Benzydamine

Most adults can use benzydamine. Children can only use benzydamine if it's suitable for their age. Check before using it or giving it to a child.

Benzydamine is not suitable for some people. If you have asthma or are allergic to certain painkillers, check with your doctor first.

Benzydamine comes as a mouthwash, a spray or lozenges. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine.

Side effects of benzydamine include a stinging feeling or numbness in your mouth. More serious side effects can happen in rare cases.

Benzydamine can be used if you're pregnant but try not to use it for long. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Most adults can use benzydamine.

Children can use some types of benzydamine, but it depends on their age:

• 1 month to 5 years old – spray only
• 6 to 12 years old – spray or lozenges
• 13 years old and over – mouthwash, lozenges or spray

Follow the instructions that comes with the medicine, and talk to a pharmacist if you're not sure.

Benzydamine is not suitable for some people.

To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist before using benzydamine if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to benzydamine or any other medicine
• have ever had an allergic reaction to NSAIDs, including aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen
• have ever had asthma
• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding

There are different ways of using benzydamine.

How to use mouthwash

Gargle with the mouthwash or rinse it around your mouth for about 20 to 30 seconds, then spit it out.

Use the measuring cup that comes with your medicine, so you get the right dose.

Do not swallow the mouthwash.

Wait at least 1 hour and 30 minutes between doses.

How to use mouth spray

There should be a plastic tube called a spray arm at the top of the bottle. This helps a sore throat because the spray can reach the back of the throat to control the pain.

1. Hold the bottle in an upright position and gently lift the spray arm so it’s sticking straight out.
2. When using the spray for the first time, point the spray arm away from your face and press the plunger at the top of the bottle a few times until a fine mist comes out.
3. Aim the spray arm at the sore part of your throat or mouth and press the plunger. Press the plunger the number of spray doses needed. It can go up to 4 times or 8 times for some adult doses.
4. Wipe the end of the spray arm with a clean tissue when you've finished. This will stop it becoming blocked.
5. Push the spray arm down, to rest against the side of the bottle.

Keep benzydamine away from your eyes.

How to take lozenges

When you have a lozenge, put it in your mouth and allow it to dissolve slowly. Do not chew or swallow it whole.

Some people get a stinging feeling or numbness in their mouth after using benzydamine. If you're using the spray, this feeling may last a few minutes.

If you get numbness or stinging with the mouthwash, try adding some water (up to 15ml) to your dose. You can mix the mouthwash and water in a cup or glass if you need to.

If you're pregnant and have mouth ulcers or a sore throat, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist. They'll be able to discuss your options and help you decide what treatments are best for you and your baby.

Only small amounts of benzydamine get into the body when you use it because most of it stays in the throat. Because of this, your doctor may say it's OK to use benzydamine.

Although benzydamine is unlikely to affect your baby, it should only be used for short periods (a few days). If you feel you need to use it for longer, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist.

It's OK to use benzydamine while breastfeeding. Try to use it for as short a time as possible.

It's not known how much benzydamine passes into breast milk, but it's only thought to be a tiny amount. It's unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Other medicines are unlikely to affect the way benzydamine works. However, it's a good idea to tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist about all the medicines you're taking.