Dexpanthenol pastille and benzydamine hydrochloride spray for the prevention of post-operative sore throat

Background: In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of dexpanthenol pastille and benzydamine hydrochloride spray on the prevention of a sore throat. Methods: One hundred and eighty patients undergoing general anaesthesia, who were ASA I-II and with their ages ranging between 15 and 70 years, were randomly allocated to three groups, each consisting of 60 patients. For group B, four puffs of benzydamine hydrochloride were sprayed into the mouth initially 30 min before the operation and repeatedly 5 min before anaesthesia induction. For group D, two pastilles of dexpanthenol were administered orally to be sucked 30 min before the operation. For group P, four puffs of distilled water were sprayed into the mouth initially 30 min before the operation. Post-operatively, patients were evaluated for a sore throat for the duration of 24 h. Results: The incidence of a sore throat was significantly lower for group D when compared with group B and group P. The incidence of a sore throat was similar for group B and group P. According to the sore throat grading system, the number of patients experiencing no complaints was significantly higher for group D when compared with group B and group P. The number of patients achieving moderate scores was significantly higher for group B when compared with group D. Conclusion: The administration of 200 mg of dexpanthenol prophylactically before endotracheal intubation is effective in the prevention of post-operative sore throat. © 2006 Acta Anaesthesiol Scand.