Comparative evaluation of rapidity of action of benzydamine hydrochloride 0.3% oromucosal spray and benzydamine hydrochloride 3 mg lozenges in patients with acute sore throat: A phase IV randomized trial

Acute sore throat (ST) can occur as part of a common cold of viral origin or caused by pharyngeal bacterial pathogens. The majority of patients with acute ST complain of pain on swallowing and dry scratchiness which can have a negative impact on the quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate the time to pain relief in patients with acute ST, following a single administration of benzydamine hydrochloride (HCl) 0.3% oromucosal spray or benzydamine HCl 3 mg lozenges. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, active-controlled, open label, parallel-group, international phase IV study was conducted at 12 investigational centers in Poland, Hungary, and Russian Federation. The study population consisted of 363 adult patients with recent onset (≤3 days) of ST and a diagnosis of tonsillopharyngitis. The primary endpoint was to assess the efficacy of benzydamine HCl in ST pain relief at 2 minutes after a single-dose administration. Secondary endpoints included, among others, the assessment of a first perceived ST relief at 1 minute after a single-dose administration of benzydamine HCl spray or lozenge. RESULTS: Both the spray and lozenges are effective in providing a ST relief starting already at 2 minutes after a single administration, with an effect lasting up to up to 4 hours. Clinical efficacy after 7 days of treatment and a good safety profile were also demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Anesthetic and analgesic properties of benzydamine spray and lozenges effectively addressed the patient priority of a rapid relief of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).