Strepsils
Strepsils is a line of lozenges manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser in Nottingham, United Kingdom. They come in a variety of flavours and are part of the Boots Healthcare International (BHI) brands that Reckitt Benckiser acquired in 2006. As of 2010, it is the largest-selling sore throat product in the world.[1]
History
Strepsils have been in production since 1958, and contain two active ingredients, namely amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol. These ingredients are mild antiseptics, which can kill bacteria associated with mouth and throat infections. However, as indicated on the packet, research has not shown the presence of an antibacterial agent to reduce the length or severity of an infection. Strepsils "Extra" contains hexylresorcinol as an active ingredient, and Strepsils "Sore Throat & Blocked Nose" contains menthol 8 mg. Reckitt Benckiser also produce a higher-strength lozenge that used to be marketed under the Strepsils "Intensive" label, but are now marketed under the brand name Strefen, which contains the active ingredient flurbiprofen 8.75 mg.
The name "Strepsil" comes from the Streptococcus bacterium that causes certain types of sore throat.
Markets
In Australia, Argentina and parts of Europe Reckitt Benckiser also market Strepsils Plus, which contains lidocaine in addition to the antiseptic agents present in original Strepsils.
In Sri Lanka and France, Strepsils are also available with lidocaine marketed as Strepsils con lidocaína in Spain and Strepsils Lidocaine[2] in France.
[3] Strepsils are sold in Italy under the brand name Benagol, in Germany earlier as Dobendan, lately as Dobendan Strepsils. In Norway Strepsils are sold without active ingredients under the brand name Repsils.
In the US, Reckitt Benckiser sell throat lozenges in similar packaging under the Cepacol brand, but despite the similarity, these lozenges contain different active ingredients.
Dosage
The recommended dosage is one lozenge every 2–3 hours for adults.
Vitamin C is added for Strepsils Vitamin C-100. Each lozenge of Strepsils Vitamin C-100 contains 1.2 mg 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, 0.6 mg amylmetacresol and 100 mg vitamin C. A special lozenge of Strepsils, the "Strepsils Chesty Cough" contains no dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol, but it contains 15mg of ambroxol hydrochloride.
Flavours
- Ginger & Lemon
- Honey & Lemon
- Original
- Warm
- Orange Vitamin C
- Cool
- Blackcurrant
- Strawberry Sugar Free
- Cherry
- Sore Throat & Blocked Nose
- Sore Throat & Cough
References
External links
- Strepsils Official Website
- Registration information of Strepsils Vitamin C-100, Database of registered pharmaceuticals in Hong Kong.