Tyrozets Review Of Throat Lozenges

Tyrozets sore throat lozenges are pharmacy-only medication (P) licensed in the management of sore throats and throat irritations, for example, following a surgical procedure to remove tonsils or other mouth procedures. Tyrozets are advertised as a product with dual action, which comes from its two active ingredients.

Firstly, Tyrozets quickly numbs the throat, helping with pain management, and secondly, an antibiotic used in the formulation of lozenges’ help to fight the throat infection’.

Are Tyrozets Discontinued?

Tyrozets have been out of stock since the end of 2019. According to the chemist4u website, Tyrozets are discontinued as their use (use of an antibiotic to treat throat infections) was questioned by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). MHRA grants marketing authorization (license) to companies that produce drugs in the U.K.

Looking for Tyrozets alternative products? Read my review on the most popular sore throat lozenges and Tyrozets alternative products.

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Tyrozets: Restrictions On Age And Duration Of Treatment

Children and adults can use Tyrozets lozenges from 3 years of age. It is recommended that patients should consider stopping the use if the response is not sufficient. Tyrozets should not be used for longer than five days.

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Tyrozets Review Of Dosage

For Children Aged 3-11 Years:

• The reduced dose is recommended
• Maximum of 6 lozenges in 24 hours
• Allow Tyrozets to be slowly dissolved, do not chew or swallow.

Children And Adults 12 Years And Above:

• One lozenged to be dissolved in the mouth every three hours
• Maximum of 8 lozenges in 24 hours
• Allow Tyrozets to be slowly dissolved, do not chew or swallow.

Children Under 3 Years Of Age:

• Do not use Tyrozets

Tyrozets Review Of Main Active Ingredients

Tyrozets contain two active ingredients:

• Tyrothricin, an antibiotic and
• Benzocaine, a local anesthetic

Tyrothricin is classified as an antibiotic, although not used in any other form in the treatment of bacterial infections in the U.K. Tyrothricin is a mixture of two different antibiotics gramicidin and tyrocidine.

Interestingly, tyrothricin is produced and extracted from the bacteria Bacillus brevis. Tyrothricin belongs to a group of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs are produced by all organisms and play a role as the first-line defense against infections (Lang & Staiger, 2016).

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic that numbs the area to which it is applied and thus helps with managing pain.

Benzocaine can be found in other products used in conditions associated with pain, for example, oral gels (brand name: Orajel) to help with toothaches, or creams (brand name: Lanacane cream) for symptomatic relief of pain, irritation, and itching due to insect bites and other causes.

Anaesthetic throat sprays containing benzocaine can also be purchased, for example, Ultra Chloraseptic throat spray.

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Tyrozets Review Of The Effectiveness

Tyrozets has been licensed since 2008. There is no information available publicly on the possible effectiveness of this product. Benzocaine produces numbness when Tyrozets are sucked.

Local anaesthetics are effective in reducing pain with a number of studies confirming their benefits (Quaba et al, 2005)., hence their wide application in dental procedures, cannulation, skin grafting, and other procedures.

Only properly set up clinical study could provide us with some useful information on Tyrozets effectiveness in terms of pain management and possible effect (if any) on the treatment of throat infections.

Antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended for acute episodes of sore throats unless patients have other symptoms, are very unwell, or have other underlying illness or condition (NICE, 2017).

Patients should seek medical attention if (ibid):

• symptoms get worse quickly or significantly
• when symptoms last more than 7 days or
• an individual becomes very unwell
• a patient takes immunosuppressive medication

Limited information is available describing the effectiveness of tyrothricin in the management of sore throats. Nevertheless, some studies (in the lab) confirm its anti-bacterial as well as anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. As an antibiotic, tyrothricin has the best potential in treatments of skin infections (Lang & Staiger, 2016).

Lozenges increase saliva production by sucking action as fast as 1 minute after individuals start to use them. Saliva soothes the inflammation associated with sore throats and provides lubrication (Oxford & Leuwer, 2011).

Tyrozets Review Of Possible Side Effects

Patients are advised that soreness or blackness of a tongue may happen when Tyrozets are used. This goes away after the treatment is stopped.

Benzocaine can also cause skin rashes. Despite being safe and low-risk when used topically, benzocaine has the potential to cause methemoglobinemia, a life-threatening side effect. Methemoglobinemia rarely occurs in children or infants after benzocaine absorption.

Methemoglobinemia is characterised by:

• decreased amounts of oxygen reaching tissues
• skin discoloration (going blue) due to lack of oxygen
• difficulty / heavy breathing

Tyrozets In Pregnancy: Can You Use Them?

Tyrozets And Breastfeeding: Can You Use Them?

It is not known if either of the active ingredients included in Tyrozets lozenges is excreted in the milk. Tyrozets should not be used when breastfeeding unless benefits outweigh the possible risks.

Tyrozets: Where To Buy Them From?

As previously mentioned, Tyrozets are pharmacy-only medication. P medicines can only be purchased from registered pharmacies with a pharmacist being present at the premises. Most pharmacies such as Boots, Lloyds, Asda or Tesco stock Tyrozets. Tyrozets can also be bought online from registered pharmacies.

Acute Sore Throat: Self-Care Advice

Self-management of sore throats include:

• Use of pain relief drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
• Use of sore throat lozenges with a local anesthetic, such as Tyrozets or other lozenges containing antiseptics or NSAIDs (Flurbiprofen, for example, Strefen honey & lemon lozenges)
• Use of throat sprays containing a local anesthetic
• Use of mouthwashes containing a local anesthetic
• Gargle with warm, salty water
• Adequate fluid intake

Note: there is little evidence confirming the effectiveness of any over the counter medication in the treatment of sore throats.

Conclusion

Despite the lack of evidence on effectiveness, Tyrozets lozenges can be used in the management of sore throat. As local anaesthetic benzocaine is effective in numbing the throat, possibly providing for the some pain relief. Patients should consider other self-care suggestions.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are effective in reducing the pain associated with sore throats (Kenealy, 2011).

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