Kazemian, A., Kamian, S., Aghili, M., Hashemi, F. A., & Haddad, P. (2009). Benzydamine for prophylaxis of radiation-induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancers: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. European Journal of Cancer Care, 18(2), 174–178.
To evaluate the efficacy of benzydamine oral rinse for prevention of radiation-induced mucositis
Patients rinsed for 2 minutes four times a day with 15 mL study medication (0.15% benzydamine oral rinse) or identical placebo (in appearance and taste) from the first day of radiation therapy (RT) to the end of treatment. Patients were encouraged to brush their teeth at least twice daily and rinse as necessary with normal saline or sodium bicarbonate. Commercial mouthwashes were prohibited.
The study was conducted at the Radiation Oncology Department of the Cancer Institute at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2004-2005.
This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Benzydamine 0.15% oral rinse was safe and well tolerated. It significantly reduced RT-induced mucositis, which also decreased the interruption of treatment.
Nurses will need to know how to effectively teach patients to use the oral rinse. This study also highlights the importance of daily oral hygiene, which is another good teaching point.