Throat lozenge

A small tablet or candy that dissolves in the mouth to soothe throat irritation. It may contain active ingredients such as antiseptics or local anesthetics.

Connect

Saliva: A watery secretion produced by salivary glands that moistens food and begins digestion. Slow dissolution increases saliva, which coats and moistens irritated throat tissues.
Sore throat: Pain, scratchiness, or irritation in the throat, often worsened by swallowing. Throat lozenges are commonly used for temporary relief of this symptom.
Throat spray: A liquid medicine or soothing solution dispensed as a spray into the mouth or throat. Sprays deliver a dose quickly, while lozenges dissolve gradually in the mouth.
Medication dosage: The amount and schedule of a medicine taken to produce a desired effect while limiting harm. Medicated lozenges have ingredient-specific limits, so repeated doses can exceed recommended amounts.
Local anesthetic: A drug that temporarily blocks nerve conduction in a limited area, reducing sensation without causing unconsciousness. Some lozenges numb throat pain by temporarily blocking sensory nerves.
Cough: A reflex that forcefully expels air to clear the respiratory tract. Some lozenges soothe cough by coating the throat or delivering a cough suppressant.
Cough syrup: A liquid medicine taken by mouth to relieve cough or associated symptoms. Syrup is swallowed, whereas a lozenge releases ingredients slowly while dissolving.
Drug allergy: An immune-system reaction to a medicine that can range from mild symptoms to a medical emergency. Active ingredients and flavorings in lozenges can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible people.
Benzocaine: A local anesthetic used topically to reduce pain and itching. It is an active ingredient in some medicated throat lozenges.
Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx, commonly causing throat pain and discomfort when swallowing. Lozenges may ease symptoms but do not necessarily treat the underlying inflammation.