Benzydamine

Benzydamine, available as the hydrochloride, is a locally-acting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with local anaesthetic and analgesic properties providing both rapid and extended pain relief as well as a significant anti-inflammatory treatment for the painful inflammatory conditions of the mouth and throat.^[1]

It selectively binds to inflamed tissues (Prostaglandinsynthase-inhibitor) is virtually free of any adverse systemic effects.

It may be used alone or as an adjunct to other therapy giving the possibility of increased therapeutic effect with little risk of interaction.

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Availability

It is available in a mouth wash named Tantum Verde across Europe. In the UK it is sold by 3M under the trade name Difflam, as Difflam Spray, Difflam Oral Rinse and Difflam Cream. Its high cost (about £7 a bottle) makes it less attractive than the cheaper method of gargling aspirin. In Australia it is available from 3M as Difflam-C Alcohol & Colour Free Solution, Difflam 3% Gel, Difflam Extra Strength Gel 5%, Difflam-C Solution, Difflam Solution (including Difflam Throat Spray), Difflam Cream and Difflam Lozenges.^[2] It is sold in Poland with no prescription as Tantum Rosa - a vagina cleansing powder, containing 500 mg of benzydamine mixed with salt for 1 Euro. In Brazil it is sold by prescription under the name "Benflogin", with each box containing 20 pills (50mg each). In Pakistan it is sold by prescription under the name" Tantum capsule" (50mg)

Indications

Odontostomatology: gingivitis, stomatitis, glossitis, aphthous ulcers, dental surgery and oral ulceration due to radiation therapy.

Otorhinolaryngology: pharyngitis, tonsillitis, post-tonsillectomy, radiation or intubation mucositis.

Contraindications

There are no contraindications to the use of Benzydamine except for known hypersensitivity.

Side effects

Benzydamine is well tolerated. Occasionally oral tissue numbness or stinging sensations may occur. Benzydamine may be abused recreationally.^[3] In oral dosages of 750 mg to 3000 mg it is a deliriant and CNS stimulant, popular in Poland and Brazil. In Brazil it is very popular and many people use it for recreational purposes. A person in a benzydamine trip may experience a feeling of well-being, euphoria and in higher doses will hallucinate, paranoia, dry mouth and convulsions may also be experienced. The trip can last up to 8 hours, after that the user becomes tired and quiet, but sleeping is almost impossible. Abuse can cause ulcers, liver and kidney damage.