Benzonatate

Benzonatate is a non-narcotic antitussive used for the symptomatic treatment of cough. It acts peripherally by anesthetizing the stretch receptors located in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura, dampening their activity and thereby reducing the cough reflex at its source. It begins to act within 15 to 20 minutes and its effect lasts for 3 to 8 hours.

Benzonatate is chemically related to anesthetic agents of the para-amino-benzoic acid class (e.g., procaine, tetracaine). It is indicated for adults and children 10 years and older. Capsules should be swallowed whole; do not chew, crush, or dissolve.

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, constipation, nausea, nasal congestion, and skin rash. Serious hypersensitivity reactions (bronchospasm, laryngospasm) may occur.

• Cough

Benzonatate acts peripherally by anesthetizing the stretch receptors located in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura by dampening their activity and thereby reducing the cough reflex at its source. It begins to act within 15 to 20 minutes and its effect lasts for 3 to 8 hours.

Benzonatate is chemically related to anesthetic agents of the para-amino-benzoic acid class (e.g., procaine, tetracaine) and has been associated with adverse CNS effects.

Benzonatate is a non-narcotic antitussive that reduces the cough reflex by anesthetizing the stretch receptors in the respiratory passages and lungs through a local anesthetic effect.

Adults and Children (10 years and older): 100 mg, 150 mg, or 200 mg capsule three times daily (every 8 hours). If necessary to control cough, up to 600 mg daily in three divided doses may be given.

Children (under 10 years): Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Swallow capsules whole. Do not break, chew, dissolve, cut, or crush. May be taken with or without food.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

• Hypersensitivity reactions (bronchospasm, laryngospasm, cardiovascular collapse)
• Sedation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Pruritus
• Skin eruptions
• Nasal congestion
• Burning sensation in eyes
• Chest numbness
• Chilly sensation
• Confusion
• Hallucinations

• Keep out of reach of children - accidental ingestion in children under 10 years has resulted in death
• Chewing or sucking capsules may cause local anesthesia leading to serious reactions
• Deliberate or accidental overdose has resulted in death, particularly in children
• Isolated cases of bizarre behavior (mental confusion and visual hallucinations) have been reported
• Benzonatate is chemically related to para-amino-benzoic acid class anesthetics

• Hypersensitivity to benzonatate or related compounds (tetracaine-type topical anesthetics)

No significant drug interactions are known. However, caution is advised with other CNS depressants.

No specific food restrictions.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Insufficient data on safety during pregnancy (Category C). Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Use only if clearly needed.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] It is unknown whether benzonatate is excreted in human breast milk. Caution is advised in nursing mothers.

Safety and efficacy in children under 10 years have not been established. For children 10 years and older, adult dosage applies.

No dose adjustment needed for elderly patients, but caution is advised.

No dose adjustment needed for renal or hepatic impairment, but caution is advised.

Symptoms: Signs of overdose appear within 15-20 minutes. Chewing or dissolving capsules may cause rapid oropharyngeal anesthesia, leading to choking and airway compromise.

Treatment: Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Evacuate gastric contents and administer copious amounts of activated charcoal slurry.

Store below 25°C in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Benzonatate