Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Strepsils Original Lozenges
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Amylmetacresol, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for This medicine contains two antiseptic ingredients for use in throat medications. These are used for the symptomatic relief of mouth and throat infections. These ingredients are both mild antiseptics which kill the bacteria associated with mouth and throat infections. The action of sucking the lozenge allows the active ingredients to work in the area of the discomfort and also helps lubricate and soothe the painful area. This helps relieve the soreness and discomfort of mouth and throat infections.
What you need to know before you take it
e this medicine This medicine is recommended for adults, children (over 6 years old) and the elderly. Children under 6 years old should not use this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you:
- are allergic (hypersensitive) to 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, amylmetacresol, or any of the other ingredients shown in Section 6
- are under 6 years old. Warnings and precautions Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
- suffer or are suffering from any other throat problems. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Check with your pharmacist or your doctor before taking this medicine if you think your are pregnant, are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. Important information about some of the ingredients in this medicine
- This medicine contains only very low levels of gluten (from wheat starch). It is regarded as 'gluten-free' and is very unlikely to cause problems if you have coeliac disease. One lozenge contains no more than 20.26 micrograms of gluten. If you have a wheat allergy (different from coealic disease) you should not take this medicine.
- This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium free'.
- This medicine contains 1.496 g Sucrose per lozenge and 1.013 g Glucose per lozenge. This should be taken into account in patients with diabetes mellitus. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
- This medicine also contains Carmoisine edicol (E122) and Ponceau 4R (E124), which may cause allergic reactions.
- This medicine contains sulphites, which may rarely cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasm.
- This medicine contains fragrance with Anisyl Alcohol, d-Limonene and Linalool. Anisyl Alcohol, d-Limonene and Linalool may cause allergic reactions.
How to take it
this medicine Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist have told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. This medicine is for short term use only. You should take the lowest dose for the shortest time necessary to relieve your symptoms. Adults, Children (over 6 years old) and the elderly – One lozenge to be dissolved slowly in the mouth every 2 – 3 hours up to a maximum of 12 lozenges in 24 hours. Remove one lozenge from the foil blister packaging. Replace the foil blister back into the cardboard carton. Place lozenge into the mouth allowing it to dissolve slowly. Dissolve one lozenge slowly in the mouth every 2 – 3 hours. It is not recommended that children under 6 years use this medicine. Remember that young children can choke on lozenges. If symptoms persist, have not improved, or have worsened after 3 days, consult a doctor or pharmacist. If you take more of this medicine than you should You may experience stomach discomfort. Do not take any more of this medicine and consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you forget to take this medicine Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten lozenge. Continue to use this medicine normally. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you experience any hypersensitivity to this medicine i.e. itching, burning sensation and/or discomfort of the mouth, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, neck, tongue or throat and rash (severe allergic reactions) stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor or pharmacist. If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
this medicine Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month and the year. Do not store above 25°C. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What this medicine contains: The active substances are: 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol 1.2mg, Amylmetacresol 0.6mg The other ingredients are: Star Anise oil (containing Anisyl Alcohol, d-Limonene and Linalool), Peppermint oil (containing d-Limonene), Menthol natural or menthol synthetic, Tartaric acid, Ponceau 4R edicol (E124), Carmoisine edicol (E122), Liquid Sucrose, Liquid Glucose Syrup (containing wheat starch (containing gluten) and Sulphites – Sulphur Dioxide (E2220)), Water (potable). What this medicine looks like A red circular lozenge. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Limited, Slough, SL1 3UH Manufacturers: Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare International Limited, Thane road, Nottingham, NG90 2DB, UK. RB NL Brands B.V., WTC Schiphol Airport, Schiphol Boulevard 207, 1118 BH Schiphol, NL. Licence Number: PL 00063/0396 Date of preparation: December 2021 0000000
Package Leaflet: Information for the user STREPSILS Original Lozenges 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol Amylmetacresol
CUSTOMER INFO: Minimum Point Size = 9.00pt
1.3.1 Package Leaflet – Clean Strepsils NAT 1.2-0.6g Lozenge Original HX3ET eCTD
Page 1
TR2252134
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Frequently asked questions about Strepsils Original Lozenges
What is the active substance in Strepsils Original Lozenges?
The active substance in Strepsils Original Lozenges is amylmetacresol, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol.
Are there equivalent medicines to Strepsils Original Lozenges?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Strepsils Honey and Lemon, Strepsils Strawberry Sugar Free Lozenges. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Strepsils Original Lozenges, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Strepsils Original Lozenges without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: amylmetacresol, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
For the symptomatic relief of mouth and throat infections.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Use the lowest dose for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms.
Adults
One lozenge every 2-3 hours up to a maximum of 12 lozenges in 24 hours.
Elderly:
There is no need for dosage reduction in the elderly.
Children over 6 years old:
As above for adults.
Children under 6 years old:
Not suitable for children under 6 years. (see section 4.4).
Method of Administration
For oral administration. To be dissolved slowly in the mouth.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Not to be given to children under 6 years.
If symptoms persist, have not improved, or have worsened after 3 days, consult a doctor or health care professional.
Important information about some of the ingredients of this medicine:
This medicine contains 1.496 g sucrose per lozenge and 1.013 g glucose per lozenge. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrose-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.
This medicine contains only very low levels of gluten (from wheat starch). It is regarded as 'gluten-free' and is very unlikely to cause problems if you have coeliac disease.
One lozenge contains no more than 20.26 micrograms of gluten.
If you have wheat allergy (different from coeliac disease) you should not take this medicine.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
This medicine contains Carmoisine (E122) and Ponceau 4R (E124) which may cause allergic reactions.
This medicine contains sulphites – Sulphur dioxide (E220) which may rarely cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasm.
This medicine contains fragrance with Anisyl Alcohol, d-Limonene and Linalool, which may cause allergic reactions.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No clinically significant interactions are known.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There are no or limited amount of data from the use of amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorbenzyl alcohol.
As with all medicines care should be taken when using this product in pregnancy and medical advice sought if necessary.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, amylmetacresol or metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to the newborns / infants cannot be excluded.
Fertility
No data are available regarding the effects on fertility.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
No or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
4.8. Undesirable effects
The list of the following adverse effects relates to those experienced with 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol at OTC doses, in short term use.
Adverse events which have been associated with 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol are given below, tabulated by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: Very common (≥1/10); Common (≥1/100 and <1/10); Uncommon (≥1/1000 and <1/100); Rare (≥1/10,000 and <1/1000); Very rare (<1/10,000); Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse events are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
System Organ Class
Frequency
Adverse Events
Immune System Disorders
Not known
Hypersensitivityab1
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Not known
Glossodyniaab, oral discomfortab
a2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol bamylmetacresol
1 Hypersensitivity reactions may include rash, urticaria and angioedema, which may include swelling of the face, neck, throat or tongue that could affect breathing.
Reporting of Suspected Adverse Reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
Overdosage should not present a problem other than gastrointestinal discomfort. Treatment should be symptomatic.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Strepsils Original Lozenges. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.