Benzonatate is a prescription medication used to alleviate cough. As a non-narcotic cough suppressant, it provides symptomatic relief from persistent coughing. This medication helps reduce the discomfort and disruption a cough can cause. It is available in capsule form and typically taken orally.
Primary Application of Benzonatate
Benzonatate is primarily used for cough relief in adults and children 10 years of age and older. It is prescribed for coughs associated with acute respiratory conditions like the common cold, bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia, asthma, and emphysema.
The medication reduces the urge to cough, which can improve sleep and overall comfort. It addresses the cough symptom itself, rather than its underlying cause. For example, it suppresses a cough from bronchitis but does not treat the infection.
How Benzonatate Works
Benzonatate works as a local anesthetic on areas involved in the cough reflex. Its primary mechanism involves desensitizing stretch receptors located in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura. These sensory nerve endings normally detect irritation or stretching and send signals to the brain to trigger a cough.
By numbing these receptors, Benzonatate reduces their activity, dampening the cough reflex at its source. The medication begins to work within 15 to 20 minutes after oral administration, and its effects can last for approximately 3 to 8 hours.
Proper Usage and Dosage
Benzonatate capsules must be swallowed whole. Do not break, chew, dissolve, cut, or crush them. If the medication is released in the mouth, it can cause temporary numbness of the mouth and throat, potentially leading to choking or other serious reactions.
For adults and children 10 years of age and older, the typical dosage is 100 mg or 200 mg, taken three times a day as needed. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 600 mg. Always follow a healthcare professional’s instructions and do not exceed the prescribed dosage.
Safety Information and Precautions
Common side effects of Benzonatate include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, upset stomach, constipation, itching, skin rash, or a stuffy nose. Since it can affect alertness and coordination, avoid activities requiring focus, such as driving, until its effects are known.
Serious side effects, though less common, can occur, especially if the capsule is chewed or dissolved. These include severe allergic reactions like breathing problems, wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and cardiovascular collapse. Mental confusion and visual hallucinations have also been reported. Seek immediate medical attention for any severe allergic reaction or unusual neurological symptoms.
Benzonatate is not approved for children under 10 due to the risk of fatal accidental overdose. Overdose symptoms can appear rapidly, often within 15 to 20 minutes, and include tremors, restlessness, seizures, and cardiac arrest. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should discuss use with their healthcare provider, as its safety in these populations is not fully established. Benzonatate is contraindicated for individuals with known hypersensitivity to the drug or related local anesthetics like procaine or tetracaine.