Benzydamine Spray

What is Benzydamine Spray?

Benzydamine spray is what’s known as an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). In other words, it’s a treatment that works to reduce inflammation, and it doesn’t contain a steroid. Benzydamine spray can be used to treat sore throat and tonsillitis.

It’s a generic (unbranded) treatment, meaning that it goes by the name of its active ingredient, benzydamine.

How does Benzydamine Spray work?

When you have an injury or infection, your body produces natural substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause an increase in blood supply to the area, which can cause symptoms like pain, redness, swelling and heat in the area. These prostaglandins activate when you have tonsillitis or a sore throat, which then leads to painful and uncomfortable symptoms.

When you use Benzydamine spray it helps to stop the formation of these inflammatory prostaglandins. Technically a ‘weak inhibitor of the prostaglandin synthesis’, Benzydamine Spray mainly works by stopping proinflammatory cytokines (which are responsible for pain and inflammation) from forming, which helps to reduce the swelling and pain caused by sore throat or tonsillitis.

What doses of Benzydamine Spray are there?

Benzydamine spray comes in only one dose: 0.15% w/v (weight by volume). As a result, you should speak to our clinician if you don’t feel like it’s helping your symptoms enough at this dose. You might be better suited to a different treatment.

How to use Benzydamine Spray

You should always use Benzydamine spray exactly as instructed to by our clinician. The recommended dose is 4-8 sprays, every 1 ½ - 3 hours.

To use it:

• make sure it’s in the upright position
• turn the spray arm 90 degrees in either direction until it’s at a right angle with the spray bottle. It should be horizontal, and parallel to the ground.
• the first time you use the spray, you’ll need to ‘prime’ it. To do this, point the spray arm away from you or anyone else, and push down firmly on the plunger multiple times until a fine spray comes out. When the fine spray comes out, it should be ready to use.
• point the spray arm at the back of your mouth and press the white plunger down firmly. One press releases one spray of medicine.
• apply the correct amount of sprays to the affected area as directed by our clinician. Then wipe the end of the spray arm with a clean tissue to help stop it from becoming blocked.
• turn the spray arm back to its original vertical position.

How long does it take Benzydamine Spray to work?

Benzydamine should get to work quickly to help your symptoms, and because it has analgesic properties, it should give you quick relief from pain and discomfort. If your sore throat or tonsillitis hasn’t cleared up after a week of using Benzydamine spray, let our clinician know. You shouldn’t use it for longer than a week without the go-ahead from a clinician.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Benzydamine Spray?

If you use more Benzydamine spray than you should’ve done, get in touch with a clinician for advice.

If you forget to use the spray, use it when you remember and continue using it every 90 minutes - 3 hours as normal. Don’t double the amount of sprays you use to make up for the missed ones.