2023 "Pharmaceutical Popular Science Works" Essay Exhibition | Don't be affectionate to me, would you use lozenges?

Lozenges are tablets that are held in the mouth to allow the drug to slowly dissolve to exert its efficacy. Some lozenges are colorful, fragrant, and sweet, and are easily mistaken for "sugar" and eaten as sugar when healthy and abused when sick. So, how should lozenges be used?

1. The effects of Chinese and Western medicine lozenges are different

Chinese medicine lozenges: Their main functions are clearing away heat and detoxifying, cooling and relieving sore throat, promoting fluid production and moistening the throat. They can improve symptoms such as redness, swelling and pain in the throat, itching, dry mouth and dry throat.

Commonly used ones are: Yinhuang lozenges, Caoshanhu lozenges, Xiguashuang lozenges, honeysuckle lozenges, pharyngitis lozenges, Huang's sound lozenges, Shuanghuanglian lozenges, Qingliang lozenges, Shuangliao throat wind lozenges, etc.

Western medicine lozenges: The indications are mostly bactericidal and anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic, and can relieve symptoms such as pharyngitis and oral ulcers.

Commonly used ones include: cediridine lozenges, domiphene lozenges, oral ulcer lozenges, ribavirin lozenges, calcium gluconate lozenges, dimenhydrinate lozenges, chlorhexidine benzocaine lozenges, etc.

Second, the method of use is particular

(1) Oral administration on the tongue

Lozenges should be held on the tongue and work by slowly dissolving. They are different from sublingual medications, and the specific usage and dosage are subject to the drug instructions.

(2) Location near the throat

When taking a lozenge, do not simply place the medicine on the tip or middle of the tongue, try to place the tablet at the base of the tongue.

(3) Do not chew

After placing the lozenge in the mouth, let it dissolve slowly for absorption and do not chew it, otherwise it will cause the local drug concentration to be too high and cause harm to the human body.

(4) Do not swallow

Unlike other dosage forms, lozenges cannot be swallowed when taking medicine. They should be held on the mucosal surface near the affected area at the bottom of the tongue and wait for them to dissolve and decompose naturally. If the lozenge is swallowed whole, it will affect the efficacy of the medicine.

(5) Swallow more

When taking the lozenge in your mouth, you should swallow it more often so that the medicine can better act on the throat and exert its therapeutic effect.

(6) Do not eat or drink

Do not eat or drink within half an hour after taking the lozenge to avoid diluting the medicine and affecting its efficacy. Also, try to talk as little as possible after taking the medicine.

3. Things to note

(1) Lozenges cannot be taken as candy

Lozenges should not be taken too often or too frequently, especially not as candies. Lozenges can shrink the blood vessels in the oral mucosa, reduce inflammatory edema and pain, but if taken for a long time, they may inhibit the production of lysozyme and antibodies, leading to loss of appetite, oral ulcers, etc.

(2) Children should pay attention to medication safety

To prevent throat obstruction, children under 5 years old should use hollow lozenges, so that even if they choke on the throat, they will not be blocked. At the same time, adults should accompany them and tell them how to use it correctly to prevent choking or blocking the trachea.

(3) Stop using immediately if you feel any discomfort

Some people may be allergic to lozenges, especially to iodine preparations. If sore throat, facial swelling, shortness of breath, itchy skin, dry mouth, dizziness and tinnitus occur while using the lozenges, stop using it immediately.

Lozenges are therapeutic medicines, not food, and certainly not preventive medicines. They cannot be used for a long time to prevent oral and pharyngeal diseases. Otherwise, they may lead to local immune dysfunction, loss of appetite, oral mucosal ulcers and other problems.