What is benzonatate and how does it work. How should benzonatate be taken and what are its potential side effects. What precautions should be considered when using benzonatate.

Understanding Benzonatate: A Powerful Cough Suppressant

Benzonatate is a prescription medication used to alleviate coughing. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antitussives, or cough suppressants. The medication works by reducing the cough reflex in the lungs and air passages, providing relief from persistent coughs.

Benzonatate is available in two forms:

• Liquid-filled capsules
• Regular capsules

Both forms are designed to be taken orally, typically three times a day as needed or as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Proper Usage and Administration of Benzonatate

When taking benzonatate, it’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions carefully. Here are some key points to remember:

• Swallow the capsules whole
• Do not break, dissolve, cut, crush, suck, or chew the capsules
• Take the medication exactly as directed by your doctor
• Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or frequency

Why is it important to swallow benzonatate capsules whole? If the medication is released in the mouth, it can cause numbness and potentially lead to choking. If you experience numbness or tingling in your mouth, tongue, throat, or face after taking benzonatate, refrain from eating or drinking until the sensation subsides. If these symptoms persist or worsen, seek immediate medical attention.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Benzonatate

Like all medications, benzonatate can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences them, it’s important to be aware of potential adverse reactions. Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Stuffy nose
• Feeling chilly
• Burning sensation in the eyes

In rare cases, benzonatate may cause more serious side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately:

• Rash or hives
• Severe itching
• Tightening of the throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Chest numbness
• Confusion
• Hallucinations

Precautions and Considerations for Benzonatate Use

Before starting benzonatate treatment, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or medications you’re currently taking. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Are there specific groups who should exercise caution when using benzonatate? Yes, special considerations apply to:

• Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding mothers
• Individuals with known allergies to benzonatate or its ingredients
• Patients scheduled for surgery, including dental procedures

If you fall into any of these categories, discuss the potential risks and benefits of benzonatate use with your healthcare provider.

Safe Storage and Disposal of Benzonatate

Proper storage and disposal of benzonatate are crucial for safety, especially in households with children. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Keep the medication in its original, tightly closed container
• Store at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture
• Use a child-proof container and keep out of reach of children
• Do not store in the bathroom

How should unused or expired benzonatate be disposed of? The best method is through a medicine take-back program. If unavailable, do not flush the medication down the toilet. Instead, contact your local pharmacy or garbage/recycling department for proper disposal instructions.

Interactions and Contraindications of Benzonatate

Benzonatate may interact with other medications or substances, potentially affecting its efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. It’s important to disclose all current medications and supplements to your healthcare provider before starting benzonatate treatment.

Are there specific medications or conditions that contraindicate benzonatate use? While comprehensive studies on drug interactions with benzonatate are limited, caution is advised when combining it with:

• Other cough suppressants
• Medications that cause drowsiness
• Certain anesthetics (e.g., procaine, tetracaine)

Additionally, individuals with hypersensitivity to benzonatate or its components should avoid using this medication.

Benzonatate in Special Populations

The use of benzonatate in certain populations requires special consideration and monitoring. These groups include:

Pediatric Patients

Is benzonatate safe for use in children? The safety and efficacy of benzonatate in pediatric patients have not been well-established. The FDA has issued warnings about the risk of accidental ingestion in children under 10 years old, which can lead to severe adverse effects or death. Therefore, benzonatate is generally not recommended for young children, and extreme caution should be exercised in households with children present.

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of benzonatate, particularly its sedative properties. Healthcare providers may consider starting with a lower dose and monitoring for side effects more closely in this population.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Limited data exist on the safety of benzonatate during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider before using benzonatate to weigh the potential risks and benefits.

Alternatives to Benzonatate for Cough Relief

While benzonatate can be effective for cough suppression, it’s not the only option available. Depending on the underlying cause of the cough and individual patient factors, healthcare providers may recommend alternative treatments.

What are some other options for managing persistent coughs? Consider the following alternatives:

• Over-the-counter cough suppressants (e.g., dextromethorphan)
• Expectorants to help loosen mucus (e.g., guaifenesin)
• Natural remedies like honey or herbal teas
• Lifestyle modifications, such as staying hydrated and using a humidifier
• Treating underlying conditions (e.g., allergies, acid reflux) that may be causing the cough

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific situation.

Monitoring and Follow-up During Benzonatate Treatment

When prescribed benzonatate, regular monitoring and follow-up with your healthcare provider are essential to ensure the medication’s effectiveness and minimize potential risks.

What should patients watch for during benzonatate treatment? Key points to monitor include:

• Effectiveness in reducing cough frequency and severity
• Occurrence of side effects, both common and severe
• Any changes in overall health or the underlying condition causing the cough

If the cough persists or worsens despite benzonatate treatment, or if new symptoms develop, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider promptly. They may need to adjust your treatment plan or investigate other potential causes for your symptoms.

Understanding the Limitations of Benzonatate

While benzonatate can be an effective cough suppressant for many patients, it’s important to recognize its limitations and potential drawbacks.

What are some key considerations regarding benzonatate’s use? Consider the following points:

• Benzonatate treats the symptom (cough) rather than the underlying cause
• It may not be suitable for all types of coughs (e.g., productive coughs where expelling mucus is beneficial)
• The medication’s effects are temporary and may require repeated dosing
• There’s a risk of serious side effects, particularly if not taken as directed
• Long-term safety data for benzonatate is limited compared to some other cough medications

Healthcare providers weigh these factors when deciding whether to prescribe benzonatate or explore alternative treatments for cough management.

The Role of Benzonatate in Comprehensive Cough Management

Effective cough management often involves a multifaceted approach, with benzonatate potentially playing a role as part of a broader treatment strategy.

How can benzonatate be integrated into a comprehensive cough management plan? Consider the following aspects:

• Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the cough
• Combining benzonatate with other appropriate medications or treatments
• Implementing lifestyle modifications to support respiratory health
• Regular follow-up and adjustment of the treatment plan as needed
• Patient education on proper use, potential risks, and when to seek medical attention

By taking a holistic approach to cough management, healthcare providers can optimize the benefits of benzonatate while minimizing potential risks and addressing the root cause of the patient’s symptoms.

Future Developments and Research in Cough Suppressants

As medical research continues to advance, new developments in cough suppression and management are emerging. While benzonatate remains a valuable tool in the current treatment arsenal, ongoing studies aim to improve its efficacy and safety profile or discover novel alternatives.

What areas of research are currently being explored in cough management? Some promising directions include:

• Development of new formulations of benzonatate with improved safety profiles
• Investigation of targeted therapies that address specific cough receptors or pathways
• Exploration of combination therapies that may enhance efficacy while reducing side effects
• Research into novel natural compounds with antitussive properties
• Advancements in understanding the neurophysiology of cough to develop more targeted treatments

As research progresses, patients and healthcare providers may have access to an expanded range of options for managing persistent coughs, potentially offering improved efficacy and reduced risks compared to current treatments.

Benzonatate: MedlinePlus Drug Information

pronounced as (ben zoe’ na tate)

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Benzonatate is used to relieve cough. Benzonatate is in a class of medications called antitussives (cough suppressants). It works by reducing the cough reflex in the lungs and air passages.

Benzonatate comes as a liquid-filled capsule and a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take benzonatate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules and liquid-filled capsules whole; do not break, dissolve, cut, crush, suck or chew them. If the medication is released in the mouth, it may make the mouth numb and cause choking. Do not eat or drink if you feel numbness or tingling of your mouth, tongue, throat, or face. If feelings of numbness or tingling continue or get worse, get medical help right away.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking benzonatate,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to benzonatate, procaine (Novocain), tetracaine (in Synera),any other medications, or any of the ingredients in benzonatate capsules. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking benzonatate, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking benzonatate.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

This medication is usually taken as needed. If you are taking benzonatate regularly and you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Benzonatate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• constipation
• drowsiness
• headache
• dizziness
• stuffy nose
• feeling chilly
• burning in the eyes

Some side effects can be serious.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash or hives
• itching
• tightening of the throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• numbness of the chest
• confusion
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that do not exist)

Benzonatate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed. It is very important to store this medication in a closed child-proof container and to keep it out of reach of children. Children may be attracted to the shape and look of the liquid-filled capsules and may die if they swallow the medication. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

If benzonatate is taken accidentally, call for medical help immediately. Symptoms of overdose can occur rapidly (within 15–20 minutes of taking medication) and death in children has been reported within an hour. These symptoms may include the following:

• restlessness
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• confusion
• seizures
• unconsciousness

• Tessalon^®
• Zonatuss^®

Last Revised – 08/15/2017

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Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) – Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

uses

What is Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) used for?

• Cough

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to benzonatate or topical numbing medicines such as tetracaine or procaine (found in some insect bite and sunburn creams).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Benzonatate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old. An overdose of benzonatate can be fatal, especially to a young child who has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?

Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe drowsiness or dizziness;
• confusion, hallucinations.
• ongoing numbness or tingling in your mouth, throat, or face;
• numbness in your chest;
• a choking feeling;
• chills; or
• burning in your eyes.

Some of these side effects may result from chewing or sucking on a benzonatate capsule.

Common side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness;
• nausea, upset stomach;
• constipation;
• itching, rash; or
• stuffy nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

C

Risk cannot be ruled out

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?

Avoid eating or drinking anything while you feel numbness or tingling in your mouth or throat.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?

Use Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)?

Overdose symptoms may include tremors, feeling restless, seizure (convulsions), slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, and slow breathing (breathing may stop).

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles), call 911

911

Images

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Color: yellow

Shape: round

Imprint: T

ASC, 105

Color: yellow

Shape: capsule

Imprint: ASC, 105

133

Color: yellow

Shape: capsule

Imprint: 133

Cough control tablets: description, recipe, instructions

Cought control tablets

Analogues (generics, synonyms)

Mukaltin, Thermopsol

Active ingredient

Sodium hydrocarbonate, Thermopsis lanceolatae herba (Thermopsidis lanceolatae herba)

Pharmacological group

org/DrugClass”>
Secretolytics and airway stimulants in combinations

Recipe

International:

Rp.: Cought control tablets No. 10
D.S. 1 tablet 3 times a day

Russia:

OTC

Pharmacological action

Herb thermopsis has an expectorant effect, exerting a moderate irritant effect on the receptors of the gastric mucosa, reflexively increases the secretion of the bronchial glands.
The alkaloids contained in the thermopsis herb (cytisine, methylcytisine, pachycarpine, anagirin, thermopsin, thermopsidine) have a stimulating effect on the respiratory and, in high doses, on the vomiting centers. The components of the drug are well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum effect occurs 30-60 minutes after ingestion and lasts for 2-6 hours. Excreted from the body by the kidneys, respiratory mucosa and bronchial glands.
Sodium bicarbonate stimulates the secretion of bronchial glands, helps to reduce the viscosity of sputum.

Pharmacodynamics

There is no data for this section. We are currently processing the information, please come back later.

Pharmacokinetics

There is no data for this section. We are currently processing the information, please come back later.

How to use

For adults:

By mouth, adults are prescribed 1 tablet 3 times a day. The course of treatment for 3-5 days. The highest single dose in terms of thermopsis is 0.1 g (14 tablets). The highest daily dose in terms of thermopsis is 0.3 g (42 tablets).
Children over 12 years old – 1 tablet 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 3-5 days. The need for a second course is determined by the doctor.

Readings

– Diseases of the respiratory tract, accompanied by a cough with sputum difficult to separate (tracheitis, bronchitis) – as part of complex therapy.

Contraindications

– Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum in the acute phase
– Children’s age (up to 12 years).

Special instructions

There is no data for this section. We are currently processing the information, please come back later.

Side effects

– Allergic reactions are possible; nausea.

Overdose

There is no data for this section. We are currently processing the information, please come back later.

Drug interactions

There is no data for this section. We are currently processing the information, please come back later.

Release form

Tablets are flat-cylindrical, greenish-gray in color, with a bevel; dark inclusions are allowed.

1 tab. thermopsis herb powder lanceolate 6.7 mg sodium bicarbonate 250 mg.
Excipients: potato starch 27.9 mg, talc 5.4 mg.

10 pcs. – non-cell packing contour.
10 pcs. – non-cell packing contour (2) – packs of cardboard.
10 pcs. – packings are cell planimetric.
10 pcs. – cellular contour packings (2) – packs of cardboard.
10 pcs. – cellular contour packings (3) – packs of cardboard.
10 pcs. – cellular contour packings (5) – packs of cardboard.

Cough tablets instructions for use: indications, contraindications, side effects – description Antitussive tablets tab. 6.7 mg + 250 mg: 20, 30 or 50 pcs. (30376)