Benzonatate, known by brand names such as Tessalon Perles, is a prescription non-narcotic medication used to relieve cough symptoms. It functions by desensitizing stretch receptors in the lungs and airways, which helps to suppress the cough reflex. The medication is typically administered orally in capsule form.
Common Adverse Reactions
Individuals taking benzonatate may experience common side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. Digestive issues such as nausea, upset stomach, and constipation are also frequently reported. Some users might also notice a stuffy nose or a chilly sensation. These effects are usually not life-threatening and often resolve after stopping the medication.
Serious Risks and Overdose
Benzonatate carries significant risks, especially with incorrect administration or overdose. As a local anesthetic, if capsules are chewed, crushed, or sucked, the drug is rapidly released. This can numb the mouth and throat, potentially leading to choking or severe allergic reactions. This rapid release can also lead to a dangerous systemic overdose.
Overdose symptoms can manifest quickly, often within 15 to 20 minutes. Central nervous system (CNS) effects include severe drowsiness, confusion, restlessness, tremors, hallucinations, seizures, and in severe cases, profound CNS depression and coma.
Overdose can also cause cardiovascular complications like irregular heartbeats, rapid heart rate, and circulatory collapse. Respiratory depression, leading to difficulty breathing or cessation of breathing, is another severe risk. Fatalities have been reported, particularly in children, from accidental ingestion or improper administration.
Severe allergic reactions, or hypersensitivity reactions, can also occur. These may include hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing, requiring immediate medical attention. These serious effects highlight the importance of proper usage and prompt emergency response for any suspected overdose.
Who Should Avoid Benzonatate
Benzonatate has specific contraindications. It should not be given to children under 10. The FDA warns that accidental ingestion by young children can lead to overdose and death, even from one or two capsules in children under two.
Individuals with an allergy to benzonatate or related local anesthetics (e.g., procaine, tetracaine) should avoid this drug, as allergic reactions can be severe due to chemical similarity. Caution is also advised for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as safety in these populations is not definitively established.
Safe Administration and Emergency Response
To minimize risks, follow proper administration guidelines. Capsules must be swallowed whole, without chewing, crushing, or sucking. Releasing the medication in the mouth can cause temporary numbness, increasing the risk of choking or severe reactions.
Safe storage is paramount, especially in households with children. Keep the medication in a child-resistant container and out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion, which can be fatal for young children.
Recognizing emergency signs is vital. Seek immediate medical attention for symptoms like severe drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, difficulty breathing, or any signs of severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives, facial swelling). For suspected overdose or accidental ingestion, especially by a child, contact 911 or poison control immediately. Prompt action is necessary, as symptoms can progress quickly, and fatalities can occur within hours.