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Topical NSAID / local analgesic

Benzydamine hydrochloride

Brand names: Difflam

Benzydamine hydrochloride is a locally acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent used as an oromucosal spray or mouthwash to relieve pain and inflammation of the mouth and throat.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Applied topically it exerts local anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on the inflamed oral and pharyngeal mucosa, with an additional local anaesthetic-like action.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is for local use in the mouth and throat only; transient stinging or numbness of the mouth can occur, and the mouthwash may be diluted with water if it causes stinging.
  • It is useful for painful mucosal conditions including radiotherapy- or chemotherapy-related mucositis and post-procedural sore throat.
  • Occasional hypersensitivity reactions and, rarely, oral numbness or mucosal irritation may occur.

Monitoring

No routine monitoring is required; review symptom relief and local tolerability at follow-up.

Counselling the patient

  • Use it to rinse or spray the affected area and do not swallow large amounts.
  • If the mouthwash stings, you can dilute it with the same amount of water.
  • Stop and seek advice if you develop a rash, swelling or worsening irritation.

Evidence & guidelines

Benzydamine is an established topical option for oropharyngeal pain and is supported by oncology supportive-care guidance for the symptomatic management of oral mucositis.

Reference: NICE NG84; ESMO mucositis guidance; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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