What is an example of topical benzydamine (benzydamine hydrochloride)?

From the Guidelines

Difflam is an example of topical benzydamine, available as a mouth rinse, spray, or lozenge containing benzydamine hydrochloride. It's typically used at a concentration of 0.15% for the rinse and spray forms, and 3 mg per lozenge. For the rinse, patients usually use 15 ml (one tablespoon) every 1.5-3 hours, rinsing or gargling for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. The spray is applied directly to the affected area 4-8 times daily, while lozenges are dissolved slowly in the mouth every 3-6 hours as needed. Topical benzydamine works as a local anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, reducing pain and inflammation in the mouth and throat without systemic effects. It's commonly used for sore throat, mouth ulcers, and oral inflammation following dental procedures or radiation therapy, as supported by studies such as 1 and 1.

Some key points to consider when using topical benzydamine include:

• The recommended concentration and dosage to minimize side effects and maximize efficacy
• The importance of proper oral hygiene and care when using topical benzydamine
• The potential for temporary numbness, tingling, or a bitter taste as side effects
• The need to avoid swallowing excessive amounts and to not use it continuously for more than 7 days without medical advice, as noted in studies such as 1.

Overall, topical benzydamine is a useful treatment option for reducing pain and inflammation in the mouth and throat, and its use is supported by recent and high-quality studies, including those published in reputable journals such as the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Topical Benzydamine

• Benzydamine hydrochloride is an example of a topical benzydamine, which is used for the treatment of oral mucositis and other irritative/inflammatory conditions of the oropharynx 2, 3.
• It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with combined local anesthetic and analgesic properties, and antiseptic activity 4.
• Benzydamine is available in various forms, including mouthwashes and gels, and is marketed under the brand name "Tantum Verde" 3.
• It has been shown to be effective in delaying the development of severe oral mucositis and reducing the intensity of pain in patients undergoing radiotherapy 2.
• Benzydamine is also used for the treatment of sore throat and other inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity, and is recommended by pharmacists and general practitioners due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anesthetic characteristics 3.

Mechanism of Action

• Benzydamine has several properties that contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity, including inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins and tumour necrosis factor-alpha 4.
• It also has a general activity known as membrane stabilization, which is demonstrated by several actions including inhibition of granule release from neutrophils and stabilization of lysosomes 4.
• The concentration of benzydamine in oral tissues is approximately 100 micromol/L, which is sufficient to produce its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects 4.

Clinical Use

• Benzydamine is used in the treatment of oral mucositis, which is a common complication of radiotherapy and chemotherapy 2, 5.
• It is also used for the treatment of sore throat and other inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity, and is recommended by pharmacists and general practitioners 3.
• The efficacy of benzydamine in alleviating pain and xerostomia in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma receiving chemoradiotherapy has been evaluated in a longitudinal study, which showed that lidocaine mouthwash was superior in managing oral mucositis pain 6.