Drug Guide

Generic Name

Dyclonine Hydrochloride

Brand Names Dyclone, Dyclopro

Classification

Therapeutic: Local Anesthetic

Pharmacological: Amelelic Local Anesthetic

FDA Approved Indications

  • Relief of pain and irritation in the mouth and throat (e.g., sore throat, oral mucositis)

Mechanism of Action

Dyclonine Hydrochloride blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve membranes, inhibiting nerve impulse conduction and producing local anesthesia.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Administer as a lozenge or rinse according to product label, typically 15-30 mg every 2-4 hours as needed. Do not exceed recommended dosage.

Pediatric: Use with caution; consult product labeling and consider age and weight. Typical doses are similar to adults for children over 4 years old.

Geriatric: Adjust dose based on individual response and tolerability.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustments; monitor for increased toxicity.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustments; use with caution.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Locally absorbed with minimal systemic absorption when used topically.

Distribution: Primarily local effect; minimal systemic distribution.

Metabolism: Limited systemic absorption, minimal hepatic metabolism.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in urine in unchanged form if absorbed systemically.

Half Life: Estimated 2-4 hours, but varies with extent of absorption.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to dyclonine or other amide-type local anesthetics.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with oral mucosal infections, or when used in large quantities or with broken or inflamed mucosa.
  • Pregnancy Category C; use only if clearly needed. Lactation unknown; use caution.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Oral or throat sensation disturbances (e.g., numbness, irritation) (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing) (Rare)
  • Laryngeal edema or airway obstruction (Very rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • None well-documented, but caution with concomitant other local anesthetics.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No known significant interactions.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • No known significant interactions.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess oral mucosa and patient for allergies and sensitivities before use.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for ineffective airway clearance if excessive topical anesthetic used.
  • Impaired oral mucous membranes.

Implementation: Administer as directed; avoid eating or drinking immediately after to prolong effect.

Evaluation: Monitor for adequate pain relief and absence of adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Use as directed; do not swallow large amounts.
  • Avoid eating or drinking immediately after use to maximize effectiveness.
  • Report signs of allergic reactions or unusual discomfort.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None documented.

Genetic Factors: No current data linking genetic factors to dyclonine response.

Lab Test Interference: No known effects.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Unusual numbness, difficulty breathing, allergic reactions.

Treatment: Supportive care; airway management if needed; symptomatic treatment; avoid oral ingestion of large amounts.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Stability: Stable until expiration date on label.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.