2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol + amylmetacresol at a glance
Medicine class
Locally acting throat antiseptics.
Main use
Symptomatic relief of sore throat, associated pain, and mouth or throat infections.
Administration
Allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth.
Age limits vary
Selected Strawberry Sugar Free and Honey and Lemon products are unsuitable under 6 years; the selected Menthol product is unsuitable under 12 years.
What is 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol + amylmetacresol used for?
These lozenges provide local symptom relief rather than treating an underlying systemic infection.
Relief of sore throat and associated pain.
Symptomatic relief of mouth and throat infections.
How does 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol + amylmetacresol work?
The ingredients act locally as mild antiseptics. Laboratory research suggests a local-anaesthetic-like effect that may contribute to pain relief. Sucking the lozenge also lubricates and soothes the throat.
How to take 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol + amylmetacresol
Follow the exact pack leaflet because age limits and ingredients vary between formulations.
Remove the lozenge from its packaging and allow it to dissolve slowly in the mouth.
Do not give hard lozenges to children below the product’s stated age limit because of choking risk.
Seek advice if symptoms persist, worsen, or occur with high fever or headache.
2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol + amylmetacresol side effects
Common or expected effects
- No adverse effects have a known common frequency. Mouth or tongue burning, irritation or discomfort has been reported, but its frequency is unknown.
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using the medicine and seek urgent assessment for rash or hives with swelling of the face, neck, tongue or throat.
- Call 999 if an allergic reaction causes difficulty breathing or swallowing.
2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol + amylmetacresol in pregnancy
UK pregnancy information says standard Strepsils products, including Honey and Lemon and Strawberry or Sugar-Free variants, can be used during pregnancy. However, data for the active ingredients are limited, and the selected Menthol product is not recommended because its safety has not been established. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber to check the exact product.
2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol + amylmetacresol while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether the active ingredients pass into human milk, and risk to a breastfed infant cannot be excluded. Ask a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber before use, particularly for the Menthol formulation.
2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol + amylmetacresol interactions
No clinically significant medicine interactions are known for the selected products. Check ingredients when combining sore-throat remedies because similarly branded products may contain different active medicines.
Other medicines
No clinically significant interactions are known for these selected lozenges.
Common questions about 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol + amylmetacresol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this medicine an antibiotic?
No. It is a locally acting antiseptic combination for symptom relief and does not replace antibiotics when a bacterial infection requires treatment.
Should I chew or swallow the lozenge?
No. Allow it to dissolve slowly in the mouth so it acts locally in the throat.
More questions about 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol + amylmetacresol
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.