Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant

Generic Name: Benzydamine, Cetylpyridinium, Pholcodine
Product Name: Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant

Indication

Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant can be used for the relief of sore throats and to suppress unproductive (dry) coughs.

Action

Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant contain the active ingredients benzydamine, cetylpyridinium and pholcodine.

Benzydamine belongs to a family of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They work to reduce pain and inflammation (swelling and redness) in the body by reducing the production of hormone-like substances that promote inflammatory response. Benzydamine does not treat the underlying cause of the inflammation, however, and should not be used for extended periods of time without medical advice. Benzydamine also possesses local anaesthetic activity to further enhance pain relief.

Cetylpyridinium is an antibacterial agent designed to prevent the growth of bacteria in the throat and mouth. It may help to reduce the severity and duration of a sore throat.

Pholcodine is a cough suppressant that works in the part of the nervous system involved in controlling the cough reflex. The cough reflex is designed to protect the body by clearing foreign material and excess mucous. However, sometimes the cough reflex does not serve any useful purpose, instead causing irritation and sleep deprivation. Pholcodine helps to reduce the intensity and frequency of the cough reflex.

Dose advice

• Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant should not be chewed, but dissolved slowly in the mouth for optimal effect (see packaging for dose instructions)
• Do not use Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant for more than 7 days without medical advice
• If symptoms do not improve after a few days of treatment with Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant, consult your doctor as the condition may require treatment with antibiotics
• Seek medical advice before using Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant if you have had a previous allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
  • Asthma, wheezing or shortness of breath
  • Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, causing difficulty swallowing and breathing
  • Hives, itching or skin rash
  • Fainting

  Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant should be used only under medical advice in patients who are pregnant (ADEC Category B2) or breast feeding

• Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant contain the natural sugar substitute isomalt, which may have a laxative effect when consumed in excess

Schedule

Schedule 2

Common side effects

Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant are generally well tolerated. The most common side effect is oral numbness, occurring in 2.6% of patients.

Other side effects occurring in less than 2% of patients may include:

• Burning or stinging sensation
• Dry mouth or thirst
• Tingling sensation
• Warm sensation in mouth
• Taste disturbance
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headaches and drowsiness
• Restlessness or excitement
• Allergic reactions (including skin rashes and increased sensitivity to sunlight)

Contact your doctor if you experience or are concerned about any of the above side effects.

Uncommon side effects

Very rarely, Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant may cause life threatening allergic reactions. If you have had any allergic reaction to medicines in the past, it is important to check with your doctor that Difflam Anti-Inflammatory Lozenges with Cough Suppressant are suitable for you.

If you experience difficulty breathing or develop swelling of the face, lips or tongue, seek emergency medical attention.

References

1. MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2003. [Cited December 27, 2007] http://www.mims.com.au
2. Electronic Australian Prescription Products Guide. Australian Pharmaceutical Publishing Company, 2007. [Cited December 27, 2007]
3. Lazo, J, Gilman A, Brunton L et al. Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 11th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2006.

For further information talk to your doctor.