Benzydamine is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that reduces pain and swelling (inflammation). It's used to treat mouth ulcers, sore throats, sore tongue or gums, and teething in babies. It may also be used to treat pain caused by dentures or dental surgery.
Benzydamine comes as a mouthwash, mouth spray or lozenge. This means it will only help with pain in the mouth. It will not work on pain in any other part of the body.
It's available on prescription or to buy from a pharmacy.
Key facts
- You'll usually use benzydamine to treat a sore mouth or sore throat for up to 7 days.
- Your symptoms will usually start to improve a few minutes after using benzydamine. The effects should last for a few hours.
- Benzydamine mouthwash contains more alcohol than benzydamine spray. Do not give the mouthwash to children until they are 13 years old.
- You may get a stinging or numb feeling in your mouth after using benzydamine.