Benzonatate

Indications

Benzonatate is used for: Cough

Adult Dose

Cough 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg PO q8hr; 600 mg/day maximum

Child Dose

<10 years Safety and efficacy not established >10 years Cough: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg PO q8hr; 600 mg/day maximum

Renal Dose

Administration

Contra Indications

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

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children Severe hypersensitivity reactions (bronchospasm, cardiovascular collapse) reported with therapy (possibly related to sucking or chewing the capsule) Deliberate or accidental overdose has resulted in death, particularly in children Isolated cases of abnormal behavior (mental confusion and visual hallucinations) reported

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy category: C Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use caution

Interactions

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Benzonatate : Frequency Not Defined Hypersensitivity reaction; bronchospasm, laryngospasm, cardiovascular collapse possibly related to local anesthesia from chewing or sucking the capsule or perle Chest numbness Chilly sensation Confusion Constipation Dizziness GI upset Hallucinations Headache Nasal congestion Nausea Pruritus Sedation Skin eruptions

Mechanism of Action

Nonnarcotic antitussive; local anesthetic effect anesthetizes stretch receptors in respiratory passages and lungs