Vicks Medicated throat lozenges / Pastilles medicinales pour la gorge

The barcode 5000174823639 is associated with Vicks Medicated Throat Lozenges (or Pastilles médicinales pour la gorge in French), a common over-the-counter (OTC) product used to relieve sore throat symptoms. Below are key details based on available information:

Product Overview

• Brand: Vicks (a division of Procter & Gamble)
• Type: Medicated throat lozenges (pastilles)
• Active Ingredients (varies by formulation, but typically includes):
  • Dextromethorphan HBr (cough suppressant, in some formulations)
  • Menthol (soothes throat irritation)
  • Phenol (local anesthetic, numbs throat)
  • Other additives: Sugar (in traditional versions), artificial flavors, or sugar-free alternatives (e.g., sorbitol/maltitol).
  • Docusate sodium (in some versions, to help lozenge dissolve).
• Indications: Temporary relief of sore throat, minor cough, and irritation (not a cure for infections like strep throat).

Regulatory and Safety Notes

1. Health Warnings/Concerns:
   • Not for children under 2 years old (risk of respiratory depression with dextromethorphan or phenol).
   • Avoid if allergic to menthol, phenol, or other ingredients (check packaging for full allergen info).
   • Phenol toxicity risk: Ingesting large quantities (e.g., >5 lozenges) can cause nausea, vomiting, or neurological symptoms. Keep out of reach of pets/children.
   • Dextromethorphan abuse: Some formulations contain this ingredient, which can be misused for recreational purposes (e.g., "robotripping"). Follow dosage instructions strictly.
   • Sugar content: Traditional lozenges contain sucrose; sugar-free versions may use artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame), which may not suit those with phenylketonuria (PKU).
   • Drug interactions: Rare, but consult a healthcare provider if taking other medications (e.g., MAO inhibitors, sedatives).