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The Chemistry of Throat Lozenges

29-Jun-2016

© Compound Interest

The Chemistry of Throat Lozenges

I’ve been suffering the effects of a sore throat these past few days (the curse of the end of term cold), which inevitably got me thinking about the chemical compounds in the throat lozenges I’ve been binging on. Whilst there are a range of possible active ingredients, many throat lozenges use one (or two) of three particular compounds. This graphic takes a look at them, and how they help provide relief!

There are three compounds commonly used in throat lozenges: amylmetacresol, dichlorobenzyl alcohol, and hexylresorcinol. In many cases, amylmetacresol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol are actually used in combination, whilst hexylresorcinol seems to be more commonly used in isolation. That’s the helpful compounds identified, then, but how exactly do they help?

Topics
  • dextromethorphan
  • active ingredient
  • anaesthetics
  • antitussives
  • phenylephrine
  • decongestants
  • benzocaine
  • amylmetacresol
  • dichlorobenzyl alcohol
  • hexylresorcinol
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