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

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

International Brand Names:

Tesalon® (MX); Tessalon® (CA); Tusical® (MX); Tusitato® (MX)