Description:

Decatylen lozenges (often listed as Decatylen Lozenges by Acino) are antiseptic and analgesic sucking tablets/lozenges used for the local treatment of acute inflammatory conditions of the mouth and throat. They are indicated for sore throat, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, gingivitis, ulcerative/apthous stomatitis, laryngitis, hoarseness, catarrh, and minor mouth/throat infections. The lozenges kill bacteria, fungi, and some viruses while providing local pain relief. They are generally well-tolerated, do not irritate the oral mucosa, do not cause dental caries, and are suitable for diabetic patients. In Ghana (Accra), Decatylen is a common OTC throat lozenge available in pharmacies for symptomatic relief of throat pain and mouth inflammation.

Prescription: Over-the-counter (OTC) in most markets, including Ghana. No prescription required for short-term use; freely available in pharmacies and retail outlets. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist beyond 7 days, worsen, include high fever, severe pain, or difficulty swallowing (may indicate serious infection).

Therapeutic Category:

Local Antiseptic + Local Anaesthetic / Throat Lozenges (Antimicrobial + Analgesic combination for oral/throat use or similar for throat preparations).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each lozenge contains:

• Dequalinium chloride – 0.25 mg (broad-spectrum antiseptic – effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses)
• Cinchocaine hydrochloride (also called Dibucaine or Dibucaine HCl) – 0.03 mg or 0.25 mg (local anaesthetic – provides pain relief in the mouth and throat) Other ingredients: Sorbitol (E420 – sweetener), talc, magnesium stearate, colloidal anhydrous silica, peppermint oil, peppermint flavor, and other excipients. Lozenges are mint-flavored and sugar-free (suitable for diabetics).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Decatylen lozenges (standard 0.25 mg dequalinium chloride + 0.03 mg cinchocaine hydrochloride per lozenge). Common pack sizes: 20 lozenges (most frequent), 10 lozenges (strip), or larger packs (e.g., 100 lozenges in some markets). No major strength variants; the standard formulation is the primary one.

Consume Type:

Oral – Sucking lozenge (allow to dissolve slowly in the mouth; do not chew or swallow whole).

Directions/Usage: Adults and children from 12 years:

• Suck 1 lozenge every 2 hours during acute inflammation.
• After improvement: 1 lozenge every 4 hours.
• Maximum: Do not exceed recommended frequency (usually 8–10 lozenges/day initially).
• Children from 4 years (if prescribed): 1 lozenge every 3 hours (consult doctor).
• Let the lozenge dissolve slowly in the mouth (do not chew or swallow).
• Duration: Use for up to 7 days; consult a doctor if no improvement or symptoms worsen.

Common Side Effects: Common (mild/local):

• Mild transient burning or stinging in the mouth/throat on dissolution.
• Dry mouth.
• Temporary taste alteration. Rare: Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling), or gastrointestinal upset (if swallowed in large amounts). Generally well-tolerated with no irritation to oral mucosa.

Package Type:

Blister packs or strip packs (commonly 10 or 20 lozenges per pack; foil blisters in carton or simple box with patient information leaflet, dosage instructions, and warnings).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from light and moisture. Keep tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For oral use only; do not chew or swallow whole (allow to dissolve slowly).
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to dequalinium chloride, cinchocaine hydrochloride, or any ingredient, or to quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g., benzalkonium chloride).
• Caution in children under 4 years (not recommended), pregnancy/breastfeeding (limited data; consult doctor), or severe oral/throat conditions.
• Do not use longer than 7 days without medical advice (risk of masking serious infection).
• If high fever, severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or no improvement after 7 days occurs, stop use and seek medical care.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk – can cause local irritation or systemic effects if swallowed excessively).

Product Substitutes: Similar antiseptic + anesthetic throat lozenges in Ghana include:

• Dequalinium chloride + cinchocaine lozenges (generic or other brands like Dequadin, Decatylen – same active ingredients)
• Strepsils (dichlorobenzyl alcohol + amylmetacresol)
• Dorithricin (tyrothricin + benzalkonium chloride + benzocaine)
• Septolete or Tantum Verde lozenges
• Alternatives: Chlorhexidine lozenges, benzocaine lozenges, or honey/lemon-based soothing lozenges for mild symptoms. Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Acino Pharma AG (Switzerland; produces Decatylen/Decatylen lozenges under the Acino brand). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported product).

Country of Origin:

Switzerland (manufactured by Acino Pharma AG; imported to Ghana and available in local pharmacies).