Anesthetic lozenges are medicated tablets designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth, providing localized relief for discomfort in the oral cavity and throat. They work by temporarily numbing the affected area, which helps alleviate pain and irritation.
How Anesthetic Lozenges Work
Anesthetic lozenges contain active ingredients that interact with nerve endings in the mouth and throat. Common ingredients include local anesthetics like benzocaine, dyclonine, and hexylresorcinol, often combined with cooling agents such as menthol. Benzocaine, for instance, blocks sodium channels within nerve cells, preventing nerve impulse transmission.
When nerve signals are interrupted, the brain does not receive pain messages from the numbed area, reducing discomfort. Menthol provides a cooling sensation that soothes irritated tissues. As the lozenge dissolves, active ingredients are released gradually, coating the mucous membranes to provide temporary numbing.
Common Uses of Anesthetic Lozenges
Anesthetic lozenges are used for temporary relief of sore throat symptoms, whether from a common cold, influenza, or allergic reactions. They also provide comfort for other oral discomforts, such as general mouth irritation and canker sores.
These lozenges do not treat the underlying cause of pain and are intended for short-term use.
Safe Usage and Precautions
Allow the lozenge to dissolve in the mouth without chewing or swallowing it whole. This ensures the medication coats the affected area and prevents potential choking. Always follow dosage instructions, such as taking one lozenge every two hours and not exceeding a specified daily limit.
Temporary numbness of the tongue, lips, or mouth is a common and expected side effect. More serious reactions, such as allergic responses (rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat), require immediate medical attention. A rare but severe condition, methemoglobinemia, can occur with benzocaine-containing products. This reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. Symptoms include pale, gray, or blue skin, headache, confusion, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and fatigue, necessitating urgent medical care.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against using benzocaine products for children younger than two years old to treat oral pain, including teething, due to methemoglobinemia risk. Some products also recommend against use in children under five or six years of age. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, persist for more than a few days, or are accompanied by a high fever, rash, swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, severe pain, or nausea and vomiting.