Abstract

Oralcer buccal pellets (Vitabiotics), each containing 35 mg clioquinol and 6 mg ascorbic acid, are promoted as a treatment for mouth ulcers with the claim that Oralcer ‘has proved to be of very significant therapeutic value in the rapid healing of mouth ulcers and other oral inflammation’, including sore gums, glossitis, gingivitis, candidiasis and in connection with tooth extractions. Clioquinol is a mild antiseptic mainly promoted for the prevention and treatment of holiday diarrhoea; in Britain it is sold over the counter by pharmacies only and is therefore not prescribable under the NHS.