Comparative efficacy of zinc sulfate and benzydamine mouthwash in the management of radiation-induced oral mucositis

• Published in: Journal of Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology Vol. 36; no. 1; pp. 2 - 6
• Main Authors: Patil, Karthikeya, Sanjay, C, Mahima, V, Devi, K. Renuka, Ramesh, Aishwarya, Shiny, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mumbai Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01-01-2024; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd
• Subjects: Care and treatment; Chitosan; Essential oils; Head & neck cancer; Head and neck carcinoma; Mouthwashes; Mucositis; Oral carcinoma; Patient compliance; Patients; Quality of life; Radiation; Stomatitis; Zinc; Zinc sulfate
• ISSN: 0972-1363; 0975-1572
• DOI: 10.4103/jiaomr.jiaomr_20_23

Background: Radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) has major repercussions on the quality of life of patients suffering from head and neck carcinoma. There is currently no definitive treatment regimen for RIOM. Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness of a formulated mouthwash containing 2.5% zinc sulfate compared to a commercially available mouthwash containing 0.15% benzydamine in the treatment of RIOM in patients with head and neck carcinoma. Methodology: A hundred patients of both genders with stage III and IV head and neck cancer who developed oral mucositis were randomly assigned to interventional and control groups. The interventional group was instructed to use a formulated zinc sulfate mouthwash comprising chitosan and peppermint oil, and the control group was instructed to use 0.15% benzydamine mouthwash. Both groups were evaluated at baseline, along with four follow-up visits. Results: This clinical trial demonstrated that the use of zinc sulfate mouthwash showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the severity of oral mucositis compared to benzydamine mouthwash, which showed lower potential in reducing the progression of oral mucositis. Conclusion: Zinc sulfate mouthwash can be administered to patients with RIOM since it is affordable and has excellent therapeutic capabilities with minimal side effects.