Neurology
Medicines for Bell's palsy
A sudden weakness or drooping of one side of the face caused by inflammation of the facial nerve — usually improved by early steroids and careful eye protection, with most people recovering.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Bell's palsy?
Bell's palsy is a sudden weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the face, caused by inflammation of the facial nerve as it passes through a narrow channel in the skull. It often comes on over hours to a day or two, and the cause is frequently thought to be a viral trigger.
- How it is treated: The priorities are to reduce the nerve inflammation and to protect the eye.
- Self-care: Diligent eye care is the most important self-help measure: using lubricating drops by day, ointment and taping or a patch to keep the eye closed at night, and protecting it from wind and dust.
- When to seek help: Sudden facial drooping needs urgent assessment to tell Bell's palsy apart from a stroke.
What it is
Bell's palsy is a sudden weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the face, caused by inflammation of the facial nerve as it passes through a narrow channel in the skull. It often comes on over hours to a day or two, and the cause is frequently thought to be a viral trigger. People may notice the corner of the mouth drooping, difficulty closing one eye, changes to taste, or sounds seeming louder on the affected side. Although it can be alarming and is sometimes mistaken for a stroke, it is a distinct condition affecting only the nerve to the face, and the great majority of people recover, especially when treatment begins early.
How it is treated
The priorities are to reduce the nerve inflammation and to protect the eye. A course of corticosteroids started early — ideally within around 72 hours of symptoms beginning — improves the chance and completeness of recovery, so prompt assessment matters. In more severe cases an antiviral may be added alongside the steroid. Because the eye on the affected side may not close fully, protecting it from drying and injury is essential and is treated as seriously as the nerve itself. Recovery is then monitored over weeks to months, with referral if it is severe, not improving or affecting the eye.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Bell's palsy
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Symptom checker
Symptoms that can point to Bell's palsy
Bell's palsy can be one cause of these symptoms. Each guide explains the other possible causes and the red-flag warning signs that mean you should get urgent help:
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Diligent eye care is the most important self-help measure: using lubricating drops by day, ointment and taping or a patch to keep the eye closed at night, and protecting it from wind and dust. Gentle facial exercises and good rest support recovery, and the eye should be checked promptly if it becomes red, painful or gritty.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Sudden facial drooping needs urgent assessment to tell Bell's palsy apart from a stroke. A stroke usually spares the forehead (you can still wrinkle it) and tends to come with other signs such as weakness in an arm or leg or slurred speech — a sudden facial droop with any of these is an emergency, so call 999. Also seek prompt help if the eye becomes painful or red, if weakness comes on gradually, or if there are other neurological symptoms, as these need further assessment.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Bell's palsy: frequently asked questions
What medicines are used for Bell's palsy?
The mainstay is a short course of corticosteroids started early — ideally within about three days of symptoms beginning — to reduce inflammation of the facial nerve and improve recovery. In more severe cases an antiviral may be added. Lubricating eye drops and ointment are also used to protect the eye while it cannot close fully.
Is it a stroke?
Bell's palsy is not a stroke, but the two can look similar at first, so sudden facial weakness should always be assessed urgently. Bell's palsy affects the whole side of the face, including the forehead, so you cannot wrinkle the forehead on the weak side. A stroke usually spares the forehead — you can still wrinkle it — and tends to come with other signs such as limb weakness or slurred speech. So if the forehead is spared, or there are any other symptoms, treat it as an emergency and call 999.
Will I make a full recovery?
Most people recover well, and many recover completely, particularly when steroid treatment is started early. Improvement usually begins within a few weeks, though full recovery can take several months. A small number are left with some lasting weakness, which is why early treatment and follow-up matter.
Why do I need to protect my eye?
If the eye on the affected side cannot close fully, it can dry out and the surface can be scratched or damaged without you noticing. Lubricating drops during the day, ointment and taping the eye shut at night, and protection from wind and dust all guard against this until normal blinking returns.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Bell's palsy.
- NICE CKS: Bell's palsy.
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.