Difflam Solution

Generic Name: Benzydamine
Product Name: Difflam Solution

Indication: What Difflam Solution is used for

Difflam 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.

Your doctor may recommend Difflam Solution for another reason – ask your doctor if you are unsure why it has been recommended for you.

Action: How Difflam Solution works

Difflam 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 anesthetic activity.

Dose advice: How to use Difflam Solution

• Difflam Solution may be used as either a gargle (for throat conditions) or a mouth rinse (for oral lesions such as mouth ulcers), and 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 occurs;
• 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;
• Do not swallowed – spit out after each use;
• Seek medical advice before using Difflam 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;
• Use only under medical advice if you are pregnant (ADEC category B2) or breastfeeding.

Schedule of Difflam Solution

Schedule 2

Side effects of Difflam Solution

Common side effects

The medication 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 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 whether this medicine is suitable for you.

If you experience difficulty breathing or develop swelling of the face, lips or tongue following use of Difflam Solution, seek emergency medical attention.

References

1. MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2003. [Cited December 27, 2007]. Available from: [URL Link]
2. Electronic Australian Prescription Products Guide. Australian Pharmaceutical Publishing Company, 2007. [Cited December 27, 2007]

For further information talk to your doctor.