EVALUATION OF TOXICITY OF 0.2% CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE AND 0.15% BENZYDAMINE HCL (COMBINED) WITH 0.2% CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE (ALONE) ON ORAL CELL LINE

Aim:The purpose of this in vitro study wasto evaluate whether the toxic effects are reduced by using the combination of 0.5% Benzydamine hydrochloride along with 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate and to compare it with 0.2 % Chlorhexidine gluconate alone.

Materials and Methods: Two groups with a total of 160 cultured cell samples consisting of 80 cultured cell samples each of Control group (0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate alone)and Experimental group (Combination of 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate and 0.15% Benzydamine Hydrochloride). Again subdivided as A and Bwith 40 cultured cell samples each, to evaluate viable cell count with dye exclusion test and cell proliferation rate by using MTT assay, for 30 seconds and 60 seconds.

Result: Mean viable cell count andMean proliferation ratewas found to be higher in the experimental groupas compared to the control group when exposed to 30 secondsas compared to 60 seconds (p-value<0.001).

Conclusion: The results of this in vitro study indicated that 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate, when used alone, is more cytotoxic whereas the same concentration of 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate when used in combination with 0.15% Benzydamine Hydrochloride is less toxic to cells thus maintaining their viability.

Clinical Significance:This study adds value to the use of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate regimen over the combination therapy to achieve periodontal health.