Drug Groups

approved

Description

Dyclonine is an oral anaesthetic found in Sucrets, an over the counter throat lozenge. It is also found in some varieties of the Cepacol sore throat spray.

Indication

Used to provide topical anesthesia of accessible mucous membranes prior to examination, endoscopy or instrumentation, or other procedures involving the esophagus, larynx, mouth, pharynx or throat, respiratory tract or trachea, urinary tract, or vagina. Also used to suppress the gag reflex and/or other laryngeal and esophageal reflexes to facilitate dental examination or procedures (including oral surgery), endoscopy, or intubation. Also used for relief of canker sores, cold sores or fever blister.

Pharmacology

Dyclonine is an oral anasthetic. If substantial quantities of local anesthetics are absorbed through the mucosa, actions on the central nervous system (CNS) may cause CNS stimulation and/or CNS depression. Actions on the cardiovascular system may cause depression of cardiac conduction and excitability and, with some of these agents, peripheral vasodilation.

Toxicity

Symptoms of overdose include cardiovascular system depression, CNS toxicity, and methemoglobinemia.

Affected Organisms

Absorption

Readily absorbed through mucous membranes into the systemic circulation. The rate of absorption is influenced by the vascularity or rate of blood flow at the site of application, the total dosage (concentration and volume) administered, and the duration of exposure. Absorption from mucous membranes of the throat or respiratory tract may be especially rapid.

Half Life

Approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

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