Benzydamine

Benzydamine is used to treat radiation-associated mucositis and acute pharyngitis.

Benzydamine is available under the following different brand names: Tantum.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Oral Rinse

• 0.15%

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Radiation-Associated Mucositis

• Gargle or rinse 15 mL in mouth (for 30 seconds, followed by expulsion from mouth) 3-4 times per day
• Begin treatment 1 day prior to radiation therapy and continue daily during treatment

Acute Pharyngitis

• Gargle or rinse with 15 mL in mouth (for 30 seconds, followed by expulsion from mouth) every 1.5-3 hours

Administration

• Do not swallow

Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients

• NC less than 1000 cells/mm3: Avoid initiation or interrupt dosing until ANC 1000 cells/³ or greater

Common side effects of Benzydamine include:

• Burning/stinging sensation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Numbness

Other side effects of benzydamine include:

• Cough
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Sore throat

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Benzydamine has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Benzydamine has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Benzydamine has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Benzydamine has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

This medication contains benzydamine. Do not take Tantum if you are allergic to benzydamine or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Benzydamine?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Benzydamine?"

Cautions

• May cause burning sensation in patients with compromised mucosal integrity
• Renal impairment

Pregnancy and Lactation

No information is available about use of benzydamine during pregnancy. Safety has not been established in pregnant women.

It is unknown if benzydamine passes into breast milk. Use with caution while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.