From the Guidelines
Benzonate throat spray is not recommended as a first-line treatment for acute sore throat, and instead, ibuprofen or paracetamol are preferred for relief of symptoms. When considering the use of benzonate throat spray, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, particularly the rare but serious side effect of methemoglobinemia 1. For adults and children over 12, if benzonate throat spray is used, it should be sprayed directly onto the sore area of the throat for 1-2 seconds, typically no more than once every 2 hours and no more than 10 times daily.
Key Considerations
- The guideline for the management of acute sore throat recommends either ibuprofen or paracetamol for relief of symptoms (A-1) 1.
- Benzonate throat spray works by blocking nerve signals in the throat tissue, providing relief that typically lasts 15-30 minutes.
- Common side effects may include temporary numbness of the tongue and a bitter taste.
- Rare but serious side effects include methemoglobinemia, which can cause pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, or rapid heart rate.
Important Precautions
- Avoid using benzonate throat spray for more than 2 days without consulting a healthcare provider.
- Children under 2 years should not use benzonate products due to a higher risk of adverse effects.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek medical attention to rule out other underlying conditions that may require alternative treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS AND USAGE BENZONATATE is indicated for the symptomatic relief of cough. CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY BENZONATATE acts peripherally by anesthetizing the stretch receptors located in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura by dampening their activity and thereby reducing the cough reflex at its source.
The FDA drug label does not answer the question about benzonate throat spray, as it only discusses the oral form of benzonatate and its effects on cough relief. 2 2
From the Research
Benzonate Throat Spray
- There is no direct mention of benzonate throat spray in the provided studies. However, some studies discuss the treatment of sore throat using various medications and therapies.
- A study published in 2015 3 suggests that local anesthetics such as lidocain, benzocaine, and ambroxol can be recommended for the first-line treatment of sore throat.
- Another study published in 2022 4 discusses the use of benzydamine hydrochloride, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, for the treatment of sore throat and other irritative/inflammatory conditions of the oropharynx.
- The study found that benzydamine hydrochloride is widely recognized and recommended by pharmacists and general practitioners for the treatment of sore throat symptoms.
Treatment of Sore Throat
- A systematic review published in 2007 5 and updated in 2014 6 discusses the effects of various interventions on reducing symptoms of acute infective sore throat.
- The reviews found that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol, and antibiotics can be effective in reducing symptoms of sore throat.
- A clinical practice guideline published in 2021 7 provides evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of sore throat, including the use of ibuprofen and naproxen for symptomatic treatment.
Local Anesthetics and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
- The study published in 2015 3 suggests that local anesthetics such as lidocain, benzocaine, and ambroxol can be effective in treating sore throat.
- The study published in 2022 4 discusses the use of benzydamine hydrochloride, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, for the treatment of sore throat and other irritative/inflammatory conditions of the oropharynx.