pharmacist or doctor right away and take the packet and leaflet with you.
• If your sore throat does not get better after 3 days, gets worse, or you get new symptoms, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Alternatives

• Strepsils Extra Honey and Lemon Flavour Anaesthetic Lozenges
• Strepsils Plus Anaesthetic Lozenges
• Strepsils Extra Blackcurrant Flavour Anaesthetic Lozenges
• Strepfen Anti-Inflammatory Sore Throat Lozenges Sugar Free Orange 16 Pack