Benzydamine 0.15% mouthwash sugar free
Pharmacy only
Available from a pharmacy with pharmacist advice
Benzydamine (also known as Tantum Verde or Difflam), available as the hydrochloride salt, is a locally-acting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with local anaesthetic and analgesic properties.
Active ingredients:
Benzydamine
Formulation:Does not contain sugar — suitable for diabetic patients
Sugar-free
1 safety notice
Safety information for pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy
The official prescribing information for benzydamine generally suggest that benzydamine mouthwashes and sprays should not be used in pregnancy [L1121][L1123] .
The prescribing information for topical cream formulations of benzydamine note that benzydamine cream should not be used in pregnancy or lactation unless considered necessary by the physician [L1120].
Additionally, there is no evidence of teratogenic effects in animal studies [L1121].
Breastfeeding
Similarly, the official prescribing information for benzydamine also generally suggest that benzydamine mouthwashes and sprays should not be used during lactation unless considered essential by a physician [L1121][L1123].
The prescribing information for topical cream formulations of benzydamine note that benzydamine cream should not be used in pregnancy or lactation unless considered necessary by the physician [L1120].
Always consult your doctor or midwife before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Source: DrugBank (CC BY-NC 4.0).
Official documents, adverse reaction reporting, and safety monitoring
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Source: MHRA Products DatabaseOGL 3.0
Updated 3 months ago(16 Jan 2026)Safety monitoring data
Yellow Card reports
MHRA
The MHRA Yellow Card scheme collects reports of suspected side effects from healthcare professionals and patients. View the Drug Analysis Profile (iDAP) for real-world adverse reaction data.
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Benzydamine
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Submit a Yellow Card report to the MHRA
Data from the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. A reported reaction does not necessarily mean the medicine caused it. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
EudraVigilance
EMA
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Suspected adverse reactions reported for Benzydamine
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EudraVigilance data is published by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A suspected adverse reaction is not necessarily caused by the medicine.
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10 products
MHRA licensed products
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Difflam 0.15% Sore Throat Rinse
Difflam Oral Rinse 0.15% solution
Benzydamine 0.15% mouthwash sugar free
Benzydamine 0.15% mouthwash sugar free
Benzydamine 0.15% mouthwash sugar free
Benzydamine 0.15% mouthwash sugar free
Benzydamine 0.15% mouthwash sugar free
Benzydamine 0.15% mouthwash sugar free
Show details
£2.39indicative price
This is the NHS Drug Tariff indicative price used for reimbursement purposes. It may not reflect the price paid by patients or pharmacies.
View full Drug TariffSource: NHS Drug Tariff via NHSBSA. Derived from dm+d VMPP (Virtual Medicinal Product Pack) pricing data. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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NHS prescribing volume and spending trends
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Clinical guidelines and formulary information
British National Formulary
Benzydamine
BNF
Drug monograph — bnf.nice.org.ukSource: British National Formulary, NICE. Joint Formulary Committee. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
NICE clinical guidance(1)
Source: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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Codes for healthcare professionals and prescribing systems
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NHS UK identifiers
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SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. BNF codes from NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). ATC codes from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (whocc.no).
Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data accessed via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Trial information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank
Key facts
Drug status
Approved
Major interactions
160 found
Half-life
13 h
Mechanism
Despite being categorized as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ben…
Food interactions
None known
Human targets
2 targets
Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Pharmacokinetics at a glance
Absorption
13 hours
Oral doses of benzydamine are well absorbed and plasma drug concentrations reach a peak fairly rapidly and then decline with a half-life of approximately 13 hours.…
Half-life
13 h
Approximately 13 h after oral administration [L1121], with a terminal half life of about 7.7 h .
[A31528]
[A31528]
Protein binding
20%
Benzydamine exhibits < 20% plasma protein binding after oral administration .
[L1121][A31528]
[L1121][A31528]
Volume of distribution
10 L
The volume of distribution of benzydamine is 10 L .
[A27273][A31528]
[A27273][A31528]
Metabolism
Benzydamine is primarily metabolized by oxidation, dealkylation, and conjugation into hydroxy, dealkylated, and N-oxide metabolites .
[L1121,…
[L1121,…
Elimination
5%
The relatively high lipid solubility of the weak base benzydamine is thought to be associated with considerable passive resorption within the…
Clearance
170 ml/min
Benzydamine demonstrateas a systemic clearance of 170 ml/min .
[A31528]
[A31528]
Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Status:
Approved
Investigational
Small molecule
About this compound
Benzydamine (also known as Tantum Verde or Difflam), available as the hydrochloride salt, is a locally-acting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with local anaesthetic and analgesic properties. It is used topically for pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment of the mouth, throat, or muscoskeletal system.
Although the indazole analogue benzydamine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it has various physicochemical properties and pharmacologic activities that are different from those of traditional aspirin-like NSAIDs but facilitate benzydamine's mechanism of action as an effective locally-acting NSAID with local anaesthetic and analgesic properties. Moreover, unlike aspirin-like NSAIDs which are acids or metabolised to acids, benzydamine is in fact a weak base.
Although the indazole analogue benzydamine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it has various physicochemical properties and pharmacologic activities that are different from those of traditional aspirin-like NSAIDs but facilitate benzydamine's mechanism of action as an effective locally-acting NSAID with local anaesthetic and analgesic properties. Moreover, unlike aspirin-like NSAIDs which are acids or metabolised to acids, benzydamine is in fact a weak base.
Properties:
solid
Avg. mass: 309.41 Da
DrugBank indication
Available predominantly as a liquid mouthwash, oromucosal spray, or topical cream, benzydamine is most frequently employed as a locally acting analgesic and anti-inflammatory treatment for the relief of painful inflammatory conditions.
When formulated as a mouthwash or spray, benzydamine may be used to treat traumatic conditions like pharyngitis following tonsillectomy or the use of a naso-gastric tube, inflammatory conditions like pharyngitis, aphthous ulcers and oral ulceration due to radiation therapy, dentistry operations and procedures, or more general conditions like sore throat, sore tongue, sore gums, mouth ulcers, or discomfort caused by dentures.
[L1121]
When used as a topical cream, benzydamine may be employed to relieve symptoms associated with painful inflammatory conditions of the muscolo-skeletal system including acute inflammatory disorders such as myalgia and bursitis or traumatic conditions like sprains, strains, bruises, sore muscles, stiff joints, or even the after-effects of fractures. [ L1123]
When formulated as a mouthwash or spray, benzydamine may be used to treat traumatic conditions like pharyngitis following tonsillectomy or the use of a naso-gastric tube, inflammatory conditions like pharyngitis, aphthous ulcers and oral ulceration due to radiation therapy, dentistry operations and procedures, or more general conditions like sore throat, sore tongue, sore gums, mouth ulcers, or discomfort caused by dentures.
[L1121]
When used as a topical cream, benzydamine may be employed to relieve symptoms associated with painful inflammatory conditions of the muscolo-skeletal system including acute inflammatory disorders such as myalgia and bursitis or traumatic conditions like sprains, strains, bruises, sore muscles, stiff joints, or even the after-effects of fractures. [ L1123]
Also known as(21)
Bencidamina
Benzydamine
Benzydaminum
1.14.99.1
COX-2
COX2
Cyclooxygenase-2
PGH synthase 2
Dosage forms(110)
Solution (Vaginal)
Mouthwash (Buccal) — 0.15 %
Cream (Topical) — 5.00 g
Solution (Buccal) — 0.150 g
Solution (Oral)
Solution (Buccal; Oral) — 150 mg
Solution (Buccal) — 0.1500 g
Rinse (Oral) — 120 ml
Molecular properties(18)
Drug interactions(1407)
Known interactions with other medications. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Amlodipine
Moderate
Benzydamine may decrease the antihypertensive activities of Amlodipine.
Phentermine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Phentermine is combined with Benzydamine.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Midodrine is combined with Benzydamine.
Eletriptan
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Eletriptan is combined with Benzydamine.
Isoetharine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Isoetharine is combined with Benzydamine.
Ziprasidone
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Ziprasidone is combined with Benzydamine.
Methysergide
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Methysergide is combined with Benzydamine.
Cabergoline
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Cabergoline is combined with Benzydamine.
Zolmitriptan
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Zolmitriptan is combined with Benzydamine.
Dihydroergotamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Dihydroergotamine is combined with Benzydamine.
Methylergometrine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Methylergometrine is combined with Benzydamine.
Norepinephrine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Norepinephrine is combined with Benzydamine.
Mirtazapine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Mirtazapine is combined with Benzydamine.
Phenylephrine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Phenylephrine is combined with Benzydamine.
Phenylpropanolamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Phenylpropanolamine is combined with Benzydamine.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Promazine is combined with Benzydamine.
Droperidol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Droperidol is combined with Benzydamine.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Doxapram is combined with Benzydamine.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Atropine is combined with Benzydamine.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Lisuride is combined with Benzydamine.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Linezolid is combined with Benzydamine.
Metaraminol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Metaraminol is combined with Benzydamine.
Furazolidone
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Furazolidone is combined with Benzydamine.
Epinephrine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Epinephrine is combined with Benzydamine.
Thioridazine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Thioridazine is combined with Benzydamine.
Ergotamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Ergotamine is combined with Benzydamine.
Nicergoline
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Nicergoline is combined with Benzydamine.
Sufentanil
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Sufentanil is combined with Benzydamine.
Methoxamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Methoxamine is combined with Benzydamine.
Risperidone
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Risperidone is combined with Benzydamine.
Tranylcypromine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Tranylcypromine is combined with Benzydamine.
Isoflurane
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Isoflurane is combined with Benzydamine.
Propiomazine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Propiomazine is combined with Benzydamine.
Alfentanil
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Alfentanil is combined with Benzydamine.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Minaprine is combined with Benzydamine.
Orciprenaline
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Orciprenaline is combined with Benzydamine.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Propofol is combined with Benzydamine.
Phenmetrazine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Phenmetrazine is combined with Benzydamine.
Trifluoperazine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Trifluoperazine is combined with Benzydamine.
Pseudoephedrine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Pseudoephedrine is combined with Benzydamine.
Benzphetamine
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Benzphetamine is combined with Benzydamine.
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Ritodrine is combined with Benzydamine.
Flupentixol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Flupentixol is combined with Benzydamine.
Remifentanil
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Remifentanil is combined with Benzydamine.
Bitolterol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Bitolterol is combined with Benzydamine.
Oxymetazoline
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Oxymetazoline is combined with Benzydamine.
Diethylpropion
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Diethylpropion is combined with Benzydamine.
Salmeterol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Salmeterol is combined with Benzydamine.
Naratriptan
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Naratriptan is combined with Benzydamine.
Formoterol
Unknown severity
The risk or severity of hypertension can be increased when Formoterol is combined with Benzydamine.
Showing 50 of 1407 interactions
Toxicity & overdose
A possible adverse reaction associated with the use of the mouthwash or oromucosal spray formulations of benzymadine is potential numbness and/or stinging in the mouth and/or throat .
[L1120][L1121]
Some possible adverse reactions that tend to be associated more with topical cream formulations of benzymadine include increased sensitivity to sunlight, and localized itching, skin rash, redness, or swelling .
[L1123]
The prescribing information for all formulations of benzymadine however, warn against the possibility of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) associated with swelling of the throat and mouth, difficulty in swallowing, speaking, and breathing, or wheezing .
[L1120][L1121][L1123]
As benzydamine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it is necessary to determine if a patient is allergic to NSAIDs before considering its use .
[L1120][L1121][L1123]
Intoxication is expected as a consequence of accidental ingestion of large quantities of benzydamine (over 300 mg ingestion). Other symptoms associated with overdose of ingested benzydamine include gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, oesophageal irritation, dizziness, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, and irritability .
[L1121]
The official prescribing information for benzydamine generally suggest that benzydamine mouthwashes and sprays should not be used in pregnancy [L1121][L1123] . Similarly, the official prescribing information for benzydamine also generally suggest that benzydamine mouthwashes and sprays should not be used during lactation unless considered essential by a physician .
[L1121][L1123]
The prescribing information for topical cream formulations of benzydamine note that benzydamine cream should not be used in pregnancy or lactation unless considered necessary by the physician .
[L1120]
Overall, non-clinical data reveal no special hazards for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated toxicity, genotoxicity, cardiogenic potential, and toxicity to reproduction .
[L1120]
Additionally, there is no evidence of teratogenic effects in animal studies .
[L1121]
[L1120][L1121]
Some possible adverse reactions that tend to be associated more with topical cream formulations of benzymadine include increased sensitivity to sunlight, and localized itching, skin rash, redness, or swelling .
[L1123]
The prescribing information for all formulations of benzymadine however, warn against the possibility of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) associated with swelling of the throat and mouth, difficulty in swallowing, speaking, and breathing, or wheezing .
[L1120][L1121][L1123]
As benzydamine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it is necessary to determine if a patient is allergic to NSAIDs before considering its use .
[L1120][L1121][L1123]
Intoxication is expected as a consequence of accidental ingestion of large quantities of benzydamine (over 300 mg ingestion). Other symptoms associated with overdose of ingested benzydamine include gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, oesophageal irritation, dizziness, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, and irritability .
[L1121]
The official prescribing information for benzydamine generally suggest that benzydamine mouthwashes and sprays should not be used in pregnancy [L1121][L1123] . Similarly, the official prescribing information for benzydamine also generally suggest that benzydamine mouthwashes and sprays should not be used during lactation unless considered essential by a physician .
[L1121][L1123]
The prescribing information for topical cream formulations of benzydamine note that benzydamine cream should not be used in pregnancy or lactation unless considered necessary by the physician .
[L1120]
Overall, non-clinical data reveal no special hazards for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated toxicity, genotoxicity, cardiogenic potential, and toxicity to reproduction .
[L1120]
Additionally, there is no evidence of teratogenic effects in animal studies .
[L1121]
How it works
Mechanism of action
Despite being categorized as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), benzydamine demonstrates various mechanisms of action that differ from those of traditional aspirin-like NSAIDs. In particular, benzydamine predominantly acts by inhibiting the synthesis of pro inflammatory cytokines like tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) without largely affecting other pro inflammatory cytokines (ie. such as IL-6 and IL-8) or anti-inflammatory cytokines (ie. like IL-10 or IL-1 receptor antagonist). [A31528][L1120]
Moreover, benzydamine is largely a weak inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis as it has been shown to effectively inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase enzyme activity only at concentrations of 1mM or greater. Considering most contemporary usages of benzydamine are topical applications that are generally not well absorbed through the skin and/or non-specialized mucosae, benzydamine does not often achieve the kind of absorption or blood concentrations necessary to cause any extraneous distant systemic effects or COX inhibition, allowing it to localize its action. [A31528][L1120]
Additionally, it is also hypothesized that benzydamine is capable of inhibiting the oxidative burst of neutrophils and membrane stabilization. These actions are exhibited by the substance’s ability to inhibit the release of granules from neutrophils and to stabilize lysosomes. [A31528][L1120]
Furthermore, benzydamine is capable of a local anaesthetic effect that may be related to its capability for inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators like substance P and calcitonin gene related peptide from sensory nerve endings. Since substance P is capable of causing the release of histamine from mast cells, benzydamine’s prevention of substance P release further contributes to an anti-inflammatory effect. [A31528][L1120]
Benzydamine also demonstrates a non-specific antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains that are resistant to broad-spectrum antibiotics such as ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline at concentrations of about 3 mmol/L. Combinatorial use of benzydamine and other antibiotics like tetracycline and chloramphenicol are also synergistic against antibiotic resistant strains of *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*. [A31528]
Moreover, benzydamine is largely a weak inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis as it has been shown to effectively inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase enzyme activity only at concentrations of 1mM or greater. Considering most contemporary usages of benzydamine are topical applications that are generally not well absorbed through the skin and/or non-specialized mucosae, benzydamine does not often achieve the kind of absorption or blood concentrations necessary to cause any extraneous distant systemic effects or COX inhibition, allowing it to localize its action. [A31528][L1120]
Additionally, it is also hypothesized that benzydamine is capable of inhibiting the oxidative burst of neutrophils and membrane stabilization. These actions are exhibited by the substance’s ability to inhibit the release of granules from neutrophils and to stabilize lysosomes. [A31528][L1120]
Furthermore, benzydamine is capable of a local anaesthetic effect that may be related to its capability for inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators like substance P and calcitonin gene related peptide from sensory nerve endings. Since substance P is capable of causing the release of histamine from mast cells, benzydamine’s prevention of substance P release further contributes to an anti-inflammatory effect. [A31528][L1120]
Benzydamine also demonstrates a non-specific antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains that are resistant to broad-spectrum antibiotics such as ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline at concentrations of about 3 mmol/L. Combinatorial use of benzydamine and other antibiotics like tetracycline and chloramphenicol are also synergistic against antibiotic resistant strains of *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*. [A31528]
Pharmacodynamics
Benzydamine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) designed to elicit local anesthetic and analgesic effects mainly for the mouth and throat. It specifically acts on the local mechanisms of inflammation such as pain, oedema, or granuloma. Typically applied topically, the drug demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity reducing oedema as well as exudate and granuloma formation. Moreover, benzydamine exhibits analgesic properties and local anaesthetic activity if pain is caused by an inflammatory condition. Benzydamine can be absorbed into the oral mucosa and intact skin. Once absorbed in the local area of pain or inflammation, benzydamine binds selectively to local inflamed tissues, usually allowing it to act with few adverse systemic effects. On average a period of 2 to 4 hours is necessary for the substance to reach peak plasma concentration. [L1120]
Benzydamine can be synthesized with the reaction of the N-benzyl derivative from methyl anthranilate with nitrous acid to give N-nitoso derivative. This is next reduced by sodium thiosulfate to give transient hydrazine. This hydrazine can then undergo spontaneous internal hydrazide formation. Treating this resultant enolate with 3-chloro-1-dimethylamkino propane ultimately yields benzydamine.
Benzydamine can be synthesized with the reaction of the N-benzyl derivative from methyl anthranilate with nitrous acid to give N-nitoso derivative. This is next reduced by sodium thiosulfate to give transient hydrazine. This hydrazine can then undergo spontaneous internal hydrazide formation. Treating this resultant enolate with 3-chloro-1-dimethylamkino propane ultimately yields benzydamine.
Pharmacokinetics
How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
Absorption
Oral doses of benzydamine are well absorbed and plasma drug concentrations reach a peak fairly rapidly and then decline with a half-life of approximately 13 hours. When applied topically, although the local drug concentrations are relatively large, the systemic absorption of topically applied benzydamine is relatively low compared to oral doses. This low topical absorption contributes to a decreased potential for any systemic drug side-effects when benzydamine is administered in this way.
[L1121]
[L1121]
Half-life
Approximately 13 h after oral administration [L1121], with a terminal half life of about 7.7 h .
[A31528]
[A31528]
Protein binding
Benzydamine exhibits < 20% plasma protein binding after oral administration .
[L1121][A31528]
[L1121][A31528]
Volume of distribution
The volume of distribution of benzydamine is 10 L .
[A27273][A31528]
[A27273][A31528]
Metabolism
Benzydamine is primarily metabolized by oxidation, dealkylation, and conjugation into hydroxy, dealkylated, and N-oxide metabolites .
[L1121][A31528]
In general, however, when used at the recommended doses the levels at which benzydamine is absorbed or exposed into the body are usually not sufficient to produce systemic pharmacological effects [L
[L1121][A31528]
In general, however, when used at the recommended doses the levels at which benzydamine is absorbed or exposed into the body are usually not sufficient to produce systemic pharmacological effects [L
Route of elimination
The relatively high lipid solubility of the weak base benzydamine is thought to be associated with considerable passive resorption within the renal tubule, which suggests that only approximately 5% of benzydamine is excreted unchanged in the urine .
[A27273]
At the same time however, other studies have suggested that considerably larger amounts (50-65%) of the drug is excreted unchanged in urine .
[A31530]
While several inactive oxidized metabolites of benzydamine are excreted in urine, the benzydamine N-oxide metabolite can remain in plasma and demonstrate a half-life that is longer than the parent benzydamine compound .
[A27273]
Nevertheless, it is generally believed that excretion occurs mainly through urine and is mostly in the form of inactive metabolites or conjugation products .
[L2466]
[A27273]
At the same time however, other studies have suggested that considerably larger amounts (50-65%) of the drug is excreted unchanged in urine .
[A31530]
While several inactive oxidized metabolites of benzydamine are excreted in urine, the benzydamine N-oxide metabolite can remain in plasma and demonstrate a half-life that is longer than the parent benzydamine compound .
[A27273]
Nevertheless, it is generally believed that excretion occurs mainly through urine and is mostly in the form of inactive metabolites or conjugation products .
[L2466]
Clearance
Benzydamine demonstrateas a systemic clearance of 170 ml/min .
[A31528]
[A31528]
Drug targets(2)
Proteins and enzymes this drug interacts with in the body
Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2
PTGS2
inhibitor
Specific functionenzyme binding
Cellular location
Microsome membrane
General function & pharmacology
Dual cyclooxygenase and peroxidase in the biosynthesis pathway of prostanoids, a class of C20 oxylipins mainly derived from arachidonate ((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosatetraenoate, AA, C20:4(n-6)), with a particular role in the inflammatory response .
PMID:11939906 PMID:16373578 PMID:19540099 PMID:22942274 PMID:26859324 PMID:27226593 PMID:7592599 PMID:7947975 PMID:9261177
The cyclooxygenase activity oxygenates AA to the hydroperoxy endoperoxide prostaglandin G2 (PGG2), and the peroxidase activity reduces PGG2 to the hydroxy endoperoxide prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), the precursor of all 2-series prostaglandins and thromboxanes .
PMID:16373578 PMID:22942274 PMID:26859324 PMID:27226593 PMID:7592599 PMID:7947975 PMID:9261177
This complex transformation is initiated by abstraction of hydrogen at carbon 13 (with S-stereochemistry), followed by insertion of molecular O2 to form the endoperoxide bridge between carbon 9 and 11 that defines prostaglandins. The insertion of a second molecule of O2 (bis-oxygenase activity) yields a hydroperoxy group in PGG2 that is then reduced to PGH2 by two electrons .
PMID:16373578 PMID:22942274 PMID:26859324 PMID:27226593 PMID:7592599 PMID:7947975 PMID:9261177
Similarly catalyzes successive cyclooxygenation and peroxidation of dihomo-gamma-linoleate (DGLA, C20:3(n-6)) and eicosapentaenoate (EPA, C20:5(n-3)) to corresponding PGH1 and PGH3, the precursors of 1- and 3-series prostaglandins .
PMID:11939906 PMID:19540099
In an alternative pathway of prostanoid biosynthesis, converts 2-arachidonoyl lysophopholipids to prostanoid lysophopholipids, which are then hydrolyzed by intracellular phospholipases to release free prostanoids .
PMID:27642067
Metabolizes 2-arachidonoyl glycerol yielding the glyceryl ester of PGH2, a process that can contribute to pain response .
PMID:22942274
Generates lipid mediators from n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) via a lipoxygenase-type mechanism. Oxygenates PUFAs to hydroperoxy compounds and then reduces them to corresponding alcohols .
PMID:11034610 PMID:11192938 PMID:9048568 PMID:9261177
Plays a role in the generation of resolution phase interaction products (resolvins) during both sterile and infectious inflammation .
PMID:12391014
Metabolizes docosahexaenoate (DHA, C22:6(n-3)) to 17R-HDHA, a precursor of the D-series resolvins (RvDs) .
PMID:12391014
As a component of the biosynthetic pathway of E-series resolvins (RvEs), converts eicosapentaenoate (EPA, C20:5(n-3)) primarily to 18S-HEPE that is further metabolized by ALOX5 and LTA4H to generate 18S-RvE1 and 18S-RvE2 .
PMID:21206090
In vascular endothelial cells, converts docosapentaenoate (DPA, C22:5(n-3)) to 13R-HDPA, a precursor for 13-series resolvins (RvTs) shown to activate macrophage phagocytosis during bacterial infection .
PMID:26236990
In activated leukocytes, contributes to oxygenation of hydroxyeicosatetraenoates (HETE) to diHETES (5,15-diHETE and 5,11-diHETE) .
PMID:22068350 PMID:26282205
Can also use linoleate (LA, (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoate, C18:2(n-6)) as substrate and produce hydroxyoctadecadienoates (HODEs) in a regio- and stereospecific manner, being (9R)-HODE ((9R)-hydroxy-(10E,12Z)-octadecadienoate) and (13S)-HODE ((13S)-hydroxy-(9Z,11E)-octadecadienoate) its major products (By similarity).
During neuroinflammation, plays a role in neuronal secretion of specialized preresolving mediators (SPMs) 15R-lipoxin A4 that regulates phagocytic microglia (By similarity)
PMID:11939906 PMID:16373578 PMID:19540099 PMID:22942274 PMID:26859324 PMID:27226593 PMID:7592599 PMID:7947975 PMID:9261177
The cyclooxygenase activity oxygenates AA to the hydroperoxy endoperoxide prostaglandin G2 (PGG2), and the peroxidase activity reduces PGG2 to the hydroxy endoperoxide prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), the precursor of all 2-series prostaglandins and thromboxanes .
PMID:16373578 PMID:22942274 PMID:26859324 PMID:27226593 PMID:7592599 PMID:7947975 PMID:9261177
This complex transformation is initiated by abstraction of hydrogen at carbon 13 (with S-stereochemistry), followed by insertion of molecular O2 to form the endoperoxide bridge between carbon 9 and 11 that defines prostaglandins. The insertion of a second molecule of O2 (bis-oxygenase activity) yields a hydroperoxy group in PGG2 that is then reduced to PGH2 by two electrons .
PMID:16373578 PMID:22942274 PMID:26859324 PMID:27226593 PMID:7592599 PMID:7947975 PMID:9261177
Similarly catalyzes successive cyclooxygenation and peroxidation of dihomo-gamma-linoleate (DGLA, C20:3(n-6)) and eicosapentaenoate (EPA, C20:5(n-3)) to corresponding PGH1 and PGH3, the precursors of 1- and 3-series prostaglandins .
PMID:11939906 PMID:19540099
In an alternative pathway of prostanoid biosynthesis, converts 2-arachidonoyl lysophopholipids to prostanoid lysophopholipids, which are then hydrolyzed by intracellular phospholipases to release free prostanoids .
PMID:27642067
Metabolizes 2-arachidonoyl glycerol yielding the glyceryl ester of PGH2, a process that can contribute to pain response .
PMID:22942274
Generates lipid mediators from n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) via a lipoxygenase-type mechanism. Oxygenates PUFAs to hydroperoxy compounds and then reduces them to corresponding alcohols .
PMID:11034610 PMID:11192938 PMID:9048568 PMID:9261177
Plays a role in the generation of resolution phase interaction products (resolvins) during both sterile and infectious inflammation .
PMID:12391014
Metabolizes docosahexaenoate (DHA, C22:6(n-3)) to 17R-HDHA, a precursor of the D-series resolvins (RvDs) .
PMID:12391014
As a component of the biosynthetic pathway of E-series resolvins (RvEs), converts eicosapentaenoate (EPA, C20:5(n-3)) primarily to 18S-HEPE that is further metabolized by ALOX5 and LTA4H to generate 18S-RvE1 and 18S-RvE2 .
PMID:21206090
In vascular endothelial cells, converts docosapentaenoate (DPA, C22:5(n-3)) to 13R-HDPA, a precursor for 13-series resolvins (RvTs) shown to activate macrophage phagocytosis during bacterial infection .
PMID:26236990
In activated leukocytes, contributes to oxygenation of hydroxyeicosatetraenoates (HETE) to diHETES (5,15-diHETE and 5,11-diHETE) .
PMID:22068350 PMID:26282205
Can also use linoleate (LA, (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoate, C18:2(n-6)) as substrate and produce hydroxyoctadecadienoates (HODEs) in a regio- and stereospecific manner, being (9R)-HODE ((9R)-hydroxy-(10E,12Z)-octadecadienoate) and (13S)-HODE ((13S)-hydroxy-(9Z,11E)-octadecadienoate) its major products (By similarity).
During neuroinflammation, plays a role in neuronal secretion of specialized preresolving mediators (SPMs) 15R-lipoxin A4 that regulates phagocytic microglia (By similarity)
Prostaglandin G/H synthase 1
PTGS1
inhibitor
Specific functionheme binding
Cellular location
Microsome membrane
General function & pharmacology
Dual cyclooxygenase and peroxidase that plays an important role in the biosynthesis pathway of prostanoids, a class of C20 oxylipins mainly derived from arachidonate ((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosatetraenoate, AA, C20:4(n-6)), with a particular role in the inflammatory response. The cyclooxygenase activity oxygenates AA to the hydroperoxy endoperoxide prostaglandin G2 (PGG2), and the peroxidase activity reduces PGG2 to the hydroxy endoperoxide prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), the precursor of all 2-series prostaglandins and thromboxanes. This complex transformation is initiated by abstraction of hydrogen at carbon 13 (with S-stereochemistry), followed by insertion of molecular O2 to form the endoperoxide bridge between carbon 9 and 11 that defines prostaglandins.
The insertion of a second molecule of O2 (bis-oxygenase activity) yields a hydroperoxy group in PGG2 that is then reduced to PGH2 by two electrons .
PMID:7947975
Involved in the constitutive production of prostanoids in particular in the stomach and platelets. In gastric epithelial cells, it is a key step in the generation of prostaglandins, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which plays an important role in cytoprotection. In platelets, it is involved in the generation of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), which promotes platelet activation and aggregation, vasoconstriction and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (Probable).
Can also use linoleate (LA, (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoate, C18:2(n-6)) as substrate and produce hydroxyoctadecadienoates (HODEs) in a regio- and stereospecific manner, being (9R)-HODE ((9R)-hydroxy-(10E,12Z)-octadecadienoate) and (13S)-HODE ((13S)-hydroxy-(9Z,11E)-octadecadienoate) its major products (By similarity)
The insertion of a second molecule of O2 (bis-oxygenase activity) yields a hydroperoxy group in PGG2 that is then reduced to PGH2 by two electrons .
PMID:7947975
Involved in the constitutive production of prostanoids in particular in the stomach and platelets. In gastric epithelial cells, it is a key step in the generation of prostaglandins, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which plays an important role in cytoprotection. In platelets, it is involved in the generation of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), which promotes platelet activation and aggregation, vasoconstriction and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (Probable).
Can also use linoleate (LA, (9Z,12Z)-octadecadienoate, C18:2(n-6)) as substrate and produce hydroxyoctadecadienoates (HODEs) in a regio- and stereospecific manner, being (9R)-HODE ((9R)-hydroxy-(10E,12Z)-octadecadienoate) and (13S)-HODE ((13S)-hydroxy-(9Z,11E)-octadecadienoate) its major products (By similarity)
Scientific references(4)
Baldock G.A., Brodie R.R., Chasseaud L.F., Taylor T., Walmsley L.M., Catanese B.
Pharmacokinetics of benzydamine after intravenous, oral, and topical doses to human subjects.
Biopharmaceutics & Drug Disposition
199112(7):481-492. doi: 10.1002/bdd.2510120702
Silvestrini B., Barcellona P.S., Garau A., Catanese B.
Toxicology of benzydamine.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
196710(1):148-159. doi: 10.1016/0041-008x(67)90136-6
Quane P.A., Graham G.G., Ziegler J.B.
Pharmacology of benzydamine.
Inflammopharmacology
19986(2):95-107. doi: 10.1007/s10787-998-0026-0
Catanese B., Grasso A., Silverstrini B.
Pharmacokinetics of Tolterodine, a Muscarinic Receptor Antagonist, in Mouse, Rat and Dog.
Arzneimittelforschung
201151(02):134-144. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1300015
ATC classification(5 codes)
ATC A01AD02
ATC M01AX07
ATC M02AA05
ATC G02CC03
ATC R02AX03
Affected organisms(1)
Humans and other mammals
Salt forms(1)
Benzydamine hydrochloride(DBSALT001124)
Experimental properties(2)
Commercial products(11)
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Show
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Benzydamine
Additional database identifiers
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
2047
ChemSpider
12036
BindingDB
50103598
ZINC
ZINC000002020083
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:9605
GenAtlas
PTGS2
GeneCards
PTGS2
GenBank Gene Database
L15326
GenBank Protein Database
291988
Guide to Pharmacology
1376
UniProt Accession
PGH2_HUMAN
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:9604
GenAtlas
PTGS1
GeneCards
PTGS1
GenBank Gene Database
M31822
GenBank Protein Database
387018
Guide to Pharmacology
1375
UniProt Accession
PGH1_HUMAN
DrugBank citations
If you use DrugBank data in your research, please cite the following publications:
Knox C., Wilson M., Klinger C.M., et al
DrugBank 6.
0: the DrugBank Knowledgebase for 2024
Nucleic Acids Res. 2024 Jan 552(D1):D1265-D1275
Wishart D.S., Feunang Y.D., Guo A.C., et al
DrugBank 5.
0: a major update to the DrugBank database for 2018
Nucleic Acids Res. 2017 Nov 846(D1):D1074-D1082
Show earlier publications
Law V., Knox C., Djoumbou Y., et al
DrugBank 4.
0: shedding new light on drug metabolism
Nucleic Acids Res. 2014 Jan 142(1):D1091-7
Knox C., Law V., Jewison T., et al
DrugBank 3.
0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs
Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan39(Database issue):D1035-41
Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et al
DrugBank: a knowledgebase for drugs, drug actions and drug targets.
Nucleic Acids Research
2008 Jan36(Database issue):D901-6
Wishart D.S., Knox C., Guo A.C., et al
DrugBank: a comprehensive resource for in silico drug discovery and exploration.
Nucleic Acids Research
2006 Jan 134(Database issue):D668-72
Source: go.drugbank.comCC BY-NC 4.0
Updated 26 days ago(8 Mar 2026)