Evaluation of the Effect of Benzydamine Hydrochloride on the Intensity of Gag Reflex: A Randomized Single-Blind Clinical Trial

Statement of the Problem: Gag reflex is among the most common problems during dental and endoscopic procedures. Benzydamine hydrochloride is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medica-tion and a local anesthetic that might be useful in reducing the gag reflex. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of benzydamine hydrochloride mouthwash on the intensity of the gag reflex. Materials and Method: In this randomized clinical trial study, 30 participants aged 21-26 with a gag trigger point index (GTPI) higher than 2 were divided into 2 groups. In the case group, 15 ml of 0.15% benzydamine hydrochloride mouthwash was gargled for 1 minute, and after 10 minutes GTPI test was conducted. In the control group, 4 puffs of 10% lidocaine spray were applied to the mucosa of the targeted area, and after 5 minutes, GTPI was measured. Participants were asked about the taste and smell of the medications. Results: GTPI was significantly reduced in both groups. In the lidocaine group, the GTPI score changed from 4.47 to 2.00 (P 0.001), and that for the benzydamine group was 4.20 to 1.47 (P 0.001). The variance rate of the gag reflex was -2.73 and -2.47 in the benzydamine group and lidocaine group, respectively. However, this reduction was not statistically significant between the two groups. Also, benzydamine mouthwash has a significantly better taste and smell than lido-caine (P= 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that benzydamine mouthwash could be used quite effectively in reducing the gag reflex.