Benzonatate

Generic name: Benzonatate
Drug class: Antitussives

Usage of Benzonatate

Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough medicine.

Benzonatate works by numbing the throat and lungs, making the cough reflex less active.

Benzonatate is used to relieve coughing.

Benzonatate side effects

Stop taking benzonatate 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 benzonatate 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.

Before taking Benzonatate

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 can be fatal, especially to a young child who has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

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How to use Benzonatate

Usual Adult Dose for Cough:

100 mg to 200 mg orally three times a day as needed for cough Comments: This drug should be swallowed whole. Use: Symptomatic relief of cough

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough:

Children older than 10 years: 100 mg to 200 mg orally three times a day as needed for cough Comments: This drug should be swallowed whole. Use: Symptomatic relief of cough

Warnings

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

Never suck or chew on a benzonatate capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule may cause your mouth and throat to feel numb or cause other serious side effects.

Serious side effects of benzonatate include choking feeling, chest pain or numbness, feeling like you might pass out, confusion, or hallucinations. Some of these side effects may result from chewing or sucking on a capsule.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 10 years old without medical advice. An overdose of benzonatate can be fatal to a child.

What other drugs will affect Benzonatate

Using benzonatate with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with benzonatate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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