Package leaflet: Information for the user

MEROCAINE® LOZENGES

Benzocaine 10mg and Cetylpyridinium Chloride 1.4mg

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

Read all of this leaflet carefully before taking Merocaine lozenges

•    Keep this leaflet,you may wish to read it again.

•    Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.

1.    What Merocaine lozenges are and what they are used for?

2.    Before taking Merocaine lozenges

3.    How to take Merocaine lozenges

4.    Possible side effects

5.    How to store Merocaine lozenges

6.    Further information

What Merocaine Lozenges are and what they are used for?

These lozenges are for the temporary relief of pain and discomfort in sore throats and superficial mouth infections. It is also used for symptomatic relief of pain and discomfort in more serious throat infections such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis.

Before taking Merocaine Lozenges Do not take...

•    If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this product. See ‘What these lozenges contain’ for the full list of ingredients.

•    If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugar, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

•    If you are pregnant or breast feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

How to take Merocaine Lozenges Adults and children 12 years and over:

•    Allow a lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth.

•    One lozenge every 2 hours as needed.

•    Do not take more than 8 lozenges in 24 hours.

Children under 12 years:

•    Do not give to children under 12 years of age.

If you take too many lozenges

If you take more of the lozenges than you should, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible side effects

As with all medicines, these lozenges can have side effects in some people.

•    A blood condition called methaemoglobinaemia which can cause headache, breathlessness and blue-tinged skin, may occur rarely. If you suffer this serious side effect, stop taking the lozenges and call your doctor or local hospital immediately.

•    Allergic reactions have been reported.

If symptom persist or are severe, or are accompanied by fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, tell your doctor. If you feel you are reacting badly to this medicine in any way or notice any other side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this medicine

•    Keep out of reach and sight of children.

•    Do not store above 25°C.

•    Do not use this product after the expiry date shown on the pack.

•    If you find that you still have this medicine after its expiry date, return it to your local pharmacist who will dispose of it properly.

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Further Information

What Merocaine lozenges contain

Each lozenge contains 10mg of the active ingredient benzocaine and 1.4mg of the active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride.

Cetylpyridinium chloride has antibacterial properties and benzocaine acts as a local anaesthetic for the symptomatic relief of throat irritations.

They also contain lime oil, lemon oil, sucrose granular, glucose liquid 80%, quinolone yellow (E104) and indigo carmine (E132).

Each pack contains 24 lozenges.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and manufacturer: Sanofi

One Onslow Street

Guildford

Surrey

GU1 4YS

UK

Tel: 0845 372 7101

email: uk-medica1information@sanofi.com

Date of revision: October 2014 © Sanofi, 2014

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Reference: 102415 1.3.1.3 - Leaflet Text - PIL - 1.4mg, 10.0mg - 2014-10-23 - COA from RB 0.2