Lozenge vs. Pastille — What's the Difference?

Lozenges and pastilles are both small, flavored preparations meant to be dissolved slowly in the mouth, but they serve slightly different purposes and have distinct compositions. Lozenges are typically medicated and designed to deliver active ingredients to relieve symptoms of coughs, sore throats, or nasal congestion. They are often made with a hard, candy-like base and include ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, or antimicrobial agents. Pastilles, on the other hand, are usually softer, chewier, and not necessarily medicated. They are often fruit-flavored or made with herbs and are primarily intended to freshen the breath or provide a soothing effect to the throat without necessarily including medication.

While lozenges are focused on providing symptomatic relief for specific ailments, pastilles can be considered more of a confectionery item, with some varieties aimed at soothing the throat through mild herbal ingredients or essential oils. Lozenges may have a more pronounced medicinal taste due to the active ingredients, whereas pastilles are typically more palatable and enjoyable to consume, with a variety of sweet and fruity flavors.

The production process for lozenges involves the creation of a hard base that dissolves slowly in the mouth, ensuring the gradual release of medicinal ingredients. This process is crucial for their effectiveness in delivering relief over an extended period. Pastilles, by contrast, may have a softer, more gelatinous consistency, often achieved by using gelatin, gum arabic, or pectin as a base, which makes them less durable but more pleasant to the taste.

Another difference lies in the packaging and presentation. Lozenges are often packaged in blister packs or bottles, emphasizing their medicinal purpose, while pastilles might come in more decorative tins or bags, highlighting their confectionery aspect. This difference in packaging reflects the distinct uses and markets for each product, with lozenges being a health-related item and pastilles leaning more towards casual consumption.

Despite these differences, both lozenges and pastilles play important roles in providing comfort and relief for throat discomfort. The choice between them may depend on the severity of symptoms, personal preference for texture and flavor, and whether or not medicated relief is desired.