What are the functions and indications of dequalinium chloride tablets?

Generally, dequalinium chloride lozenges, as an antiseptic and disinfectant agent, are primarily used for bacterial disinfection, relieving sore throat, improving oral inflammation, alleviating pharyngeal discomfort, and assisting in the treatment of local symptoms associated with respiratory tract infections. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. **Bacterial Disinfection**: This medication acts directly on bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses in the oral and pharyngeal regions by disrupting microbial cell membranes to exert inhibitory effects. It is suitable for initial bacterial infections of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, effectively reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms and controlling the spread of infection.

2. **Relief of Sore Throat and Swelling**: For pharyngeal mucosal congestion and swelling caused by bacterial or viral infections, the drug helps reduce local pain and swelling by suppressing inflammatory responses. It is particularly effective in relieving swallowing pain due to acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis, thereby easing difficulty in swallowing.

3. **Improvement of Oral Inflammation**: For localized oral inflammations such as oral ulcers, gingivitis, and periodontitis, the medication forms a protective film on the mucosal surface while eliminating bacteria at the site of infection. It promotes healing of ulcerated areas, reduces gum redness, swelling, and bleeding, and improves the local oral environment.

4. **Alleviation of Pharyngeal Discomfort**: For symptoms such as dryness, itching, and foreign body sensation in the throat, the lozenge provides direct moisturizing to the pharyngeal mucosa upon dissolution, while reducing irritants through its antibacterial action. It is suitable for daily relief in chronic pharyngitis and throat discomfort caused by excessive voice use.

5. **Adjunctive Treatment of Local Symptoms of Respiratory Infections**: In respiratory infections such as the common cold or acute bronchitis, this drug can be used as an adjunct to relieve associated throat symptoms. By controlling local pharyngeal infection, it reduces the risk of inflammation spreading to the lower respiratory tract and enhances overall therapeutic efficacy when combined with systemic treatments.

When using this medication, it is important to follow the recommended dosage instructions and avoid long-term or excessive use. The drug is contraindicated in individuals allergic to its components. Children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women should use it only under medical supervision to ensure safety.