Sore Throat Lozenges: Strepsils Honey & Lemon vs Other Options

Strepsils Honey & Lemon is an antiseptic sore throat lozenge. Each lozenge contains amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, and you dissolve one slowly in your mouth every 2 to 3 hours as needed, up to 12 in 24 hours. It suits an everyday sore or scratchy throat. If the pain is stronger, a lozenge with a local anaesthetic or an anti-inflammatory may fit better, and the right choice depends on your age, other medicines and health.

This guide from Pharmazon Direct compares the main types of sore throat lozenge, explains what is in Strepsils Honey & Lemon 16 Lozenges, and sets out when a sore throat needs a pharmacist or GP rather than a lozenge. Always read the label and patient information leaflet before you use any medicine.

Why sore throats are more common in winter

Colder weather brings more colds and other winter infections, and central heating dries the air you breathe, which can leave the throat feeling raw. Most sore throats are caused by viruses, so they usually settle without treatment in about a week. Antibiotics do not help a viral sore throat.

Lozenges do not cure the cause. They ease discomfort while the throat recovers, and sucking one encourages saliva, which helps keep the throat moist. For a wider seasonal checklist, read our Cold, Cough & Flu Essentials guide.

Common causes of a sore throat

Colds and flu are the most common causes, followed by dry indoor air, smoke and other irritants, allergies that cause post-nasal drip, and straining the voice. Less often, a bacterial infection such as strep throat is the cause, and that needs assessment by a GP. Knowing the likely cause helps you choose between a simple soothing lozenge and a stronger product or decide to seek advice.

What is in Strepsils Honey & Lemon?

Active ingredients

Each Strepsils Honey & Lemon lozenge contains 0.6 mg of amylmetacresol and 1.2 mg of 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol. Both are mild antiseptics used for relief of mouth and throat irritation. The honey and lemon flavour makes the lozenge pleasant to suck and soothing to the throat.

The lozenges also contain sugars (sucrose and glucose), honey and a yellow colouring, quinoline yellow (E104). If you are intolerant to certain sugars, or you have been advised to limit sugar, check the label or ask our pharmacist before using them.

How to take it

Dissolve one lozenge slowly in your mouth every 2 to 3 hours as needed. Do not take more than 12 lozenges in 24 hours and let each one dissolve rather than chewing it. Strepsils Honey & Lemon is intended for adults and children aged 6 and over, so check the age limit on your pack. Lozenges can be a choking risk for young children.

Who should check first

Do not use it if you are allergic to any ingredient. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you take other medicines, ask a pharmacist before use. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if symptoms continue.

Antiseptic, anaesthetic or anti-inflammatory: what is the difference?

A local anaesthetic lozenge adds an ingredient such as lidocaine, which numbs the throat surface for a short time. An anti-inflammatory lozenge, such as one containing flurbiprofen, belongs to the NSAID group of medicines and reduces pain and inflammation. These stronger types have tighter age limits and more safety checks, so read the leaflet carefully.

Sore throat lozenges compared

The table compares the main groups side by side, using the Strepsils range as the example for each active ingredient.

Ranges and stock change. The Cough, Cold & Sore Throat collection shows what is currently available at Pharmazon Direct.

In short, Strepsils Honey & Lemon is the simplest option, Strepsils Plus adds a numbing ingredient, and Strepsils Intensive is a pain-relief medicine in lozenge form. Plus, and Intensive contain extra active ingredients, so treat them as step-up choices rather than products to combine with Honey & Lemon. Using more than one lozenge at a time can push you past the daily limit on one or both labels. If you are not sure which suits you, our pharmacist can help.

Choosing for common situations

•     Sore throat with a cold: an antiseptic lozenge eases irritation while you rest and drink plenty of fluids.

•     Dry throat after a night with the heating on menthol sweets or an antiseptic lozenge can bring comfort, and a glass of water by the bed helps.

•     Voice strain after a lot of talking: rest your voice and use a soothing lozenge. See a GP if hoarseness lasts more than three weeks.

•     Throat pain with a fever, swollen glands or white patches: speak to a pharmacist or GP rather than relying on lozenges.

How to choose

•     Mild, scratchy throat or the first signs of a cold: an antiseptic lozenge such as Strepsils Honey & Lemon is a sensible starting point.

•     Pain that is worse when swallowing: ask our pharmacist whether a lozenge with a local anaesthetic or an anti-inflammatory is suitable for you.

•     Dry, tickly throat or a wish for comfort: menthol sweets are a lower-strength option.

•     Buying for a child: check the age limit on the pack and do not give lozenges to young children.

Strepsils Honey & Lemon: strengths and limits

Strengths

•     A familiar, widely used lozenge with a pleasant honey and lemon flavour.

•     Two antiseptic ingredients in each lozenge.

•     A 16-pack suits a typical short sore throat.

•     Available at Pharmazon Direct for £3.68 per 16-lozenge pack.

Limits

•     It does not contain a painkiller or a numbing ingredient, so it may not be enough for severe pain.

•     It contains sugars, so check the label if you manage your sugar intake.

•     It is not intended for children under 6.

•     It eases symptoms. It does not treat the cause of the sore throat.

Getting more from your lozenge

•     Let each lozenge dissolve fully and avoid chewing it.

•     Use one lozenge at a time rather than combining different lozenge types.

•     Drink plenty of fluids. A warm drink with honey and lemon can feel soothing, but do not give honey to children under 12 months.

•     Avoid smoking and smoky places while your throat recovers.

•     Check the label of every cold and flu product you take, because many contain paracetamol or ibuprofen.

When to see a pharmacist or GP

Ask a pharmacist for advice if your sore throat is very painful, keeps coming back, or you are unsure which product is safe for you. See a GP if:

•     The sore throat lasts longer than a week.

•     You have a high temperature or feel very unwell.

•     You have a weakened immune system or a long-term health condition.

Get urgent medical help if you have difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or you cannot swallow your saliva.

Buying sore throat lozenges online at Pharmazon Direct

Pharmazon Direct is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy and a trading name of Pharmazon Ltd, with a named superintendent pharmacist. You can buy Strepsils Honey & Lemon online with free UK delivery on orders over £25. New customers get 20% off a first order with code FIRSTORDER on orders over £30.

Ready to stock your winter cupboard?

Order Strepsils Honey & Lemon and the wider cough, cold and sore throat range from Pharmazon Direct, with free UK delivery over £25.

This article is for general information and does not replace advice from a pharmacist or doctor. Always read the label and patient information leaflet.