Sore throats: Refresh your product knowledge
Learning scenario
A man comes into the pharmacy with his son, aged 11. His son has been complaining of a sore throat for the last few days, which is making it difficult for him to eat. He has a football match coming up and wants to feel better so he can play. He is not taking any other medicines and has no known allergies.
What would you recommend? Please note there is more than one correct answer.
Recommend DifflamTM Sore Throat Rinse - incorrect.
This product is not suitable as he is only 11 years old.
Recommend DifflamTM Lozenges - correct.
This product will provide fast relief and is suitable from the age of 6 years.
Refer to the GP - incorrect.
Products from the DifflamTM range are suitable to provide pain relief for a sore throat that has been present for less than 1 week.
Recommend DifflamTM Throat Spray - correct.
This product will provide fast, direct relief and is suitable for adults and children.
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Job number: DIFF-2021-0052 November 2021
Difflam SprayTM (benzydamine hydrochloride) Prescribing Information
Difflam SprayTM (benzydamine hydrochloride) Prescribing Information Presentation: DifflamTM Spray contains benzydamine hydrochloride 0.15% w/v. Each metered dose pump spray delivers approximately 175ml per puff. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: glycerol, saccharin, sodium bicarbonate, ethanol, methylhydroxybenzoate, mouthwash flavour, polysorbate 20, purified water. Indications: DifflamTM Spray is a locally acting analgesic and anti-inflammatory treatment for the throat and mouth. It is used to treat various painful oropharyngeal conditions such as mouth ulcers, sore throat, sore mouth or gums, dental pain. Dosage and administration: Adults and elderly: 4 to 8 puffs, 1½ to 3 hourly. Children aged 6-12: 4 puffs, 1½ to 3 hourly. Children under 6: One puff per 4kg body weight, up to a maximum 4 puffs, 1½ to 3 hourly. Contra-indications: Patients with known hypersensitivity to ingredients. Interactions: None known. Pregnancy and lactation: DifflamTM Spray should not be used in pregnancy or lactation unless considered essential by the physician. There is no evidence of a teratogenic effect in animal studies. Undesirable effects: Serious (frequency not known): Anaphylactic reaction which can be potentially life-threatening. Hypersensitivity reactions. Uncommon: Oral tissue numbness or 'stinging' sensations in the mouth may occur which may disappear on continuing treatment. Very rare: pruritus rash, urticaria, photosensitivity reaction, laryngospasm / bronchospasm. Prescribers should consult the Summary of Product Characteristics in relation to side-effects. Special precautions for storage: Do not store above 30ºC. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep out of reach of children. Basic price (UK): 30ml bottle £4.24 Marketing Authorization number: PL 46302/0160 Legal category: P Marketing Authorisation Holder: Mylan Products Ltd, Station Close, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 1TL, United Kingdom. Date of Revision of Prescribing Information: October 2019. The SmPC for this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications, and method of use can be found at: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/Medicinesinformation/SPCandPILs/index.htm and from Mylan Medical Information, Building 4, Trident Place, Hatfield Business Park, Mosquito Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9UL, phone no. 01707 853000, Email: info@mylan.co.uk.
DifflamTM Sore Throat Rinse (benzydamine hydrochloride)
Prescribing Information Presentation: DifflamTM Sore Throat Rinse contains benzydamine hydrochloride 0.15% w/v. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: ethanol (96% v/v), glycerol, saccharin sodium, mouthwash flavour, polysorbate 20, methyl hydroxybenzoate, quinoline yellow (E104), patent blue V (E131), purified water. Presented as a gargle/oral rinse in a 200ml glass bottle. Indications: Locally acting analgesic and anti-inflammatory treatment for the relief of painful inflammatory conditions of the throat including pharyngitis. Dosage and administration: Rinse or gargle with 15ml (using measuring cup provided) every 1½-3 hours as required. Expel solution from the mouth after use. If stinging occurs the rinse may be diluted with water. Uninterrupted treatment should not exceed seven days, except under medical supervision. It is not suitable for children aged 12 years or under. Contra-indications: Patients with hypersensitivity to ingredients. Interactions: None known. Pregnancy and lactation: DifflamTM Sore Throat Rinse should not be used in pregnancy or lactation unless considered essential by the physician. There is no evidence of a teratogenic effect in animal studies. Undesirable effects: Serious (frequency not known): Anaphylactic reaction which can be potentially life-threatening. Hypersensitivity reactions. Uncommon: Oral tissue numbness or 'stinging' sensations in the mouth may occur. Very rare: pruritus rash, urticaria, photosensitivity reaction, laryngospasm/bronchospasm. Prescribers should consult the Summary of Product Characteristics in relation to side-effects. Special precautions for storage: Store between 5-30ºC. Do not freeze and do not leave uncartonned bottle in direct sunlight. Basic price (UK): 200ml bottle £4.64 Product licence number: PL 46302/0161 Legal category: P Marketing Authorisation Holder: Mylan Products Ltd, Station Close, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 1TL, United Kingdom. Date of preparation of prescribing information: Sept 2018
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