Hydrocortisone lozenges

About hydrocortisone lozenges

Hydrocortisone lozenges work by reducing the soreness, swelling and inflammation of mouth ulcers

Before using hydrocortisone lozenges

Before using hydrocortisone lozenges make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have any fungal, bacterial or viral infections in the mouth.
• If you are diabetic.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use hydrocortisone lozenges

1. Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before starting treatment.
2. Always follow your doctor's or dentist's instructions.
3. Put one lozenge in the mouth, near or on the ulcer(s), and let it dissolve slowly.
4. Do not suck the lozenge.
5. Hydrocortisone lozenges are usually used four times a day.
6. Stop using the lozenges as soon as the mouth ulcer has healed.
7. If your symptoms do not improve within five days or if they get worse, speak to your pharmacist, doctor or dentist.

Getting the most from your treatment

• These lozenges should not be used if there is an infection in the mouth.
• Signs of an infection are: - sores which do not heal; 'furry tongue'; inflammation, bleeding gums.
• Do not take more than your prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Can hydrocortisone lozenges cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.
Hydrocortisone lozenges can occasionally cause oral thrush, which causes a sore mouth, often with white patches on the tongue and insides of the cheeks.
If you experience this or any other worrying symptoms after using hydrocortisone lozenges, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store hydrocortisone lozenges

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Important information about all medicines