Tyrothricin, Benzocaine and Benzalkonium Chloride lozenge

What is this medication for?

This lozenge is used to treat sore throat, stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx), laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx) and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). It contains Benzocaine, an anaesthetic, to relieve pain. It also contains Tyrothricin (an antibiotic) and Benzalkonium chloride (an antiseptic) to prevent infection.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take this medication as recommended by your healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare professional if you are not sure how to take this medication correctly.
• Allow 1-2 lozenges to dissolve slowly in the mouth several times daily.
• Do not take this medication if you have fresh wounds in the mouth or throat.
• If you have fever along with the sore throat, please speak to your healthcare professional.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

This lozenge may be taken when required for a short period of time. This means you no longer have to take it if you do not have any more symptoms. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue normally. Do not take two doses or extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:  

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications, and herbal remedies.

If you have any questions about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

This medication is generally well-tolerated. It may rarely cause side effects such as rash, itching, blistering, and swelling. These side effects are usually mild and go away after some time. However, if the symptoms are bothersome, do not go away or become worse, stop this medication and consult your healthcare professional.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

Methaemoglobinaemia is a rare and potentially fatal blood disorder where there is reduced oxygen delivery to tissues. It is rarely associated with benzocaine-containing lozenges.
You are more likely to develop this rare side effect if you:

• Take large number of this lozenge within a short period of time
• Have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, heart or lung conditions
• Are using other medications at the same time such as
  • Nitrates/Nitrites (e.g. Nitroglycerin)
  • Local anaesthetics (e.g. Lidocaine, Bupivacaine, Mepivacaine, Tetracaine, Prilocaine, Procaine, Articaine)
  • Anticancer medications
  • Antibiotics (e.g. sulphonamides, Nitrofurantoin)
  • Antimalarials (e.g. Chloroquine)
  • Anticonvulsants (e.g. Phenytoin, Sodium valproate)
  • Other drugs (e.g. Paracetamol, Metoclopramide, sulfa drugs [i.e. Sulfasalazine], Quinine)

Symptoms of methaemoglobinaemia can occur immediately after exposure or develop after several hours. Symptoms may include:

• Blue skin discoloration
• Abnormal colouration of the blood
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Seizures
• Abnormal heart beat

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ், click here

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking, or planning to take any other herbal products, supplements or medications.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.