In vitro antimicrobial activity of an oral spray combining 0.15% benzydamine hydrochloride and 0.5% cetylpyridinium chloride.

Background: Reducing the microbial load in the upper respiratory tract can reduce the risk of transmission and spread of respiratory tract infections. Methods: The in vitro antimicrobial activity of a new oral spray combining 0.15% benzydamine hydrochloride and 0.5% cetylpyridinium chloride (Tantum Verde DUO®, Angelini Pharma S.p.A., spray duo) was investigated. Results: Spray duo showed bacterial, yeasticidal and virucidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus hirae (1 minute contact), Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pyogenes (30 second contact), Candida albicans (5 minute contact), modified vaccinia Ankara (3 minute contact), influenza A virus subtype H1N1, herpes simplex virus 1, and SARS-CoV-2 (1 minute contact). Conclusions: Spray duo showed antimicrobial activity under in vitro conditions. Further investigations are warranted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity in clinical practice.