Has Dequadin been discontinued?
You may have heard of Dequadin in the past, and you might have even used this particular medication before to help treat a sore throat. However, Dequadin is no longer in production.
So, what do we know about this previously used treatment, and what are the alternatives? In this article, we explore more about Dequadin and how you can effectively and safely soothe a sore throat.
What are Dequadin lozenges?
Dequadin was a treatment for the short term relief of sore throats and mouth infections, including mouth ulcers, oral thrush, tonsillitis and stomatitis.
The active ingredient in Dequadin lozenges was dequalinium chloride – an antibacterial agent with antiseptic qualities. Dequalinium chloride can kill the bacteria, fungi and yeasts associated with mild mouth and throat infections[1].
Dequadin lozenges worked to directly target the area of infection, lubricating and soothing the painful area to relieve discomfort.
Dequadin lozenges were suitable for adults and children over the age of 10, and it was advised that people using this treatment should suck one lozenge every two to three hours as required. It was also advised that no more than eight lozenges should be consumed within a 24-hour period.
What are the side effects of taking Dequadin lozenges?
As with any type of medication, side effects are a possibility. The main side effects of taking Dequadin lozenges were a sore tongue, or an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients[2]. Dequadin also had a high sugar content, which affected those with diabetes or sugar intolerances. It was also thought that excessive or high doses of Dequadin could cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Are Dequadin lozenges still available?
No, Dequadin lozenges are no longer available. As of September 2020, the treatment was discontinued in the UK, in all forms. This means that Dequadin is not available on the shelf, over the counter or on prescription.
If you have Dequadin at home, it’s recommended that you do not continue to use this treatment. It’s important to safely dispose of this treatment. You can do this by taking your unused Dequadin to your local pharmacy.
What are some Dequadin alternatives?
Even though Dequadin is no longer available, there are still a number of safe, effective treatments you can try to soothe a sore, painful throat, including simple, at-home remedies[3]. Keep reading to find out how you can relieve the tell-tale signs of a sore throat.
- Gargle salt water
Gargling warm, salty water is a quick, easy way to soothe a sore throat. It’s thought that salt is naturally antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This means that it can be highly effective in relieving discomfort.
You can do this by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Take a sip, or as much as you can hold in your mouth, and gargle the solution around your mouth, including the back of your throat. Try to gargle for as long as you can. This will give the salt time to take effect, giving you the maximum benefit.
When you’re ready, you should then spit the solution out. Generally speaking, salt water is safe to swallow, but it’s best to avoid this if you can.
You can gargle with salt water as frequently as you like. For example, you may want to repeat these steps once or twice a day.
- Use a medicated treatment
There are a wide range of medicated treatments available that have been designed specifically to target the symptoms of a sore throat. These can often be purchased at your local pharmacy or supermarket in a variety of different forms, including lozenges, sprays, liquids and pastilles.
For example, Chloralieve’s Honey & Lemon Throat Lozenges offer a simple, effective way to ease the discomfort of a sore throat. The dual action formula of these lozenges contains three active ingredients – lidocaine, a local anaesthetic to numb the throat, and amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl which are antiseptics that work to fight infection.
Alternatively, you could choose a sore throat spray, like Ultra Chloraseptic’s Menthol Throat Spray. This fast-acting spray contains local anaesthetic benzocaine. When sprayed onto the throat, this treatment provides a numbing sensation within a matter of seconds, helping to soothe the affected area.
- Try an over-the-counter painkiller
Just like you would if you had a headache, using over-the-counter painkillers can be effective in relieving the feelings of a sore throat.
For instance, paracetamol can help alleviate a sore throat, as can ibuprofen. These painkillers can often be taken alongside other treatments, including lozenges and throat sprays. However, it’s important to always read the label. If you’re unsure, you should speak to your pharmacist.
Resources
[1] https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/dequalinium-chloride/
[2] https://www.simpleonlinepharmacy.co.uk/medications/dequadin-lozenges/
