Role of biclotymol-based products in the treatment of infectious sore throat

Objective: In clinical practice, physicians often prescribe Antibiotics for the treatment of sore throat. However, current guidelines clarify that Antibiotics should not be used in patients with less severe presentation of this condition in order to relieve symptoms. With the aim to limit the onset of resistance and reduce the occurrence of adverse events, Other remedies can be used instead. For the past forty years, the use of biclotymol-based products has been a common practice for the treatment of sore throat. This paper reviews and critically discusses the role of biclotymol-based products as a local treatment of infectious oropharyngeal diseases.

Materials and methods: Papers for consideration for the present article were retrieved in Authors' personal collection of literature. In order to extend the number of considered papers, a PubMed search was also conducted. Papers were selected for inclusion according to their relevance for the topic, as judged by the Authors.

Results: Biclotymol is a molecule characterized by a marked Antibacterial efficacy, also associated with evident anti-inflammatory and analgesic action demonstrated in a number of preclinical studies. Noteworthy, all these actions have a fast onset of effect and are long-lasting. Two well-conducted investigations have assessed biclotymol in spray formulation. Notably, both studies proved its efficacy, with the wide majority of patients reporting "very good" or "good" efficacy. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of biclotymol were also demonstrated. Tolerability was excellent.

Conclusions: Enough evidence exists to recommend the use of biclotymol as a prompt, effective and safe first-line option for the treatment of sore throat.