Two years into the pandemic, various researchers are starting to find many possible treatments for the dreaded Covid-19. A study conducted at the Microbiology and Immunology Institute of the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia* has found that throat lozenges containing mixed Benzydamine Hydrochloride (BH) and Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) may have a virus-killing effect—possibly killing Covid-19 and helping lower the risk of viral transmission.
The tests were conducted in a defined and controlled laboratory environment, mimicking the actual conditions of the human oral cavity. It is yet to be tested in humans and yet to be peer-reviewed for regulatory approvals. However, the initial lab findings are encouraging and could be a new positive step in finding ways to manage the further spread of Covid-19.
In a recent media briefing, health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon said such lozenges were initially found to lower the concentration of Covid-19 virus by up to 10,000 times.
Dr. Tony Leachon
“The combination works by disrupting the protective envelope of the virus. If you disrupt that part, you will be able to reduce the amount of virus in the oral cavity and of course, reduce the risk of viral transmission,” Dr. Leachon explained.
The controversial health advocate also emphasized the importance of minimizing the risk of viral transmission. “It is important in preventing another surge in infections especially as the country begins to ease its restrictions,” he said.
Local health authorities are currently monitoring a new recombinant variant of the Covid-19 virus that has already been reported to have affected some individuals in a few countries. The Deltacron variant (a combination of the Delta and Omicron variants) could be a cause of alarm as it could be highly transmissible like the Omicron and could bring about respiratory problems like the Delta variant could, Dr. Leachon warned.
Throat lozenges containing Benzydamine HCl and Cetylpyridinium Cl are available in the country now.
Dr. Leachon also reminded that getting vaccinated with the booster shot and continuously observing standard health protocols like proper handwashing, physical distancing, and wearing a mask is a must. And throat lozenges containing Benzydamine HCl and Cetylpyridinium Cl could be an effective measure in fighting the virus.
When asked if taking such lozenges could increase blood sugar levels and cause obesity, Dr. Leachon said there could be other factors that could more likely lead to such health problems. “You could opt for the sugar-free lozenges or also use oral mouthwash with the same ingredients alternately if you worry about continuously consuming such lozenges,” he said.
*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).
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