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Beechams Max strength Sore Throat Lemon and Honey Flavour lozenges – patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

Last updated: · Text from the MHRA, as of · About this document

Medicine status: No longer supplied Details

Medicine strength:
2.5 mg + 1.2 mg
Contains active substances:

Patient leaflet - Beechams Max strength Sore Throat Lemon and Honey Flavour lozenges

1. What Beechams Max Strength Lozenges do

Beechams Max Strength Lozenges are used for the relief of the symptoms of sore throat, its associated pain and pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat).

This medicine contains two active ingredients. Hexylresorcinol is an anaesthetic to numb pain in the throat and it is also a mild antibacterial agent which kills bacteria and germs. Benzalkonium chloride is also an antibacterial agent which kills bacteria and germs.

2. Check before you take Beechams Max Strength Lozenges

[cross symbol] Do not take Beechams Max Strength Lozenges

  • if you have ever had an allergic reaction to hexylresorcinol, benzalkonium chloride or any of the other ingredients (listed in Section 6).
  • if you have sugar absorption problems.
  • if you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
  • if you are under 7 years.

[exclamation symbol] Pregnancy and breast feeding

Talk to your doctor before taking Beechams Max Strength Lozenges if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

[exclamation symbol] Important information about some of the ingredients

Each lozenge contains a total amount of glucose and sucrose of up to 2.5 g. This should be taken into account if you have diabetes mellitus.

3. How to take Beechams Max Strength Lozenges

[tick symbol]

Adults and children aged 12 years and over:

Dissolve one lozenge slowly in the mouth every 3 hours or as needed.

Do not take more than 8 lozenges in 24 hours.

Children aged 7 to 12 years:

Dissolve one lozenge slowly in the mouth every 3 hours or as needed.

Do not give more than 4 lozenges in 24 hours.

[exclamation symbol]

  • Do not take more than the recommended dose.

If your symptoms persist, see your doctor.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines Beechams Max Strength Lozenges can have side effects but not everybody gets them.

Stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical help if you experience:

  • Allergic reactions. These may include developing a rash, swelling or difficulty breathing.

The following side effects may occur. Tell your doctor if you get them.

  • Irritation or swelling in the mouth or throat.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. How to store Beechams Max Strength Lozenges

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not store above 25°C.

Do not use this medicine after the ‘EXP’ date shown on the pack.

6. Further information

Active ingredient Each lozenge contains Hexylresorcinol 2.5 mg and Benzalkonium Chloride 1.2 mg.

Other ingredients Sucrose, levomenthol, propylene glycol, honey flavour, lemon flavour, caramel, beta-carotene and liquid glucose.

Packs of Beechams Max Strength Sore Throat Lemon & Honey Lozenges contain 10, 12 or 20 lozenges. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

The marketing authorisation holder is Haleon UK Trading Limited, Weybridge, KT13 0NY, U.K.

The manufacturer is Przedsiębiorstwo Produkcyjno-Handlowe “EWA” S.A. ul. Zamkowy Folwark 9, 63-700 Krotoszyn, Poland

This leaflet was last revised in May 2023.

Trade Marks are owned by or licensed to the Haleon group of companies.

About this document

Source: MHRA - Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (products.mhra.gov.uk) · Marketing authorisation: PL 44673/0026

Last revision stated in the text: May 2023 · MHRA data as of 13 October 2026

Found a mistake? Tell us on the contact page.

The information on this site does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

Facts about Beechams Max strength Sore Throat Lemon and Honey Flavour lozenges

Active substances Benzalkonium, Hexylresorcinol
Strength 2.5 mg + 1.2 mg
Pharmaceutical form Lozenge
How is it taken Oromucosal
Excipients Sucrose, levomenthol, propylene glycol, honey flavour, lemon flavour, caramel, beta-carotene and liquid glucose.
Is it available? No, all its packs are listed as discontinued (NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices – not a record of current supplies)
Shelf life Two years
Storage Do not store above 25°C.
Drug group (ATC)
  1. R Respiratory system drugs
    1. R02 Throat preparations
      1. R02A Throat preparations
        1. R02AA Antiseptic throat preparations
          1. R02AA20 various antiseptic throat preparations
Marketing authorisation PL 44673/0026 (first authorised 26 April 2002)
Marketing authorisation holder Haleon UK Trading Limited
Codes BNF 12030300

Sources: the MHRA product information (products.mhra.gov.uk) and the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d), release 10.1.0 of 12 October 2026, NHS Business Services Authority. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.