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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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