VA Class:DE700
ATC Class:R02AD04
Dyclonine hydrochloride is a local anesthetic.
Dyclonine hydrochloride oral lozenges are used for the temporary relief of minor sore throat pain and mouth and gum irritation. The drug also is used in fixed combination with menthol as self-medication for temporary relief of occasional minor irritation, pain, or soreness of the mouth or throat, and for cough associated with the common cold or inhaled irritants.100
Dyclonine hydrochloride also has been used as a local anesthetic agent prior to laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy, or endotracheal intubation. However, oral solutions no longer are commercially available in the US.
Dyclonine hydrochloride is administered orally as a lozenge for the temporary relief of minor sore throat pain and mouth irritation.
For the temporary relief of minor sore throat pain or mouth irritation, one dyclonine-containing lozenge is dissolved slowly in the mouth (and not chewed). One additional lozenge may be administered every 2 hours, if necessary, but no more than 10 lozenges should be administered daily. The lozenges should not be used for self-medication for longer than 2 days nor in children younger than 2 years of age unless otherwise directed by a clinician. A clinician should be consulted if the pain or irritation persists or worsens or if a rash develops.
Dyclonine may produce slight irritation or stinging. Sensitization occurs rarely. The drug has a low order of toxicity and allergic reactions are infrequent. Hypersensitivity reactions to topical anesthetics are characterized by cutaneous lesions with delayed onset, or urticaria, swelling, and edema. Skin tests are of doubtful value in detecting hypersensitivity to the drugs.
Excessive dosage or rapid absorption of dyclonine may result in systemic toxicity including adverse CNS and cardiovascular effects. Adverse CNS effects may include excitation and/or depression, nervousness, dizziness, blurred vision, or tremors followed by seizures, unconsciousness, drowsiness, and possibly respiratory arrest. Adverse cardiovascular effects may include depression of the myocardium, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiac arrest.
Precautions and Contraindications
Dyclonine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the drug. Dyclonine should be used with caution in patients with a personal or family history of allergy.
Because of the possibility of rapid systemic absorption, dyclonine should be used with extreme caution in areas with traumatized mucosa and/or when sepsis is present in the region of intended application.
Safe use of dyclonine during pregnancy has not been established. The drug should be used in pregnant women only when the potential benefits justify the possible risks to the fetus.
Topical application of a 0.5 or 1% solution of dyclonine hydrochloride (no longer commercially available in the US) to mucous membranes generally produces local anesthesia within 2-10 minutes; anesthesia persists for approximately 30 minutes.
Dyclonine hydrochloride is a local anesthetic. The drug occurs as white crystals or a white crystalline powder and may have a slight odor. Dyclonine hydrochloride is soluble in water and in alcohol.
Dyclonine hydrochloride lozenges should be protected from excessive heat (e.g., temperatures exceeding 38°C).
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral | Lozenges | 1.2 mg* | Sucrets® Children's | Insight |
2 mg | Sucrets® Regular Strength | Insight | ||
3 mg | Sucrets® Maximum Strength | Insight |
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral | Lozenges | 3 mg with Menthol 6 mg | Sucrets® Complete | Insight |
AHFS® Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2025, Selected Revisions January 1, 2008. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, MD 20814.