Benzonatate is a prescription medication primarily used to alleviate coughs. It acts as a non-narcotic cough suppressant, providing relief for symptoms associated with various respiratory conditions, such as the common cold or bronchitis.
About Benzonatate
Benzonatate is an oral capsule that reduces the urge to cough. It functions by numbing stretch receptors in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura. These receptors are responsible for initiating the cough reflex when they detect irritation or stress.
By acting as a local anesthetic, benzonatate decreases the sensitivity of these nerve fibers, reducing the transmission of the cough reflex to the brain’s cough center. Effects typically begin within 15 to 20 minutes after oral administration and can last for 3 to 8 hours.
Common Side Effects
Many individuals tolerate benzonatate well when taken as directed. However, some common side effects can occur, which are generally mild and may subside on their own. These effects often include drowsiness or sleepiness, which can affect alertness and coordination. Patients might also experience dizziness or lightheadedness, making it advisable to avoid driving or operating machinery until the medication’s effects are known.
Other common gastrointestinal effects include nausea, upset stomach, or constipation. Headaches, a stuffy nose, or a feeling of coldness or chilliness can also occur.
Occasionally, patients may notice itching or a skin rash. A burning sensation in the eyes has also been reported. These common side effects are typically manageable and often resolve without specific intervention once the medication is stopped.
Serious Side Effects
Benzonatate can cause severe side effects that necessitate immediate medical attention. Allergic reactions can manifest as hives, itching, a widespread skin rash, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Difficulty breathing or a feeling of throat tightness may also occur, requiring emergency care.
Mental and mood changes are another category of serious, though rare, side effects. These can include confusion or visual hallucinations, where a person sees things that are not actually present. Such psychiatric effects have sometimes been observed in patients also taking other medications. Any unusual changes in behavior or mental state should prompt immediate contact with a healthcare provider.
Cardiovascular effects, though infrequent, can also be serious. These may include a racing heart or very low blood pressure, which can cause fainting or severe dizziness. Numbness or tingling in the mouth, throat, or chest, and a choking feeling, particularly if the capsule is chewed or dissolved, require prompt medical evaluation.
Overdose and Emergency Actions
An overdose of benzonatate can be severe and potentially life-threatening, especially in children. Symptoms can develop rapidly, often within 15 to 20 minutes of ingestion. Signs of an overdose may include restlessness, tremors, or convulsions (seizures). In more severe cases, an overdose can lead to a loss of consciousness, coma, or even cardiac arrest.
Accidental ingestion of even one or two capsules can be fatal for young children, with deaths reported within an hour. The medication’s appearance, often as a round, liquid-filled gelatin capsule, can make it attractive to children. Benzonatate must always be kept in a child-resistant container and stored out of their reach.
If an overdose is suspected, or if a child accidentally ingests benzonatate, immediate emergency medical help is essential. Contacting a poison control center immediately, such as by calling 1-800-222-1222, is also important.