The Experts below are selected from a list of 162 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Adrian Shephard - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Virucidal action of sore Throat Lozenges against respiratory viruses parainfluenza type 3 and cytomegalovirus
Antiviral research, 2015Co-Authors: Adrian Shephard, Stela ZybeshariAbstract:Most respiratory tract infections are self-limiting and caused by viruses, and do not warrant antibiotic treatment. Despite this, patients with respiratory tract infections often receive antibiotics, fuelling the rise of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, there is a need to encourage patients to try alternative non-antibiotic therapies, which ideally treat the symptoms and the cause. Lozenges containing amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol (AMC/DCBA Lozenges) as well as Lozenges containing hexylresorcinol have been shown to provide effective symptomatic relief for sore Throat. In this study, we investigated whether these Lozenges also have virucidal effects in vitro against two viruses associated with respiratory tract infections, parainfluenza virus type 3 and cytomegalovirus. Both viruses were incubated with AMC/DCBA lozenge, placebo lozenge or the active ingredients (AMC/DCBA) as free substances, and parainfluenza virus type 3 was incubated with hexylresorcinol lozenge, placebo lozenge or hexylresorcinol as a free substance. Virucidal effects were observed with the active Lozenges and the active ingredients as free substances against both parainfluenza virus type 3 and cytomegalovirus. Mean reductions in viral titre were significantly greater compared with placebo lozenge and peak effects were observed for the shortest incubation time, 1min. These findings suggest that AMC/DCBA lozenge and hexylresorcinol lozenge have the potential to have local antiviral effects in patients with sore Throat due to viral respiratory tract infections. Use of such over-the-counter treatments for self-limiting respiratory tract infections may satisfy patients' desire for an anti-infective medication and reduce the demand for antibiotics.
-
Open-Label Taste-Testing Study to Evaluate the Acceptability of Both Strawberry-Flavored and Orange-Flavored Amylmetacresol/2,4-Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol Throat Lozenges in Healthy Children
Drugs in R&D, 2013Co-Authors: Alex Thompson, Sandie Reader, Emma Field, Adrian ShephardAbstract:BackgroundAcute sore Throat (pharyngitis) is one of the most common illnesses for which children are seen by primary care physicians. Most cases are caused by viruses and are benign and self-limiting. Clinically proven, over-the-counter Throat Lozenges provide rapid and effective relief of acute sore Throat symptoms, and are increasingly important in self-management of this condition.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study (International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN34958871) was to evaluate the acceptability of two licensed, commercially available sore Throat Lozenges containing amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl (AMC/DCBA)—one strawberry flavored and the other orange flavored—in healthy children.Study designThis was an open-label, single-dose, crossover, taste-testing study in children recruited via a clinical database and advertisements over a 3.5-week period.SettingPotentially eligible participants were invited to attend the taste-testing session at a clinic.ParticipantsAt the screening session, which took place either before or on the day of taste testing, details of relevant medical history, medication, and demographics were recorded. Of the 108 screened subjects, 102 were recruited. These were healthy male and female children aged 6–12 years.InterventionEach child cleansed their palate with water and water biscuits before tasting a strawberry-flavored lozenge (Strepsils^® strawberry sugar free, Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Limited, Nottingham, UK; PL 00063/0395), which was sucked for 1 minute and then expelled. The orange-flavored lozenge (Strepsils^® orange with vitamin C, Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Limited, Nottingham, UK; PL 016242152) was tasted at least 15 minutes later following further cleansing of the palate. The spontaneous reaction of the child on tasting each lozenge was observed and recorded. Subjects were asked to indicate their liking for each lozenge, using a 7-point hedonic facial scale, and were required to answer a series of questions relating to what they liked and disliked about the taste and the feel of the lozenge in the mouth and Throat. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with a hedonic facial score of >4. Secondary endpoints included the spontaneous reaction of the child on tasting the lozenge and responses to questions related to taste.ResultsThe taste of the lozenge was scored >4 (i.e. ‘good’, ‘really good’, or ‘super good’) by 85.3 % of subjects for the strawberry flavor and 49.0 % for the orange flavor ( p
-
Open-Label Taste-Testing Study to Evaluate the Acceptability of Both Strawberry-Flavored and Orange-Flavored Amylmetacresol/2,4-Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol Throat Lozenges in Healthy Children
Drugs in R&D, 2013Co-Authors: Alex Thompson, Sandie Reader, Emma Field, Adrian ShephardAbstract:Background Acute sore Throat (pharyngitis) is one of the most common illnesses for which children are seen by primary care physicians. Most cases are caused by viruses and are benign and self-limiting. Clinically proven, over-the-counter Throat Lozenges provide rapid and effective relief of acute sore Throat symptoms, and are increasingly important in self-management of this condition.
-
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE Open-Label Taste-Testing Study to Evaluate the Acceptability of Both Strawberry-Flavored and Orange-Flavored Amylmetacresol/2,4-Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol Throat Lozenges in Healthy Children
2013Co-Authors: Alex Thompson S, Ie Reader Emma Field, Adrian ShephardAbstract:The Author(s) 2013. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com Background Acute sore Throat (pharyngitis) is one of the most common illnesses for which children are seen by primary care physicians. Most cases are caused by viruses and are benign and self-limiting. Clinically proven, over-the-counter Throat Lozenges provide rapid and effective relief of acute sore Throat symptoms, and are increasingly important in self-management of this condition. Objective The purpose of this study (International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN34958871) was to evaluate the acceptability of two licensed, commercially available sore Throat Lozenges containing amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl (AMC/ DCBA)—one strawberry flavored and the other orang
-
Rapid relief of acute sore Throat with AMC/DCBA Throat Lozenges: randomised controlled trial
International journal of clinical practice, 2009Co-Authors: D. Mcnally, Adrian Shephard, M. Simpson, C. Morris, Michael A GoulderAbstract:As antibiotics are generally not recommended for the treatment of acute sore Throat, the availability of clinically efficacious, over-the-counter (OTC) treatment alternatives is becoming increasingly important. This study was designed to determine the analgesic properties of amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol (AMC/DCBA) Throat Lozenges (Strepsils) in the relief of acute sore Throat caused by upper respiratory tract infections. Patients (n = 310) were randomly assigned to receive AMC/DCBA Throat Lozenges (n = 155) or non-medicated placebo Lozenges (n = 155). After baseline assessments, patients completed three rating assessments at 10 timepoints from 5 to 20 min after first dose. Subsequent Lozenges were taken as required, and assessments were made at the end of Day 1, 24 h after first dose, and at the end of Days 2 and 3. Analgesic properties were assessed by comparing severity of Throat soreness and sore Throat relief ratings. Difficulty in swallowing and functional impairment scores were also assessed. Amylmetacresol/DCBA Throat Lozenges reduced Throat soreness at 5 min after first dose, which persisted for 2 h and was significantly different vs. non-medicated Lozenges at all assessment timepoints for the duration of the 3-day study. Similar significant effects were observed with sore Throat relief, easing of difficulty with swallowing and functional impairment scores. There were no differences in adverse events reported between treatment groups. Amylmetacresol/DCBA Throat Lozenges provide rapid analgesic effects that last for 2 h, providing ongoing relief long after the lozenge has dissolved. The superior analgesic effects and improvements in functional impairment scores observed with AMC/DCBA Throat Lozenges translate into pain relief benefits that are clinically meaningful and are thus a suitable OTC treatment option for patients in the self-management of acute sore Throat.
George A. Eby - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Zinc Lozenges as cure for the common cold – A review and hypothesis
Medical hypotheses, 2009Co-Authors: George A. EbyAbstract:A 7-day reduction in duration of common colds was shown by Eby et al. in 1984 using 23mg zinc gluconate Throat Lozenges. Over the following 25years, 14 double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials produced widely differing results with about one-half showing success and the remainder showing failure. Positively charged, ionic zinc (iZn), but not bound zinc, is strongly astringent, antirhinoviral, increases interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) 10-fold, inhibits intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and inhibits the release of vasoactive ingredients from mast cell granules. Solution equilibrium chemistry analytical techniques showed lozenge iZn fraction varying from 0% to 100% of total lozenge zinc between trials, with zinc acetate (ZA) releasing 100% iZn, zinc gluconate (ZG) releasing 72% iZn and other zinc compounds releasing much less or none at physiologic pH 7.4. Since only iZn has in vitro benefits, iZn variations are hypothesized to have produced the widely varying clinical results. In support of the iZn hypothesis, lozenge iZn and total daily iZn in trials were found highly correlated with reductions in common cold durations with statistical significance for mean duration (P
-
Rescue treatment and prevention of asthma using magnesium Throat Lozenges: Hypothesis for a mouth-lung biologically closed electric circuit.
Medical hypotheses, 2006Co-Authors: George A. EbyAbstract:Summary In the rescue treatment of acute asthma, injected and inhalant magnesium are relatively weak having demonstrated value only in severe illness, although theoretical and laboratory considerations suggest that magnesium should be strongly effective as an asthma rescue agent. It was hypothesized that a mouth–lung biologically closed electric circuit (BCEC) exists capable of nearly instantly transporting positively charged magnesium ions from the mouth and Throat into the lungs. One hundred milligram magnesium (magnesium chloride) 4-g Throat Lozenges producing 100+ mM magnesium ion concentration in saliva were tested to determine if they had beneficial effects in asthma rescue and prevention. Subjects were selected based solely on need for asthma rescue, and Lozenges were used as needed. Case histories are presented showing the nearly immediate effect of magnesium chloride Throat Lozenges in terminating and preventing asthma attacks. Throat Lozenges containing magnesium chloride produced much more rapid and stronger benefits than has been reported for inhaled and injected magnesium. An added benefit from magnesium chloride lozenge treatment of asthma was relaxation. In this first report of its kind, magnesium chloride Throat Lozenges appeared to provide rescue benefits in the treatment of asthma equivalent to pharmaceutical asthma drugs. Countering these benefits, strong ionic magnesium solutions greatly increase rhinovirus, herpesvirus and Candida albicans in vitro, and appear to worsen these infections in humans. Magnesium Lozenges releasing concentrated magnesium ions appear contraindicated during common colds, oral herpes infections, chronic rhinosinusitis, oral and respiratory infections in general, and their use must immediately be terminated if respiratory or oral symptoms worsen. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trials in people without respiratory or oral infections are needed to determine magnesium lozenge safety, and the extent by which drug treatment of asthma can be reduced.
-
Zinc Lozenges: Cold Cure or Candy? Solution Chemistry Determinations
Bioscience reports, 2004Co-Authors: George A. EbyAbstract:Common colds were shortened by 7 days in a 1984 clinical trial using zinc gluconate Throat Lozenges each 2 h. Between then and 2004, 10 other double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials showed widely varying results. This re-analysis of these trials presents solution chemistry methods to elucidate differences in efficacy. Statistically significant correlation was shown between total daily dosages of positively charged zinc species and reductions in median (p = 0.005) and mean duration (p < 0.02) of common colds in these trials.
-
Zinc Lozenges: Cold Cure or Candy? Solution Chemistry Determinations
2004Co-Authors: George A. EbyAbstract:Common colds were shortened by 7 days in a 1984 clinical trial using zinc gluconate Throat Lozenges each 2 h. Between then and 2004, 10 other double-blind, placebo-con-trolled clinical trials showed widely varying results. This re-analysis of these trials presents solution chemistry methods to elucidate differences in efficacy. Statistically significant correlation was shown between total daily dosages of positively charged zinc species and reductions in median (p 0.005) and mean duration (p < 0.02) of common colds in these trials. KEY WORDS: Zinc; zinc gluconate; zinc acetate; zinc Lozenges; common cold; rhinovirus. ABBREVIATIONS: biologically closed electric circuits (BCEC); intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1); positively charged zinc species at pH 7.4 (iZn); zinc acetate (ZA); zinc gluconate (ZG); zinc gluconate-glycine (ZGG); zinc gluconate-citrate (ZG-C)
Alex Thompson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Open-Label Taste-Testing Study to Evaluate the Acceptability of Both Strawberry-Flavored and Orange-Flavored Amylmetacresol/2,4-Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol Throat Lozenges in Healthy Children
Drugs in R&D, 2013Co-Authors: Alex Thompson, Sandie Reader, Emma Field, Adrian ShephardAbstract:BackgroundAcute sore Throat (pharyngitis) is one of the most common illnesses for which children are seen by primary care physicians. Most cases are caused by viruses and are benign and self-limiting. Clinically proven, over-the-counter Throat Lozenges provide rapid and effective relief of acute sore Throat symptoms, and are increasingly important in self-management of this condition.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study (International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN34958871) was to evaluate the acceptability of two licensed, commercially available sore Throat Lozenges containing amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl (AMC/DCBA)—one strawberry flavored and the other orange flavored—in healthy children.Study designThis was an open-label, single-dose, crossover, taste-testing study in children recruited via a clinical database and advertisements over a 3.5-week period.SettingPotentially eligible participants were invited to attend the taste-testing session at a clinic.ParticipantsAt the screening session, which took place either before or on the day of taste testing, details of relevant medical history, medication, and demographics were recorded. Of the 108 screened subjects, 102 were recruited. These were healthy male and female children aged 6–12 years.InterventionEach child cleansed their palate with water and water biscuits before tasting a strawberry-flavored lozenge (Strepsils^® strawberry sugar free, Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Limited, Nottingham, UK; PL 00063/0395), which was sucked for 1 minute and then expelled. The orange-flavored lozenge (Strepsils^® orange with vitamin C, Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Limited, Nottingham, UK; PL 016242152) was tasted at least 15 minutes later following further cleansing of the palate. The spontaneous reaction of the child on tasting each lozenge was observed and recorded. Subjects were asked to indicate their liking for each lozenge, using a 7-point hedonic facial scale, and were required to answer a series of questions relating to what they liked and disliked about the taste and the feel of the lozenge in the mouth and Throat. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with a hedonic facial score of >4. Secondary endpoints included the spontaneous reaction of the child on tasting the lozenge and responses to questions related to taste.ResultsThe taste of the lozenge was scored >4 (i.e. ‘good’, ‘really good’, or ‘super good’) by 85.3 % of subjects for the strawberry flavor and 49.0 % for the orange flavor ( p
-
Open-Label Taste-Testing Study to Evaluate the Acceptability of Both Strawberry-Flavored and Orange-Flavored Amylmetacresol/2,4-Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol Throat Lozenges in Healthy Children
Drugs in R&D, 2013Co-Authors: Alex Thompson, Sandie Reader, Emma Field, Adrian ShephardAbstract:Background Acute sore Throat (pharyngitis) is one of the most common illnesses for which children are seen by primary care physicians. Most cases are caused by viruses and are benign and self-limiting. Clinically proven, over-the-counter Throat Lozenges provide rapid and effective relief of acute sore Throat symptoms, and are increasingly important in self-management of this condition.
Michael J Thomas - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
amylmetacresol and 2 4 dichlorobenzyl alcohol Lozenges were better than placebo Lozenges for relief of acute sore Throat
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2010Co-Authors: Michael J ThomasAbstract:Source Citation McNally D, Simpson M, Morris C, Shephard A, Goulder M. Rapid relief of acute sore Throat with AMC/DCBA Throat Lozenges: randomised controlled trial. Int J Clin Pract. 2010;64:194-20...
Sandie Reader - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Open-Label Taste-Testing Study to Evaluate the Acceptability of Both Strawberry-Flavored and Orange-Flavored Amylmetacresol/2,4-Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol Throat Lozenges in Healthy Children
Drugs in R&D, 2013Co-Authors: Alex Thompson, Sandie Reader, Emma Field, Adrian ShephardAbstract:BackgroundAcute sore Throat (pharyngitis) is one of the most common illnesses for which children are seen by primary care physicians. Most cases are caused by viruses and are benign and self-limiting. Clinically proven, over-the-counter Throat Lozenges provide rapid and effective relief of acute sore Throat symptoms, and are increasingly important in self-management of this condition.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study (International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN34958871) was to evaluate the acceptability of two licensed, commercially available sore Throat Lozenges containing amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl (AMC/DCBA)—one strawberry flavored and the other orange flavored—in healthy children.Study designThis was an open-label, single-dose, crossover, taste-testing study in children recruited via a clinical database and advertisements over a 3.5-week period.SettingPotentially eligible participants were invited to attend the taste-testing session at a clinic.ParticipantsAt the screening session, which took place either before or on the day of taste testing, details of relevant medical history, medication, and demographics were recorded. Of the 108 screened subjects, 102 were recruited. These were healthy male and female children aged 6–12 years.InterventionEach child cleansed their palate with water and water biscuits before tasting a strawberry-flavored lozenge (Strepsils^® strawberry sugar free, Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Limited, Nottingham, UK; PL 00063/0395), which was sucked for 1 minute and then expelled. The orange-flavored lozenge (Strepsils^® orange with vitamin C, Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Limited, Nottingham, UK; PL 016242152) was tasted at least 15 minutes later following further cleansing of the palate. The spontaneous reaction of the child on tasting each lozenge was observed and recorded. Subjects were asked to indicate their liking for each lozenge, using a 7-point hedonic facial scale, and were required to answer a series of questions relating to what they liked and disliked about the taste and the feel of the lozenge in the mouth and Throat. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with a hedonic facial score of >4. Secondary endpoints included the spontaneous reaction of the child on tasting the lozenge and responses to questions related to taste.ResultsThe taste of the lozenge was scored >4 (i.e. ‘good’, ‘really good’, or ‘super good’) by 85.3 % of subjects for the strawberry flavor and 49.0 % for the orange flavor ( p
-
Open-Label Taste-Testing Study to Evaluate the Acceptability of Both Strawberry-Flavored and Orange-Flavored Amylmetacresol/2,4-Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol Throat Lozenges in Healthy Children
Drugs in R&D, 2013Co-Authors: Alex Thompson, Sandie Reader, Emma Field, Adrian ShephardAbstract:Background Acute sore Throat (pharyngitis) is one of the most common illnesses for which children are seen by primary care physicians. Most cases are caused by viruses and are benign and self-limiting. Clinically proven, over-the-counter Throat Lozenges provide rapid and effective relief of acute sore Throat symptoms, and are increasingly important in self-management of this condition.