Throat lozenge
A throat lozenge is a small, typically medicated tablet intended to be dissolved slowly in the mouth to temporarily stop coughs, lubricate, and soothe irritated tissues of the throat, possibly from the common cold or influenza. Cough tablets have taken the name lozenge, based on their original shape, a diamond.
Ingredients
Some throat lozenges contain active ingredients such as benzocaine, or amylmetacresol or 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol or 4-Hexylresorcinol or dextromethorphan.Lozenges may contain eucalyptus oil. Some varieties such as Halls contain menthol, peppermint oil and/or spearmint as their active ingredient. Honey lozenges are also available. Non-menthol throat lozenges generally use either zinc gluconate glycine or pectin as an oral demulcent.
The purpose of the throat lozenge is to calm the irritation that may be felt in the throat while swallowing, breathing, or even drinking certain fluids. However, one study found that excessive use of menthol cough drops can prolong coughs rather than relieve them.
History
Sweets to soothe the throat date back to 1000 BC in Egypt's Twentieth Dynasty, when they were made from honey flavored with citrus, herbs, and spices. In the 19th century, physicians discovered morphine and heroin, which suppress the cough reflex. Popular formulations of that era included Smith Brothers Cough Drops, first advertised in 1852, and Luden's, created in 1879. Concern over the risk of opioid dependence led to the development of alternative medications.Brands
- Anta
- Cēpacol
- Chloraseptic
- Fisherman's Friend
- Halls
- Jakemans
- Jinsangzi
- Läkerol
- Lockets
- Luden's
- Mynthon
- Negro
- Nin Jiom
- Pine Bros.
- Ricola
- Robitussin
- Smith Brothers
- Strepsils
- Sucrets
- Ülker
- Takabb Anti-Cough Pill
- Throzz
- Troketts
- Tunes
- Tyrozets
- Vicks
- Strep-Drops
- Victory V
- Vigroids
- Woogie Euka Menthol
- Zubes