Study shows some OTC throat lozenges found highly effective against the COVID-19 virus

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Lozenges containing both Benzydamine Hydrochloride (BH) and Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) found efficacious in COVID-caused sore throat

Steyer Study discussion with preventive health education and health reform advocate, Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leachon during the Virtual Media Roundtable

on Wednesday, March 16

Some OTC throat lozenges may be effective against COVID-19

We know your over-the-counter throat lozenge can relieve a sore throat and can help manage a pesky cold or cough. But can they take the wind out of the sails of the dreaded Covid-19 virus?

The question got a fresh look recently after researchers at Microbiology and Immunology Institute of the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, found that throat lozenges containing a combination of Benzydamine Hydrochloride (BH) and Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) may have a virucidal effect against Covid-19 and help reduce the risk of viral transmission.

Virus-killing Action against SARS-CoV-2

The preliminary findings, based on testing in a defined and controlled laboratory environment designed to mimic the conditions of the oral cavity, found that all three test settings showed strong virucidal (virus killing) activity against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19 infection.

In fact, the throat lozenge test products in a high concentration were the fastest at destroying the virus, reducing the viral concentration by 99.99% in as fast as 1 (one) minute. This also suggests the possibility of reducing the amount of virus in the oral cavity as well as reducing the risk of viral transmission.

Encouraging step in fight against Covid-19

While it’s important to note that the study is yet to be peer-reviewed, with economic activities opening up and the country on Alert Level 1, these results are extremely encouraging and a positive step in finding ways to manage the spread of COVID-19; especially through a simple and effective method such as using widely available medicated sore throat lozenges.

Getting Vaccinated with Booster shot, and the observance of standard health protocols such as proper handwashing, physical distancing and mask-wearing are the current mainstays for the reduction of virus spread. However, Benzydamine HCl and Cetylpyridinium Cl containing throat lozenges could prove to be another valuable tool.

*The results of this study were first published by Andrej Steyer, Misa Marusic, Marko Kolenc, Tina Triglav from the Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, in the article “A throat lozenge with fixed combination of cetylpyridinium chloride and benzydamine hydrochloride has direct virucidal effect on SARS-CoV-2”, COVID, 2021;1(2):435-446 (Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/Covid1020037) which has since been republished with permission in the Romanian Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice (Sarafoleanu C et al, 2021).

A deep dive on Thrombosis: When does it become a cause for concern?

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If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it is that we should never take our health for granted. From chronic diseases to other potential underlying health conditions, taking care of ourselves in a holistic manner goes a long way to maintaining our overall health and wellbeing.

To raise awareness on health and medical concerns that may arise amid the quarantine, Sanofi Philippines partnered with The Asian Parent to launch FamHealthy, a webinar series that aims to educate Filipino families when it comes to health matters.

In observance of World Thrombosis Day, FamHealthy hosted a special episode featuring the Philippine Society of Vascular Medicine to tackle ​blood clots or thromboses​, ​a health condition that may go undetected and one that can lead to complications or as a symptom of another disease or ailment.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1249597578724191

 

What is Thrombosis?

According to Famhealthy host, Dr. Geraldine Zamora, Thrombosis is often characterized by the formation of clots inside one’s blood vessels. It may go undetected and lead to complications that can contribute to life-threatening medical conditions such as a heart attack or stroke.

Moreover, blood clots have also been observed among COVID-19 patients, and causing severe complications for persons with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

FamHealthy guest speaker, Dr. Paolo Nocom of the Philippine Heart Center and a fellow of the Philippine Society of Vascular Medicine, touched on the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis, which is commonly observed as swelling or dark discolorations in the thighs and lower legs. He warns that if left untreated, the clotting may spread to the lungs in what is known as pulmonary embolism.

“Developing both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is a sign of a severe form of blood clotting known as venous thromboembolism (or VTE),” Nocom adds.

 

What are the signs and symptoms?

Thrombosis or blood clotting may affect different parts of the body, however it is advised that you seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms:

●       Redness or swelling in the foot, ankle, or leg.

●       Pain or tenderness around the calf area.

●       Shortness of breath or rapid breathing.

●       Chest pains or Rapid heart rate.

●       Light-headedness.

●       Coughing up blood.

 

How do we prevent or manage it?

●       Get moving. Life under quarantine may be conducive to a sedentary lifestyle but this inactivity may lead to blood clots forming. That’s why you should always get moving or simply avoid sitting down for long periods of time.

●       Stay hydrated. Dehydration may cause your blood to thicken and form clots. To help prevent this, always keep yourself hydrated.

●       Consider investing in compression stockings. As Dr. Nocom explains, compression stockings help to improve circulation and prevent blood clots from forming. Ensure that you have the appropriate size for your leg.