Presently, the evidence from randomised,
placebo-controlled, doubleblind
clinical trials (RCT) with the local
anaesthetic ambroxol (CAS 23828-92-4)
in the treatment of sore throat is being
reviewed. This relates to five RCT in 1,772
patients; 1,713 were evaluable with regard
to efficacy. Treatment with ambroxol
lozenges was statistically significantly superior
to placebo in reducing sore throat
pain intensity with a high level of consistency
of the estimated effect across the
different studies. The effect had an early
onset and lasted up to at least 3 h after a
single first lozenge. The pain relief was
associated with a statistically superior
regression of pharyngeal redness and inflammation;
with ambroxol, the overall
efficacy was more frequently rated as at
least “good