Benzonate – what is it for, how to use it and harm!

Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough medicine , it works  by numbing the throat and lungs, making the cough reflex less active. Also, benzonatate  is used to relieve coughing .

Important information:

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to benzonatate or topical anesthetic medications such as tetracaine or procaine (found in some insect bite and sunburn creams ). Also, never suck or chew a capsule. So swallow the pill whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule can make your mouth and throat go numb or cause other serious skin side effects .

Serious side effects of benzonatate include choking sensation, chest pain or numbness, feeling faint, confusion or hallucinations. Some of these side effects can result from chewing or sucking on a capsule. Do not give this medicine to a child under 10 years old without medical advice. Also, an overdose can be fatal for a child.

How to use benzonatate:

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3 times a day, as needed or as directed by your doctor. Swallow this medicine whole. Do not chew, suck or dissolve this medicine in your mouth.

Doing so will cause a loss of sensation in your mouth/ throat and may cause choking or a severe allergic reaction. Do not eat or drink until the numbness disappears. Seek medical help immediately if numbness persists or worsens.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Also, don’t take more than 200 milligrams at one time. Taking more benzonatate than prescribed will not make your cough go away faster, but it can result in serious side effects. Tell your doctor if the condition persists or worsens.

Before taking this medicine:

You should not use this medication if you are allergic or topical anesthetic medications such as tetracaine or procaine (found in some insect bite and sunburn creams ). It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether it passes into breast milk or whether it could harm a nursing baby. Use this medicine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child under 10 years of age without medical advice. An overdose can be fatal, especially for a child.

How should I take benzonatate?

Take benzonatate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not consume larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Always ask a doctor before giving a child a cough medicine. In addition, death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Never suck or chew a benzonatate capsule . Swallow the pill whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule can make your mouth and throat go numb or cause other serious side effects. Also, store at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Therefore, skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call emergency services. Also, an overdose of benzonatate  can be fatal, especially for a child. Accidental death has occurred in children under 2 years of age who have only taken 1 or 2 capsules.

Symptoms of overdose may include numbness in the mouth or throat , feeling restless or very sleepy, tremors, seizures, slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, and slow breathing (breathing may stop).

Benzonatate side effects:

Seek emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to benzonatate :

• urticaria;
• difficulty breathing;
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat .

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have a serious side effect such as:

• Stifling sensation;
• Chest pain or numbness;
• Feeling faint;
• Confusion;
• hallucinations.

Some of these side effects can result from chewing or sucking on a capsule.

Less serious benzonatate side effects may include:

• Headache;
• Dizziness;
• Somnolence;
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• Mild itching or rash.

Dosage of benzonatate:

Adult cough dose:

100 mg to 200 mg orally three times daily

Comments: This medication should be swallowed whole.

Pediatric cough dose:

Children over 10 years old:

100 mg to 200 mg orally three times daily

Comments: This medication should be swallowed whole.

Usage: symptomatic cough relief

What other medicines can interact with benzonatate?

Before taking benzonatate , tell your doctor if you regularly use other medications that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medications, sedatives, narcotic pain relievers, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medications for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can provide drowsiness and other side effects.

There may be other drugs that can interact with benzonatate . So tell your doctor about all the medications you are using. This includes prescription, over-the-counter products, vitamins and herbs. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Other information:

Remember, keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children, never share your medications with others, and use benzonatate only for the indication prescribed.

This medicine is used to treat cough caused by the common cold and other breathing problems (eg pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma). Therefore, it works by reducing the reflex in the lungs that causes the urge to cough. Therefore, the use of this medication is not recommended in children under 10 years of age. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Precautions with benzonatate:

Before taking it, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to certain anesthetic agents (eg, procaine, tetracaine); or if you have other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for details. Before using this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

This remedy can make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or sleepy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that needs attention until you can safely run. Limit the amount of alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Also, during pregnancy  this medication should be used only when necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. So consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Benzonatate interactions:

Drug interactions can change the way your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. Therefore, this document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/over-the-counter drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Also, do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s approval.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness, such as opioids or cough medicines (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, sleeping or anxiety medications (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants ( such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine) or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels of all your medications (such as allergy medications or cough and cold products ) as they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. So ask your pharmacist about using these products safely.

Benzonatate Storage:

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Also, always store benzonatate in a child-resistant container. So keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or down a drain unless directed to do so by your medical professional. Therefore, dispose of this product properly when it expires or is no longer needed. Therefore, consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details on how to safely dispose of your product.