Benzydamine
About Benzydamine
Benzydamine belongs to a group of medicines known as 'pain killers' primarily used to relieve pain, discomfort, and inflammation of the mouth, gums, and throat. It is used to treat oral mucositis (inflammation due to radiotherapy or chemotherapy), and mouth sores.
Benzydamine contains Benzydamine, which relieves pain and discomfort. It works by blocking the release of chemicals (prostaglandins) that mediate pain sensation and inflammation. It also forms a coating over the sores, thereby providing relief from pain, discomfort, and symptoms of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, or a burning sensation, associated with mouth ulcers. Hence, it helps with daily activities.
In some cases, you may experience common side effects, such as a burning sensation and skin irritation at the site of application. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Benzydamine if you are allergic to Benzydamine, its ingredients, pain killers (NSAIDs), or local anaesthetics. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you notice any skin rash or experience asthma, it could be due to an allergic reaction. Do not use the Benzydamine mouthwash continuously for more than 7 days unless recommended by your doctor or dentist. It is not recommended for use in children.
Uses of Benzydamine
Medicinal Benefits
- Benzydamine relieves pain, inflammation, and swelling in the mouth and throat.
- Helps soothe sore throat, mouth ulcers, and gum inflammation.
- Reduces discomfort after dental procedures such as tooth extraction or oral surgery.
- Aids in healing minor mouth injuries and irritations caused by dentures or braces.
- Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties for quick pain relief.
- Offers antiseptic action to help reduce bacterial growth in the mouth.
- Provides a soothing, cooling effect that promotes oral comfort.
- Helps maintain good oral hygiene and reduces oral discomfort during infections or inflammation.
Directions for Use
- Benzydamine is for topical oral use only.
- It is recommended to use Benzydamine every 1-3 hours or as directed by your doctor.
- Check the label for directions before using Benzydamine.
- Pour 15ml of Benzydamine into the measuring cup provided with the pack. Rinse or gargle the mouthwash for 20 to 30 seconds, then spit it out.
- Do not swallow the mouthwash.
- After use, rinse the measuring cup and store it safely for your next dose.
Storage
Side Effects of Benzydamine
- Burning sensation
- Skin irritation at the site of application
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Benzydamine if you are allergic to Benzydamine, its ingredients, pain killers (NSAIDs), or local anaesthetics.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Also, inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking before using Benzydamine.
- If you notice any skin rash or experience asthma, it could be due to an allergic reaction. Inform your doctor and do as advised.
- You should not use it more often than instructed by your doctor.
- It is not recommended for use in children.
- Drink a small amount of water at regular intervals to avoid dry mouth.
- Preferably eat sugar-free chewing gum to keep the mouth and throat moist.
- Stop wearing your dentures if you have sores in the mouth or gums.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Benzydamine have interactions with medicines to treat alcohol addiction (disulfiram), to asthma (theophylline, salbutamol), painkillers (naproxen, ibuprofen).
Drug-Food Interactions: The consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided as it may lead to flushing, drowsiness, and dizziness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Benzydamine is known to interact in patients with asthma, and alcohol addiction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol should not be taken while you are taking Benzydamine as it may lead to unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorThe safety and efficacy of Benzydamine are not studied in pregnant women. So, take Benzydamine only if advised by a doctor.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorThe safety and efficacy of Benzydamine are not studied in breastfeeding women. So, take Benzydamine only if recommended by a doctor.
Driving
safeBenzydamine does not interfere with the ability to drive. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, then do not drive or operate any machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorBenzydamine can be given in case of any liver impairment or problem. However, please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Kidney
consult your doctorBenzydamine can be given in case of any kidney impairment or problem. However, please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Children
unsafeBenzydamine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Eat home-cooked food. Avoid eating spicy or oily food, as it may worsen mouth ulcers.
- Try not to eat any hard food if you have had dental surgery, as pain might increase and lead to increased discomfort. Eat liquid foods for a few days to get early relief from pain.
- Don't eat foods or drink beverages with a lot of sugar, as they may cause tooth decay.
- Brush your teeth 2 or 3 times a day for 2 to 3 minutes every time. Preferably, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid gum bleeding. Also, the toothbrush should be air-dried to avoid any infection.
- If you have bad mouth sores, avoid using a toothbrush and use a solution to brush.
Special Advise
- Do not use the Benzydamine mouthwash continuously for more than 7 days unless recommended by your doctor or dentist.
- Do not swallow Benzydamine and avoid touching eyes while using it.
- Keep your lips hydrated with proper lip care to prevent cracking and drying.
- Preferably, eat sugar-free chewing gum to keep the mouth and throat moist.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain: It is a symptom triggered by the nervous system, causing uncomfortable sensations in the body. Pain may be dull or sharp; it might be constant or may come and go. The tolerance level of pain might vary from person to person. Pain can be generalised (overall body aches) or localised (affecting a specific area of the body). Pain can be considered a good thing, as it signals that something is wrong in the body and helps diagnose the condition. Common causes of pain include headaches, muscle strain, cramps, cuts, bone fractures, arthritis, and stomach aches.
Oral Mucositis: It is tissue swelling in the mouth due to radiation therapy or chemotherapy (cancer treatment). The most common symptoms include mouth pain, mouth sores, infection, and bleeding (if you are getting chemotherapy).
Mouth Sores: Also known as canker sores. It is normally small and painful lesions that develop in any soft tissue of the mouth or at the base of your gums. It can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable. Generally, it takes 1-2 weeks for it to heal. It can be an indication of mouth cancer.
FAQs
Benzydamine is primarily used to relieve pain, discomfort, and inflammation of the mouth, gums, and throat. It is used to treat oral mucositis (inflammation due to radiotherapy or chemotherapy) and mouth sores.
Benzydamine belongs to a group of medicines known as painkillers, containing Benzydramine, which works by blocking the release of chemicals (prostaglandins) responsible for pain sensation and inflammation. Hence, it helps relieve pain, discomfort, and symptoms of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, or a burning sensation.
While using Benzydamine, make sure you do not swallow it. Be careful not to touch your eyes or splash mouthwash into them. If you get it in your eyewash it with cold water repeatedly. Also, do not use Benzydamine for more than 7 days in a row unless recommended by your doctor.
If you miss a dose of Benzydamine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Benzydamine may cause side effects such as a burning sensation and skin irritation at the site of application in some cases. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
