Understanding Benzyclor: What is the use of Benzyclor?

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Acute pharyngitis, or sore throat, accounts for about 12 million ambulatory care visits in the United States annually. For those seeking relief, understanding medications like Benzyclor is key. So, what is the use of Benzyclor? It is a combination medication for treating oral inflammation and infections.

Quick Summary

Benzyclor is a topical oral treatment containing Benzydamine and Chlorhexidine. It's used to manage gum inflammation (gingivitis), reduce dental plaque, and alleviate pain and swelling in the mouth and throat.

Key Points

Dual Active Ingredients: Benzyclor contains Benzydamine, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and Chlorhexidine, an antiseptic.
Primary Use: It is primarily used to treat gum inflammation (gingivitis), reduce dental plaque, and relieve pain in the mouth and throat.
Mechanism of Action: Benzydamine reduces pain and swelling by blocking inflammatory messengers, while Chlorhexidine kills infection-causing microorganisms.
Local Application: It is a topical treatment, typically a mouthwash or spray, that acts directly on the affected area and should not be swallowed.
Pain and Inflammation Relief: It is effective for painful conditions like mouth ulcers, sore throat, and pain following dental surgery.
Side Effects: Common side effects are localized and include oral numbness, stinging, and potential teeth staining with prolonged use.
Not for Viral Infections: Benzyclor will not treat viral infections such as cold sores or fungal infections like oral thrush.

What is Benzyclor?

Benzyclor is a combination medication, primarily available as a mouthwash, used to treat inflammatory and infectious conditions of the mouth and throat. Its active ingredients are Benzydamine Hydrochloride and Chlorhexidine Gluconate. These components work together to provide anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, local anesthetic, and antiseptic effects. While "Benzyclor" is a brand name, its actions stem from its constituent parts found in other products. It is applied topically and should not be swallowed.

The Dual-Action Pharmacology of Benzyclor

Benzyclor's effectiveness comes from its two main ingredients:

Benzydamine Hydrochloride: This NSAID has anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic properties. It reduces inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and provides pain relief by blocking nerve signals. It concentrates in inflamed tissues with minimal systemic absorption.

Chlorhexidine Gluconate: This broad-spectrum antiseptic binds to oral surfaces, disrupting and killing bacteria that cause gum disease and plaque. It helps manage infections and supports oral hygiene.

Primary Uses and Indications

Benzyclor is used for various painful and inflammatory conditions in the mouth and throat, including:

Gingivitis and Gum Disease: Treats inflammation, redness, and discomfort by killing bacteria and soothing pain.
Sore Throat (Pharyngitis): Provides symptomatic relief from pain and irritation due to its anti-inflammatory and local anesthetic effects.
Mouth Ulcers (Stomatitis) and Sores: Alleviates pain from ulcers and other mouth sores.
Post-Dental Surgery Pain: Manages pain and inflammation after dental procedures.
Oral Mucositis: Effective for inflammation and ulceration caused by radiation or chemotherapy.
General Oral Hygiene: Antiseptic properties help maintain cleanliness and prevent plaque.

How to Use Benzyclor Mouthwash

Always follow directions from a healthcare professional or the product label.

Measure: Use the prescribed amount, typically 15ml.
Rinse or Gargle: Swish or gargle the solution for 30 seconds to 1 minute, ensuring contact with affected areas.
Spit Out: Expel completely. Do not swallow. Ingestion can cause systemic side effects.
Avoid Post-Rinse Activities: Do not eat, drink, or brush for at least 30 minutes after use.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Benzyclor is generally well-tolerated when used correctly. Common localized side effects include:

Oral numbness or stinging
Changes in taste or a bitter taste
Dry mouth
Temporary staining of teeth and tongue, especially with prolonged Chlorhexidine use

These are usually mild. Staining can be reduced by avoiding staining foods/drinks and maintaining good hygiene. Systemic side effects are rare with topical use but can occur with accidental ingestion.

Comparison with Other Oral Pain Relievers


Medication/Active Ingredient	Primary Mechanism	Primary Use Case	Formulations	Key Advantage
Benzyclor (Benzydamine + Chlorhexidine)	Anti-inflammatory, Local Anesthetic, Antiseptic	Infected/inflamed oral conditions (e.g., gingivitis, sore throat)	Mouthwash, Spray	Combines pain/inflammation relief with antimicrobial action.
Ibuprofen (Systemic NSAID)	Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis throughout the body	General pain, fever, and inflammation (including dental pain)	Tablets, Capsules	Provides systemic relief for more widespread or severe pain.
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)	Central nervous system analgesic and antipyretic	General pain and fever	Tablets, Capsules, Liquid	Effective for pain and fever with fewer gastrointestinal risks than NSAIDs.
Lidocaine (Topical)	Local anesthetic (blocks nerve signals)	Numbing specific areas for procedures or severe localized pain	Gel, Spray	Provides strong, rapid numbing for acute pain.

Conclusion

In summary, what is the use of Benzyclor? It is a multi-action treatment for oral and throat pain and inflammation. By combining Benzydamine's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties with Chlorhexidine's antiseptic action, it addresses symptoms of conditions like gingivitis, sore throat, and mouth ulcers while also targeting microbial causes. Its topical application provides concentrated effect with minimal systemic absorption, making it a valuable option in oral healthcare when used properly.

For further information on Benzydamine, you can visit the NHS page on the medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Benzyclor Mouth Wash contains two active ingredients: Benzydamine, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and Chlorhexidine, which is an antiseptic.

It is primarily used to treat gum diseases like gingivitis (gum inflammation) and to prevent the formation of dental plaque.

Benzydamine works by blocking chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that kills microorganisms responsible for gum disease, tartar, and other mouth infections.

No, you should not swallow Benzyclor mouthwash. It is for topical oral use only. After rinsing or gargling for 30-60 seconds, you must spit it out.

Yes, common side effects can include a bitter taste, oral numbness, a stinging sensation, and temporary staining of the teeth, especially with long-term use.

Yes, the Benzydamine component in Benzyclor has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve the pain and irritation of a sore throat.

You should avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes after using the mouthwash to ensure it has time to work effectively.