MEDI-KEEL A HONEY& LEMON 12/1.5MG THROAT LOZENGES

Indications

• Topical anesthesia for minor skin irritations
• Sore throat relief
• Dental procedures

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations.

Adults: Apply a thin layer to the affected area as needed, not exceeding the recommended frequency in product guidelines.

Mechanism of action

Benzocaine diffuses into nerve cells where it binds to sodium channels, preventing the channels from opening, and blocking the influx of sodium ions. Nerve cells unable to allow sodium into cells cannot depolarize and conduct nerve impulses. Benzocaine reversibly stabilizes the neuronal membrane, decreasing its permeability to sodium ions, thereby inhibiting depolarization of the neuronal membrane and blocking the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses.

Pharmacodynamics

Benzocaine is indicated for use as a topical anesthetic. It has a duration of action of approximately 10 minutes and a wide therapeutic window. Patients should be counselled regarding the risks of methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious condition that can occur with excessive use.

Pharmacokinetics

Benzocaine is poorly soluble in water, which limits its systemic absorption when applied topically. It is rapidly absorbed through the skin, and its effects are localized. The half-life and metabolism details are not extensively documented, but the drug is primarily metabolized in the liver. Clearance from the system generally occurs within a short time frame, correlating with its brief duration of action.

Adverse effects

• Methemoglobinemia
• Allergic reactions
• Local irritation
• Skin rash

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with a history of methemoglobinemia
• Not for use on large areas of damaged skin or mucous membranes
• Avoid contact with eyes

Pregnancy

Benzocaine should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Consult a healthcare professional.

Breast-feeding

Benzocaine is generally considered safe for use during breastfeeding, but caution is advised. Consult a healthcare professional for specific recommendations.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

• Topical cream
• Topical gel
• Topical ointment
• Lozenges

Indications

• Oral hygiene
• Prevention of dental plaque
• Management of minor infections in the oral cavity

Dosage

Children: Refer to BNF for Children for appropriate formulations and guidance on paediatric use.

Adults: Refer to BNF for specific formulations and usage instructions. Typical concentrations in mouthwashes are around 0.05% to 0.1%.

Mechanism of action

Cetylpyridinium chloride functions as a cationic surfactant that interacts with microbial cell surfaces due to its positively charged hydrophilic region. This interaction disrupts bacterial membrane integrity, leading to leakage of cytoplasmic components, interference with cellular metabolism, and ultimately, cell death. Additionally, it inhibits the synthesis of insoluble glucan by streptococcal glucosyltransferase, adsorbs to enamel surfaces, and prevents bacterial co-adhesion, enhancing its effectiveness in oral hygiene.

Pharmacodynamics

Cetylpyridinium chloride exhibits rapid bactericidal effects against gram-positive pathogens and fungicidal activity against yeasts. It is classified as a cationic disinfectant with local effects, making it suitable for managing minor infections. Its surfactant properties contribute to its efficacy in reducing microbial load in oral care applications.

Pharmacokinetics

Cetylpyridinium chloride is characterized by poor systemic absorption when used topically; therefore, its effects are primarily local rather than systemic. This property allows it to exert its antimicrobial action in the mouth without significant absorption into the bloodstream, making it safe for use in oral care products.

Adverse effects

• Mouth irritation
• Taste alteration
• Dryness of the mouth
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Precautions

• Use with caution in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to cetylpyridinium chloride or other quaternary ammonium compounds.
• Avoid swallowing the product.
• Not recommended for use in children under a certain age without medical advice.

Pregnancy

Cetylpyridinium chloride should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Consultation with a healthcare provider is advised.

Breast-feeding

It is not known whether cetylpyridinium chloride is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to nursing mothers.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

• Mouthwash
• Toothpaste
• Lozenges
• Mouth sprays

Indications

• Schizophrenia
• Acute psychotic episodes
• Severe anxiety
• Agitation associated with psychotic disorders

Dosage

Children: Refer to clinical guidelines for specific dosing information.

Adults: Refer to clinical guidelines for specific dosing information.

Mechanism of action

Chlorode exerts its effects primarily by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the central nervous system. This antagonism reduces dopaminergic activity, which is thought to be elevated in conditions like schizophrenia. Additionally, chlorode may also interact with other neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin and norepinephrine, contributing to its overall therapeutic effects.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of chlorode involve its ability to modulate the dopaminergic system, which plays a significant role in mood regulation and perception. The blockade of D2 receptors can lead to decreased symptoms of psychosis. The drug may also have sedative effects due to its antihistaminic activity, which can help alleviate anxiety and agitation associated with psychiatric conditions.

Pharmacokinetics

Chlorode is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations typically occurring within 2 to 4 hours after oral administration. It undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, primarily via CYP450 enzymes, resulting in various active metabolites. The elimination half-life of chlorode can vary significantly, ranging from 8 to 30 hours, and it is excreted mainly through urine. The drug's pharmacokinetics can be influenced by factors such as age, liver function, and concomitant medications.

Pregnancy

Chlorode should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Limited data are available on its safety in pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

The safety of Chlorode during breastfeeding has not been established. Caution is advised when administering this drug to nursing mothers.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children.

Mechanism of action

Benzocaine diffuses into nerve cells where it binds to sodium channels, preventing the channels from opening, and blocking the influx of sodium ions. Nerve cells unable to allow sodium into cells cannot depolarize and conduct nerve impulses. Benzocaine reversibly stabilizes the neuronal membrane with decreases its permeability to sodium ions. Depolarization of the neuronal membrane is inhibited thereby blocking the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses.

Pharmacodynamics

Benzocaine is indicated for use as a topical anesthetic. It has a duration of action of approximately 10 minutes and a wide therapeutic window. Patients should be counselled regarding the risks of methemoglobinemia.

Mechanism of action

When incorporated into mouthwashes, toothpastes, lozenges, or mouth sprays, cetylpyridinium chloride is expected to elicit a mechanism of action that decreases new dental plaque growth, decreases or removes existing dental plaque, diminishes the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and inhibits the production of virulence factors. Cetylpyridinium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound that demonstrates a broad spectrum anti-bacterial activity. It possesses a cationic surface active agent surfactant which can absorb readily to oral surfaces. The molecules of this agent have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups. In action, the positively charged hydrophilic region of cetylpyridinium chloride molecules enables the compound to interact with microbial cell surfaces and even integrate into the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. Consequently, there is a resultant disruption of bacterial membrane integrity causing a leakage of bacterial cytoplasmic components, interference with cellular metabolism, inhibition of cell growth, and ultimately - cell death. Moreover, cetylpyridinium chloride can also inhibit the synthesis of insoluble glucan by streptococcal glucosyltransferase, adsorb to pellicle-covered enamel, and inhibit co-adhesion of bacteria, and bind streptococcus mutans biofilms. This ability of cetylpyridinium chloride to be able to adsorb to pellicle covered enamel imparts substantivity to the compound molecules - that is retention in the mouth and continued antimicrobial activity for a period of time after rinsing. Taking these mechanisms into consideration, cetylpyridinium chloride may be considered an active ingredient that is effective in the treatment and prevention of bacterial or fungal disorders of the oropharyngeal cavity.

Pharmacodynamics

Cetylpyridinium chloride is considered a cationic disinfectant with properties and uses similar to other such cationic surfactants. In particular, cetylpyridinium chloride has demonstrated a rapid bactericidal and fungicide effect on gram-positive pathogens and yeasts, respectively. Cetylpyridinium chloride is subsequently utilized in a variety of preparations for the local treatment of minor infections. Despite the variety of formulations in which cetylpyridinium chloride may appear as an active ingredient, it is generally accepted that it only elicits a local effect owing to the compound's relatively poor absorption by route of exposure.