Difflam Anti-inflammatory Throat Spray

Generic Name: Benzydamine
Product Name: Difflam Anti-inflammatory Throat Spray

Indication

Difflam Anti-inflammatory Throat Spray can be used for the relief of pain and inflammation that may occur in conditions of the mouth and throat such as tonsillitis, sore throat and mouth ulcers.

Your doctor may recommend Difflam Anti-inflammatory Throat Spray for another reason – ask your doctor if you are unsure why it has been recommended for you.

Action

Difflam Anti-inflammatory Throat Spray contains the active ingredient benzydamine.

Benzydamine belongs to a family of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They work to reduce pain and inflammation in the body by reducing the production of hormone-like substances that promote the inflammatory response. Benzydamine does not treat the underlying cause of the inflammation, however, and should not be used for extended periods of time without medical advice. Benzydamine also possesses local anaesthetic activity to further enhance pain relief.

Dose advice

• Difflam Anti-inflammatory Throat Spray can be used every 1.5-3 hours as needed (refer to packaging for dose instructions)
• Do not use for more than 7 days without medical advice
• If sore throat symptoms do not improve after a few days of treatment, consult your doctor as the condition may require treatment with antibiotics
• Seek medical advice before using if you have had a previous allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
  • Asthma, wheezing or shortness of breath
  • Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, causing difficulty swallowing and breathing
  • Hives, itching or skin rash
  • Fainting
• Use only under medical advice in patients who are pregnant (ADEC category B2) or breastfeeding.

Schedule

Schedule 2

Common side effects

Difflam Anti-inflammatory Throat Spray is generally well tolerated. The most common side effect is oral numbness, occurring in 2.6% of patients.

Other side effects occurring in less than 2% of patients may include:

• Burning or stinging sensation
• Dry mouth or thirst
• Tingling sensation
• Warm sensation in mouth
• Taste disturbance
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headaches and drowsiness
• Allergic reactions (including skin rashes and increased sensitivity to sunlight)

Consult your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms, or any other unusual or abnormal symptoms that concern you.

Uncommon side effects

Very rarely, Difflam Anti-inflammatory Throat Spray may cause life threatening allergic reactions. If you have had any allergic reactions to medicines in the past, it is important to check with your doctor that Difflam Anti-inflammatory Throat Spray is suitable for you.

If you experience difficulty breathing or develop swelling of the face, lips or tongue following use of Difflam Anti-inflammatory Throat Spray, seek emergency medical attention.

References

1. MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2003. [Cited January 9, 2008] http://www.mims.com.au
2. Electronic Australian Prescription Products Guide. Australian Pharmaceutical Publishing Company, 2007. [Cited January 9, 2008]

For further information talk to your doctor.