Benzonatate is a prescription medication used to relieve coughs. It is a non-narcotic antitussive, suppressing coughs without opioid substances. The medication primarily works by numbing stretch receptors in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura.
When these receptors are desensitized, they send fewer signals to the brain’s cough center, reducing the urge to cough. Benzonatate is typically administered as a liquid-filled gel capsule and should be swallowed whole. Its effects usually begin within 15 to 20 minutes and can last for 3 to 8 hours.
Recognizing an Overdose
An overdose of benzonatate can manifest rapidly, with symptoms often appearing within 15 to 20 minutes of ingestion. Initial signs include restlessness and tremors. These can progress to more severe neurological symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness.
A distinct symptom of overdose, particularly if capsules are chewed or dissolved, is numbness or tingling in the mouth, tongue, throat, or face. This numbing effect can quickly lead to a choking sensation or difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms include lightheadedness or a feeling of intoxication.
As the overdose progresses, more serious neurological signs can emerge, including seizures or convulsions. Loss of consciousness may also occur. These symptoms highlight the drug’s impact on the central nervous system.
Serious Health Complications
Taking too much benzonatate can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications. The drug’s local anesthetic properties, when systemically absorbed in high doses, can disrupt normal bodily functions. This can result in profound central nervous system depression, which may lead to coma.
One of the most concerning complications is respiratory arrest, where breathing ceases entirely. This occurs because the drug can depress the respiratory center, compromising the body’s ability to breathe. Cardiovascular collapse is another grave risk, involving a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure and heart function, potentially leading to cardiac arrest.
Death has been reported in cases of benzonatate overdose, sometimes occurring within hours of accidental ingestion. Children, especially those under 10, are particularly susceptible to severe toxicity; even one or two capsules can be fatal. The drug’s appearance, often resembling candy, makes it attractive to young children, increasing the risk of accidental poisoning.
Emergency Response
If a benzonatate overdose is suspected, immediate medical attention is essential. The first step is to call emergency services, such as 911, or a poison control center without delay. In the United States, the Poison Control Center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.
When contacting emergency personnel, provide as much detail as possible. This includes the approximate amount of benzonatate taken, the time of ingestion, and any observed symptoms. Also, relay the age and weight of the person, as this information is crucial for guiding treatment.
Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by medical professionals. Do not give the person anything to eat or drink, as this could worsen the situation, especially if they are experiencing numbness in the mouth or throat, which could lead to choking or aspiration. Supportive care, focusing on maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation, is the primary treatment approach in a medical setting.
Preventing Accidental Ingestion
Preventing accidental ingestion of benzonatate, especially by children, requires careful handling and storage. Always keep the medication in its child-resistant container and store it out of sight and reach of children. Never leave medication bottles open or unattended.
Avoid referring to medication as “candy” or any other appealing name, as this can encourage children to ingest it. Dispose of unused or expired benzonatate safely to prevent accidental exposure. This can involve drug take-back programs or mixing the medication with unappealing substances like coffee grounds or cat litter before sealing it in a plastic bag and placing it in the trash.
Following prescribed dosages is an important preventive measure for all individuals. Adults and children over 10 years of age should not exceed 200 mg in a single dose or a total of 600 mg per day. Swallowing the capsules whole, without breaking, chewing, or dissolving them, prevents the rapid local numbing effect in the mouth and throat.