Strepsils® tablets reduce sore throat and hoarseness after tracheal intubation.

BACKGROUND: Amyl-m-cresol (Strepsils®) has been successfully used in the prophylaxis and treatment of oral inflammations, but its effects on postintubation sore throat and hoarseness are unknown. We conducted this study to evaluate the effects of Strepsils in reducing postintubation sore throat and hoarseness.

METHODS: One hundred fifty patients, ASA physical status I to II, scheduled to undergo general anesthesia and elective orthopedic or gynecologic surgery were enrolled. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either Strepsils or identical-looking placebo tablets immediately before arrival to the operating room. The incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness were evaluated immediately and 24 hours after surgery.

RESULTS: The incidence of early postoperative sore throat was 13.7% and 33.3% and hoarseness was 12.3% and 26.4% in the Strepsils and placebo groups, respectively (P < 0.05). One day after surgery, the incidence of sore throat decreased to 6.8% and 18.1% in the Strepsils and control groups, respectively. The incidence of hoarseness 1 day after the operation decreased to 8.2% in the Strepsils group and 19.4% in the placebo group, but the difference remained statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Perioperative use of Strepsils tablets reduces postoperative sore throat and hoarseness of voice.