Always use benzydamine as a doctor or pharmacist has told you, or follow the instructions that come with your medicine.
Dosage
Benzydamine comes as a mouthwash, a spray or lozenges. Your dose will depend on your age and how you take your medicine.
Dosage for mouthwash
Adults and children aged 13 years old and over can use 15ml of mouthwash every 1.5 to 3 hours, as required.
Important
Children 12 years and under should not use benzydamine mouthwash
Dosage for spray
Adults and children aged 12 years and over:
- 0.15% spray: 4 to 8 sprays every 1.5 to 3 hours
- 0.3% spray: 2 to 4 sprays every 1.5 to 3 hours
Children aged 6 years to 11 years:
- 0.15% spray: 4 sprays every 1.5 to 3 hours
- 0.3% spray: 2 sprays every 1.5 to 3 hours
For children 5 years old or under, your doctor or pharmacist will use your child’s weight to work out the right dose.
Dosage for lozenges
Adults and children aged 6 years and older can have 1 lozenge, 3 times a day.
How to use benzydamine
There are different ways of using benzydamine.
How to use mouthwash
Gargle with the mouthwash or rinse it around your mouth for about 20 to 30 seconds, then spit it out.
Use the measuring cup that comes with your medicine, so you get the right dose.
Do not swallow the mouthwash.
Wait at least 1 hour and 30 minutes between doses.
How to use mouth spray
There should be a plastic tube called a spray arm at the top of the bottle. This helps a sore throat because the spray can reach the back of the throat to control the pain.
- Hold the bottle in an upright position and gently lift the spray arm so it’s sticking straight out.
- When using the spray for the first time, point the spray arm away from your face and press the plunger at the top of the bottle a few times until a fine mist comes out.
- Aim the spray arm at the sore part of your throat or mouth and press the plunger. Press the plunger the number of spray doses needed. It can go up to 4 times or 8 times for some adult doses.
- Wipe the end of the spray arm with a clean tissue when you've finished. This will stop it becoming blocked.
- Push the spray arm down, to rest against the side of the bottle.
Keep benzydamine away from your eyes.
How to take lozenges
When you have a lozenge, put it in your mouth and allow it to dissolve slowly. Do not chew or swallow it whole.
How long to use it for
You can usually use benzydamine mouthwash, lozenges or spray for up to 7 days. If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, speak to a doctor, dentist or pharmacist. Stop using it after 7 days unless they say it's OK.
If you're using any benzydamine medicine to treat mouth ulcers, contact your doctor, dentist or pharmacist if your symptoms are not improving within 3 days, or are getting worse.
If you forget to use it
If you forget to use the mouthwash or spray, use it as soon as you remember, then carry on using it every 1.5 to 3 hours as required.
If you forget to have a lozenge, just skip the missed dose and have your next dose at the usual time. Do not have more than 3 lozenges in 1 day.
Never have an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you use too much
If you use more than the recommended amount of mouthwash (without swallowing), number of sprays, or lozenges, you are very unlikely to get any serious side effects.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
You have used or swallowed more than the recommended dose of benzydamine and have symptoms, such as:
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach pain
- dizziness
- hallucinations
- feelings of restlessness
- muscle weakness
Call 111 or get help from 111 online.
If you need advice for a child under the age of 5 years, call 111.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the benzydamine packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.