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