benzonatate (oral) Health Article

Generic name(s):

benzonatate (oral)

Brand name(s):

benzonatate, Tessalon, Tessalon Perles

What is the most important information I should know about benzonatate?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to benzonatate or topical numbing medicines such as tetracaine or procaine (found in some insect bite and sunburn creams). Never suck or chew on a benzonatate capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule may cause your mouth and throat to feel numb or cause other serious side effects.

Serious side effects of benzonatate include choking feeling, chest pain or numbness, feeling like you might pass out, confusion, or hallucinations. Some of these side effects may result from chewing or sucking on a benzonatate capsule.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 10 years old without the advice of a doctor.

What is benzonatate?

Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough medicine. It works by numbing the throat and lungs, making the cough reflex less active.

Benzonatate is used to relieve coughing.

Benzonatate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking benzonatate?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to benzonatate or topical numbing medicines such as tetracaine or procaine (found in some insect bite and sunburn creams). FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether benzonatate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 10 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take benzonatate?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Never suck or chew on a benzonatate capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule may cause your mouth and throat to feel numb or cause other serious side effects. Store benzonatate 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. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of benzonatate can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include numbness in the mouth or throat, feeling restless or very sleepy, tremors or shaking, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking benzonatate?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using benzonatate

What are the possible side effects of benzonatate?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking benzonatate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• a choking feeling;

• chest pain or numbness;

• feeling like you might pass out;

• confusion; or

• hallucinations.

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

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;

• dizziness;

• drowsiness;

• nausea, upset stomach, constipation; or

• mild itching or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.