Benzonatate
Pronunciation
(ben ZOE na tate)
U.S. Brand Names
Tessalon®
Generic Available
Yes
Canadian Brand Names
Tessalon®
Use
Symptomatic relief of nonproductive cough
Pregnancy Risk Factor
C
Lactation
Excretion in breast milk unknown
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to benzonatate, related compounds (such as tetracaine), or any component of the formulation
Adverse Reactions
1% to 10%:
Central nervous system: Sedation, headache, dizziness
Dermatologic: Rash
Gastrointestinal: GI upset
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Numbness in chest
Ocular: Burning sensation in eyes
Respiratory: Nasal congestion
Overdosage/Toxicology
Symptoms of overdose include restlessness, tremor, and CNS stimulation. Benzonatate's local anesthetic activity can reduce the patient's gag reflex and, therefore, may contradict the use of ipecac following ingestion. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
Drug Interactions
No data reported
Mechanism of Action
Tetracaine congener with antitussive properties; suppresses cough by topical anesthetic action on the respiratory stretch receptors
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
Onset of action: Therapeutic: 15-20 minutes
Duration: 3-8 hours
Dosage
Children >10 years and Adults: Oral: 100 mg 3 times/day or every 4 hours up to 600 mg/day
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor patient's chest sounds and respiratory pattern
Patient Education
Take only as prescribed; do not exceed prescribed dose or frequency. Do not break or chew capsule. Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids) unless instructed to restrict fluid intake. Avoid use of other depressants, or sleep-inducing medications unless approved by prescriber. You may experience drowsiness, impaired coordination, blurred vision, or increased anxiety (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known); or upset stomach or nausea (small, frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking hard candy may help). Report persistent CNS changes (dizziness, sedation, tremor, or agitation); numbness in chest or feeling of chill; visual changes or burning in eyes; numbness of mouth or difficulty swallowing; or lack of improvement or worsening or condition.
Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions:
Inform prescriber if you are or intend to become pregnant. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
No significant effects or complications reported
Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions
No information available to require special precautions
Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status
May cause drowsiness
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment
May potentiate sedative effects of sedating psychotropics
Dosage Forms
Capsule: 100 mg
Tessalon®: 100 mg, 200 mg
References
Mongan PD and Culling Rd, "Rapid Oral Anesthesia for Awake Intubation,"
J Clin Anesth
, 1992, 4(2):101-5.
International Brand Names
Tesalon® (MX); Tessalon® (CA); Tusical® (MX); Tusitato® (MX)
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