The history of Strepsils dates back to the 1950s. The product was initially introduced as an antiseptic mouthwash in 1950. Its major transformation occurred in 1958, when Strepsils was launched in lozenge form. This development provided a convenient alternative to gargling for individuals experiencing throat irritation. Reckitt describes the 1958 product as a pioneering lozenge combining the antiseptic ingredients amylmetacresol and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol.[2]

The brand remained associated with Boots and its healthcare business for decades. In 2006, Reckitt Benckiser acquired Boots Healthcare International, bringing Strepsils into its portfolio alongside other major healthcare brands such as Nurofen.[6]

Since then, Strepsils has evolved from a relatively simple sore-throat lozenge into a comprehensive throat-care brand, with products designed for varying levels and types of discomfort.

A significant milestone in the history of Strepsils was the introduction of diverse flavours and formulations. Honey & Lemon, introduced in 1972, became one of the brand’s most successful variants and remains particularly popular globally, including in the Philippines.[13] Later products incorporated ingredients such as vitamin C and menthol, while more advanced formulations added anaesthetic or anti-inflammatory medicines for severe sore throats.[14]

Today, the exact product portfolio varies considerably between countries because medicines and pharmaceutical formulations are regulated locally.

The traditional Strepsils formulation contains two active antiseptic ingredients:

• Amylmetacresol — 0.6 mg
• 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol — 1.2 mg

These are the active ingredients in several of the brand’s core lozenges.[11] Regulatory information confirms these ingredients in registered products, and the combination is described as providing a dual antiseptic action.[3]

The lozenge is slowly dissolved in the mouth. Besides the medicinal action of its active ingredients, the lozenge itself can help moisten and soothe the throat while it dissolves.[18]

Importantly, Strepsils products are not all chemically identical. Formulations may vary by market; for example, some variants contain additional active ingredients such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) alongside the traditional antiseptics.[15]

The Strepsils range differs from country to country but broadly includes several categories. In the Philippines, consumers can typically find core lozenges, vitamin C variants, and stronger formulations for intense pain.[12]

Core Strepsils lozenges

These are the traditional products intended for ordinary sore-throat discomfort. They generally use the amylmetacresol/dichlorobenzyl alcohol combination.[11]

Common flavour variations have included:

• Original
• Honey & Lemon
• Lemon
• Orange
• Menthol
• Strawberry
• Sugar-free varieties

Flavours and availability depend on local regulations and market preferences.[13]

Vitamin C formulations

Some Strepsils products combine the traditional antiseptic ingredients with ascorbic acid (vitamin C). These formulations are designed to provide antiseptic action while supplementing vitamin C intake during illness.[15]

Menthol and cooling products

Strepsils also markets formulations designed to provide a cooling sensation. Products such as Strepsils Cooling Menthol contain amylmetacresol and dichlorobenzyl alcohol as active ingredients, with levomenthol among the inactive ingredients to provide a soothing, cooling effect.[16]

Anaesthetic formulations

Stronger Strepsils products may contain a local anaesthetic in addition to the antiseptic ingredients. For example, Strepsils Max Plus has contained:

• Amylmetacresol — 0.6 mg
• Dichlorobenzyl alcohol — 1.2 mg
• Lignocaine hydrochloride — 10 mg

The lignocaine is intended to provide a local numbing effect, while the other two ingredients provide the antiseptic component.[4][17]

Anti-inflammatory formulations

Strepsils has expanded into products containing flurbiprofen, an NSAID used to reduce inflammation and pain associated with sore throat. This type of product is pharmacologically different from the traditional Strepsils lozenge and should not simply be considered a stronger version of the original formula.[5]

Cough products

More recently, Reckitt has been expanding Strepsils beyond traditional sore-throat treatment into cough care. In 2026, Reckitt announced the global expansion of a Strepsils Cough Dual Action range, describing it as a new phase in the brand’s development into broader respiratory care.

The name “Strepsils” is associated with Streptococcus, a group of bacteria that includes species capable of causing certain throat infections. The name therefore reflects the brand’s historical positioning around throat infections and antiseptic treatment.[20]

Strepsils’ ownership can be understood as part of the development of the modern consumer-health industry.

Boots Healthcare → Reckitt Benckiser → Reckitt

Reckitt Benckiser acquired Boots Healthcare International in 2006, including Strepsils.[6]

In 2021, the consumer-health business of GSK became Haleon after a separation, but Strepsils remained with Reckitt because it had already been acquired from Boots Healthcare. Haleon’s own history therefore does not mean that Strepsils is a Haleon brand. Reckitt continues to identify Strepsils as one of its major Powerbrands.[7]

Strepsils has developed into a highly international brand. Reckitt currently states it is present in more than 130 markets, while individual Strepsils country websites describe the brand as being trusted in more than 100 countries.[8]

In the Philippines, Strepsils is an established over-the-counter healthcare brand. It is widely available in major pharmacy chains and supermarkets across the country.[2] However, Strepsils is not necessarily sold under exactly the same name or with exactly the same formulations everywhere. Pharmaceutical regulations, available active ingredients, product registrations, and consumer preferences differ between countries, meaning the Philippine portfolio may differ from that of other markets.[19]

Strepsils’ central positioning is built around fast, convenient, and medicated relief for sore throats. Unlike an ordinary confectionery lozenge, its core products contain pharmacologically active ingredients.[18]

The brand has increasingly positioned itself around the idea of “dual action”: combining soothing relief with active ingredients intended to address the causes or symptoms associated with throat discomfort.[3] The company has also connected its brand strategy with responsible antibiotic use, arguing that appropriate treatment of minor respiratory conditions can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.[9]

Strepsils is notable because it transformed the humble throat lozenge from something primarily associated with confectionery or soothing sensations into a widely recognised medicated consumer-health product.

Its development can be summarised as:

1950 — mouthwash → 1958 — medicated lozenge → 1970s onward — flavour and formulation expansion → 2006 — acquired by Reckitt Benckiser → 2020s — broader throat and respiratory-care portfolio.[10]

As of 2026, Strepsils remains one of Reckitt’s major consumer-health brands and is undergoing further expansion into cough and broader respiratory care. Reckitt describes it as having more than seven decades of development and as the world’s most-sold sore-throat medicine.[1]

1. How unique science and consumer obsession are expanding Strepsils’ reach | Reckitt.com
2. Strepsils® Philippines: Fast and Effective Sore Throat Remedy | Strepsils® PH
3. Sore Throat & Cough Relief Lozenges – Strepsils Malaysia | Strepsils
4. STREPSILS® MAX PLUS LOZENGE
5. Strepsils Max Plus (Anaesthetic) Lozenge: Uses, Dosage & Side Effect | MIMS
6. Strepsils® Philippines – Why Choose Strepsils | Strepsils® PH
7. File:1950s to 1960s Strepsils throat lozenges tin by Boots Nottingham England for Swedish market.jpg – Wikimedia Commons
8. Strepsils Original Lozenges – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – (emc) | 5638
9. Privacy Policy | Strepsils
10. Dear customers, RB has received… – Strepsils Malaysia | Facebook
11. Strepsils® Original 8s Lozenges | Strepsils® PH
12. Strepsils® Max 6s – Fast Relief for Sore Throat | Strepsils® PH
13. Strepsils® Honey Lemon 8s – Sore Throat Relief Lozenges | Strepsils® PH
14. Strepsils® Extra Strong 8s – Powerful Relief for Sore Throat | Strepsils® PH
15. Strepsils Dosage & Drug Information | MIMS Malaysia
16. Strepsils Sore Throat and Blocked Nose Lozenge: Dosing, Side Effect & Interaction | MIMS
17. Strepsils Max Plus (Anaesthetic) Lozenge Dosage & Drug Information | MIMS Malaysia
18. Effective Sore Throat Remedies – Strepsils Malaysia | Strepsils
19. ¿Por qué Strepsils? | Strepsils ES
20. STREPSILS – Boots Pure Drug Company Limited Trademark Registration