Bonjela Adult is an almost-colourless gel that is applied to areas of discomfort inside the mouth or on the surface of the gums. The formula contains active ingredients that reduce inflammation and swelling as well as minimise the risk of infection around sore or broken skin in the mouth.

Bonjela Adult should effectively treat mouth ulcer symptoms after a few days of application. Depending on the severity of your condition, swelling and inflammation may clear up quicker or require further treatment. If symptoms do not improve after 7 days of using Bonjela Adult, you should seek professional advice from your doctor or dentist.

Bonjela Adult is made from two main active ingredients.

The first is choline salicylate, which belongs to a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and works by blocking the action of an enzyme in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) which contributes to the production of inflammation-causing prostaglandins

The second is cetalkonium chloride, which works as an antiseptic to kill bacteria and prevent further infections.

Although uncommon, in some cases Bonjela Adult can cause the following side effects:

• Unexplained wheezing or coughing
• Asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Itching or face, tongue, and throat swelling which can be signs of serious allergic reactions

If you do experience any of the above symptoms after using the treatment, you must stop using the product and seek medical help from a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.

This treatment is intended for individuals over the age of 16. It isn’t safe for children or adolescents under 16 years of age due to a possible link between the active ingredients and Reye’s syndrome, a very rare and potentially-fatal disease affecting the brain and liver.

You should seek alternative products and avoid using Bonjela Adult if either of the following things is true:

• You’re suffering from a stomach ulcer
• You’re allergic to salicylates, aspirin, or other NSAID such as ibuprofen

If you’re unsure about whether you can safely use this product, always seek advice from a medical professional.

Using Bonjela while pregnant or trying to conceive is not known to be harmful, but it’s always worth speaking to your doctor or pharmacist beforehand. They’ll likely suggest that you avoid using the product towards the end of a pregnancy because salicylates can increase the risk of bleeding.

As for breastfeeding, there’s a small risk that salicylates may pass into breast milk in very small amounts, but this is unlikely to have any adverse effects on a nursing infant. Again, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before using Bonjela if you're breastfeeding.

If you’re currently taking other medicines, you should check with a medical professional before using Bonjela. Salicylates in the gel may increase the effect of anticoagulants (blood-thinning medicines) or decrease the effectiveness of other medicines such as uricosurics products used to treat gout.