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Benzonatate - Learn about Benzonatate Side Effects and Precautions

Benzonatate Information

The pharmacology action of Benzonatate is that it reduces cough reflex by anesthetizing stretch receptors in respiratory passages.

Benzonatate is used in Symptomatic relief of cough .

Interaction and Contraindication of Benzonatate

Interaction of Benzonatate - Data not available

Contraindication of Benzonatate - Data not available

Side Effects of Benzonatate

Here are the list of some common side effects of Benzonatate :

• Sedation; headache; mental confusion; visual hallucinations
• Pruritus; skin eruptions
• Constipation; nausea; GI upset
• Hypersensitivity reactions including bronchospasm, laryngospasm, CV collapse, possibly related to chewing the capsule
• Nasal congestion; eye irritation; feeling cold; chest numbness

Precaution and Warning while taking Benzonatate

The precaution and warnings of Benzonatate drug is as follows:

• Advise patient to take prescribed dose up to tid if needed for cough.
• Caution patient not to chew or suck on capsule because doing so can cause local anesthesia (numbness) of the mouth and throat and choking could occur.
• Advise patient to take without regard to meals but to take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.
• Advise patient if a dose is missed, to take as soon as remembered unless it is nearing time for the next dose. Caution patient not to double the dose to catch up.
• Advise patient if cough is not controlled, not to increase the dose of medication but to inform health care provider.
• Advise patient to inform health care provider if bothersome side effects occur.
• Caution patients that drug may cause drowsiness or dizziness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness until tolerance is determined.
• Advise women to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How to store Benzonatate

• Administer up to tid as prescribed for cough. Have patient swallow capsules whole. Caution patient not to suck or chew capsule because benzonatate can produce a temporary local anesthesia of the oral mucosa and choking could occur.
• Administer without regard to meals but administer with food or milk if GI upset occurs.
• Store capsules at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F). Keep tightly capped.