Benzydamine for the Treatment of Oropharyngeal Mucositis from Radiation Therapy: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines

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Project Status:
Completed
Project Line:
Health Technology Review
Project Sub Line:
Summary with Critical Appraisal
Project Number:
RC1021-000

Question


  1. What is the clinical effectiveness of benzydamine oral rinse (

  2. 15%) for the symptomatic relief of oropharyngeal mucositis caused by radiation therapy?

  3. What are guidelines informing the use of benzydamine oral rinse (

  4. 15%) for the symptomatic relief of oropharyngeal mucositis caused by radiation therapy?


Key Message

There is no evidence supporting the clinical effectiveness of benzydamine oral rinse for treatment of oropharyngeal mucositis caused by radiation therapy. A high quality systematic review identified two poor quality randomized controlled trials; these studies did not show a difference between benzydamine and placebo for improvement in oral mucositis. Available guidelines for the management of mucositis secondary to cancer therapy did not address the use of benzydamine oral rinse for treatment of oropharyngeal mucositis.