troches

Troches are solid dosage forms used to deliver medicaments by slow dissolution in the mouth. They are a type of lozenge designed to release active ingredients as the base dissolves in saliva, often providing local effects in the oral cavity or throat.

Composition and manufacturing methods vary, but medicated troches typically use a water-soluble carbohydrate base such as sucrose or glucose, sometimes with glycerin, flavorings, and colorings. Active pharmaceutical ingredients may include analgesics, antiseptics, anesthetics, antifungals, or decongestants. Troches can be produced by molding a sweetened syrup into shapes, by melting and pouring into molds, or by compressing a sugar-free formulation that uses polyols like xylitol. The size and hardness influence how long the troche remains in contact with the mucosa.

Uses and pharmacology: Troches primarily provide local relief in the mouth or throat, though some buccal or sublingual absorption can occur with certain drugs. They may soothe irritation, treat infections, or deliver vitamins. Dissolution typically lasts several minutes, with onset influenced by the drug’s properties and saliva production. They should be dissolved rather than swallowed whole to maximize contact time and minimize choking risk, particularly for children.

Relation to other dosage forms: Troches are distinct from soft pastilles or hard candies, though terminology varies by region. In regulatory contexts, troches may be categorized as medicated lozenges, with specific requirements for quality and labeling.

Examples: Medicated troches include benzocaine-containing throat troches for pain relief, clotrimazole troches for oral candidiasis (such as Mycelex Troche), and vitamin B12 troches marketed as dietary supplements. Sugar-free versions use polyol bases to reduce caries risk and accommodate sugar restrictions.