Strepsils Pain Relief Spray

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > S



How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient lidocaine hydrochloride (previously known as lignocaine hydrochloride in the UK), which is a type of medicine called a local anaesthetic. It works by temporarily blocking the pathway of pain signals along nerves. Pain is caused by the stimulation of pain receptors at the ends of nerves. The stimulation causes sodium to enter the nerve ending, which causes an electrical signal to build up in the nerve. When this electrical signal is big enough, it passes along the nerve to the brain, where the signal is interpreted as pain. Lidocaine works by stopping the sodium entering the nerve ending at the site of the pain. This prevents an electrical signal building up and passing along the nerve fibres to the brain. In this way lidocaine causes numbness and relieves pain at the area it is applied to. This throat spray is used to apply lidocaine to the throat, where it relieves the pain of severe sore throats.

What is it used for?

- Severe sore throat

Warning!

- Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine, which will be stated in the product packaging or information leaflet supplied with the medicine.
- Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes.
- If symptoms persist, or are accompanied by fever, headache or nausea and vomiting, consult your doctor.
- This medicine may cause numbness of the tongue, so you should take care eating and drinking, particularly hot food and drinks.
- Do not inhale the spray.

Not to be used in

- Asthma
- Breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)
- Children under 12 years of age

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.