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Benzydamine (oral)

  • The oral rinse should not be used in children under 12 years of age.
  • Use for up to 7 days and if there is no improvement, see your doctor.

About benzydamine (oral)

Type of medicine Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Used for Painful inflammatory conditions of the mouth and throat, e.g. mouth ulcers
Also called Difflam
Available as Oral rinse
Spray

Benzydamine (Oral) works by preventing the formation of prostaglandins (chemicals in the body which control inflammation) in the body, therefore reducing inflammation and the pain associated with it.

Before using benzydamine (oral)

Before using benzydamine (oral) make sure your doctor, dentist or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

How to use benzydamine (oral)

  • If using the oral rinse, rinse or gargle with 15 ml every 1 - 3 hours as required for pain relief, then spit out the solution.
  • The oral rinse should not be used in children under 12 years of age.
  • If using the spray, use every 1½ - 3 hours.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Avoid contact with eyes.
  • Use for up to 7 days and if there is no improvement, see your doctor.

Can benzydamine (oral) cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor, dentist or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Numbness in the mouth Avoid drinking hot drinks until numbness wears off.
Stinging sensations Mix the oral rinse with a little water before use.

How to store benzydamine (oral)

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3322		 DocRef:
dils2277		 Last Updated:
8 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
7 Feb 2009		 Version:
23
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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