benzonatate

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity to benzonatate. Cross-sensitivity with other ester-type local anesthetics (tetracaine, procaine, and others) may occur.

Use Cautiously in:

OB: Safety not established in pregnancy;
Lactation: Safety not established in breastfeeding;
Pedi: Children <10 yr (safety and effectiveness not established).

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: pruritus, skin eruptions

EENT: burning sensation in eyes, nasal congestion

GI: GI upset, constipation, nausea

Neuro: dizziness, headache, sedation

Misc: chest numbness, chilly sensation, hypersensitivity reactions

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Additive CNS depression may occur with antihistamines, alcohol, opioids, and sedative/hypnotics.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Capsules: 100 mg; 150 mg; 200 mg

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults and Children ≥10 yr): 100 mg 3 times daily (up to 600 mg/day).

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇

Anesthetizes cough or stretch receptors in vagal nerve afferent fibers found in lungs, pleura, and respiratory passages. May also decrease transmission of the cough reflex centrally.

Therapeutic effects:

Reduction in cough.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: allergy, cold and cough remedies, antitussives (local anesthetic)

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(antitussive effect)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	15–20 min	unknown	3–8 hr

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain purpose and side effects of medication to patient. Advise to read Patient Information before starting therapy. Instruct to take exactly as directed. If a dose is missed, take as soon as possible unless almost time for next dose. Do not double doses.
Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult health care professional before taking other medications.
DNC: Caution patient not to chew capsules.
Advise parents to keep benzonatate in a child-resistant container and store it out of reach of children. Overdose with benzonatate in children <2 yr has been reported following accidental ingestion of as few as one or two capsules. If a child accidentally ingests benzonatate, seek medical attention immediately.
May occasionally cause dizziness or drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to the medication is known.
Instruct patient to cough effectively. Sit upright and take several deep breaths before attempting to cough.
Advise patient to minimize cough by avoiding irritants, such as cigarette smoke, fumes, and dust. Humidification of environmental air, frequent sips of water, and sugarless hard candy may also ↓ the frequency of dry, irritating cough.
Caution patient to avoid taking alcohol or other CNS depressants, including opioids and cannabinoids, concurrently with this medication.
Advise patient that any cough lasting >1 wk or accompanied by fever, chest pain, persistent headache, or skin rash warrants medical attention.
Advise patient to notify health care professional if symptoms of overdose (seizures, restlessness, trembling) occur.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇