Benzydamine-An Affordable Over-the-Counter Drug with Psychoactive Properties-From Chemical Structure to Possible Pharmacological Properties.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) April 10, 2023 Bianca-Eugenia Ősz, George Jîtcă, Andreea Sălcudean et al. 29 citations
Benzydamine is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that differs structurally and pharmacologically from other drugs in its class; its anti-inflammatory mechanism is not fully explained by prostaglandin synthesis inhibition. It is used clinically for local inflammation of the oral and vaginal mucosa. However, in high oral doses it is used as a psychotropic substance with effects similar to LSD. Because it is available over the counter, recreational use raises concerns about its pharmacodynamic and toxicological properties, as the mechanism of action and side effects of systemic high-dose consumption are not fully understood. This review analyzes benzydamine's pharmacodynamics by comparing its chemical structure to similar compounds used therapeutically or recreationally.