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Benzydamine
Benzydamine is an indazole compound and locally acting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with local anaesthetic and analgesic properties1. It is classified psychoactively as a deliriant, stimulant, and hallucinogen, with these effects reported when taken in excess. Unlike aspirin-like NSAIDs, which are acids or are metabolized to acids, benzydamine is a weak base1. Excessive use has been associated with delirium and central nervous system stimulation, particularly in reported adolescent use.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Legacy content. A statistically backed ontology from Mindstate Design Labs is coming soon.
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
Cognitive
Visual
Distortions
Auditory
See also: Subjective Effects of Deliriants
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Benzydamine hydrochloride is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used locally as an oral spray and has local anesthetic effects.2 It predominantly reduces production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta, while having limited effects on several other cytokines.3 It is a weak inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase activity, with inhibition reported only at concentrations of 1 mmol/L or greater, and may also inhibit neutrophil oxidative burst, stabilize lysosomal membranes, and reduce release of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Cannabinoid or 5-HT2A receptor activity has been hypothesized from animal findings or structural similarity, but these mechanisms remain unconfirmed.
Pharmacokinetics
Oral benzydamine is well absorbed, reaches peak plasma concentration relatively rapidly, and has a reported half-life of approximately 13 hours, with a terminal half-life of about 7.7 hours in another study. Local treatment with benzydamine hydrochloride targets symptoms of inflammation and dysphagia without significant systemic effects.2 After oral administration, benzydamine has a distribution volume of 100 L and plasma protein binding of 10 to 15%.2 Benzydamine is excreted through the kidneys, including in urine as polar metabolites and unchanged drug.2 Studies differ on the fraction excreted unchanged in urine, reporting approximately 5% in one account and 50-65% in others.
Caution
Use cautionThese combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Tolerance
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
ModerateBenzydamine has been described as strongly reinforcing in animal studies and as producing sensitization patterns that overlap with misuse-prone drugs such as heroin and cocaine, suggesting notable abuse potential.
Toxicity
Overdose ingestion of large quantities (over 300 mg) can cause gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and oesophageal irritation.
Severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported, with symptoms including swelling of the throat and mouth, difficulty swallowing, speaking, and breathing, or wheezing.
Psychosis Risk
At overdose levels, benzydamine acts as a deliriant with hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, and irritability commonly reported. Recreational abuse for these delirant effects has been documented particularly among teenagers in Brazil, Poland, Romania, and Turkey.
History & Culture
Benzydamine hydrochloride has been available since 1966 for symptomatic treatment of acute inflammation of the oral and vaginal mucosae5. It was subsequently sold under brand names including Tantum Verde, Difflam, Maxtra Gargle, and Septabene for topical treatment of inflammatory…
Legality
International
Reported to be legally obtainable in over-the-counter preparations across much of the world.
By Country
CanadaPrescription only
GermanyPrescription only
PolandLegal (regulated)
SingaporeLegal (regulated)
ThailandLegal (regulated)References
Source Pages
Citations
Further Reading
Article Status
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