Real World Effectiveness of Benzydamine + Chlorhexidine on Sore Throat of COVID-19 Patients (Difflam-C® COVID-19)

Abstract

Objective: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 caused a global pandemic with staggering speed. Various experimental drugs and non-pharmacologic interventions had been investigated to determine additional benefits for the management of COVID-19. This study explored the real-world effectiveness of benzydamine + chlorhexidine (Difflam-C®) solution in alleviating sore throat of Filipino patients, under condition of routine medical practice. Study Design: Observational, uncontrolled study design Setting: Ambulatory / out-patient health facilities Method: This study included patients who were suspect, probable and confirmed to have COVID-19 who manifested with symptoms and signs of dysphagia / odynophagia. They were prescribed with benzydamine + chlorhexidine (Difflam-C®) solution as a supplement for the management of these conditions, regardless of RT-PCR and/or rapid antigen test result, in accordance with the respective local prescribing information and routine clinical practice. Results: A decreasing trend can be observed in the median visual analogue scales (VAS) pain scores from baseline up to seven days. The difference from the baseline VAS score was significant in all observation period from day 1 to day 7 (p<0.001). The greatest difference was seen between days 4 and 5 (median VAS scores of 2 and 0, respectively). Almost all of the participants (95.9%) reported sore throat resolution at the end of the seventh day of observation. Majority did not experience adverse events and if so, were generally mild. Conclusion: The benzydamine + chlorhexidine (Difflam-C®) gargle alleviated the signs of dysphagia and odynophagia among patients with suspected, probable and confirmed COVID-19 infection