troche

A troche is a medicated dosage form, typically small, flat, and disc- or cylinder-shaped, designed to dissolve in the mouth. In practice, troches are often called lozenges, and they are intended to release the active drug locally in the oral cavity or be absorbed through the buccal or sublingual mucosa for systemic effect. They are formulated to dissolve slowly, allowing sustained contact with the mucosa, and are used when local relief of the mouth or throat is desired or when a drug is better absorbed through the mouth than the gastrointestinal tract. The term troche originates from the Greek trochos via medieval French, reflecting a long history of medicated pastes shaped into discs.

Composition and manufacture: A troche typically contains an active pharmaceutical ingredient dispersed in a sweetened base and flavorings, with binders and humectants as needed. Common bases include sugar (sucrose) with sorbitol or glycerin, sometimes gelatin in sugar-free versions. The mass is formed by molding or compression and then dried to a hard, chewable or dissolvable disc. Drug release occurs as the troche dissolves; no swallowing of a solid tablet is required. Uses include local anesthetics (for sore throat), demulcents or soothing agents, cough suppressants, antiseptics, and certain hormones or micronutrients prepared for buccal absorption. Troches should be stored in a dry environment to prevent softening or caking, and dosing must ensure uniformity between units. They provide an alternative to liquids or tablets when rapid mucosal absorption, taste masking, or convenient dosing is desired.