Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution

Generic Name: Benzydamine, Chlorhexidine gluconate
Product Name: Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution

Indication

Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution 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.

Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution may also be used to relieve pain following mouth or throat surgery, or following dental procedures.

Your doctor may recommend Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution for another reason, however. Ask your doctor if you are unsure why Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution has been recommended for you.

Action

Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution contains the active ingredients benzydamine and chlorhexidine.

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.

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic agent that kills or prevents the growth of a wide range of bacteria that may be involved in causing pain and inflammation in conditions of the mouth and throat. Chlorhexidine also helps to treat and prevent gingivitis and reduces the accumulation of dental plaque.

Dose advice

• Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution may be used as either a gargle (for throat conditions) or a mouth rinse (for oral lesions such as mouth ulcers, or as a short-term alternative to oral hygiene procedures)
• Can be used every 1.5-3 hours as needed (refer to packaging for dose instructions)
• Best used undiluted, however, may be diluted with water if stinging or burning occurs
• Do not use for more than 7 days without medical or dental advice
• In the case of sore throats, if symptoms do not improve after a few days of treatment, consult your doctor as the condition may require treatment with antibiotics
• Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution should not be swallowed, but expelled from the mouth after each use
• Thoroughly brush teeth before use to minimise the risk of discolouring the teeth
• Seek medical advice before using Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution 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
• Only use under medical advice in patients who are pregnant (ADEC Pregnancy Category B2) or breast feeding

Schedule

Schedule 2

Common side effects

Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution 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:

• Temporary discolouration of the teeth, tongue and dental restorations (minimized by thoroughly brushing teeth prior to use)
• 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)

Contact your doctor if you experience or are concerned about any of the above side effects.

Uncommon side effects

Very rarely, Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution 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-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution is suitable for you.

If you experience difficulty breathing or develop swelling of the face, lips or tongue following use of Difflam-C Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Solution, 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]
3. Martindale [electronic resource]: the complete drug reference. 35th ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007. [Cited January 9, 2008]

For further information talk to your doctor.