Benzonatate capsules for symptomatic cough relief in adults and children over 10 years

Benzonatate capsules are a non-narcotic medicine taken by mouth to help reduce coughing. They work by numbing the nerves in the lungs and airways that trigger the cough reflex. The capsules start working within about 15 to 20 minutes and last for 3 to 8 hours.

Benzonatate capsules are used for the symptomatic relief of cough in adults and children over 10 years of age.

Benzonatate

Benzonatate works by anesthetizing stretch receptors located in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura. By calming these receptors, it reduces the activity that triggers coughing, effectively decreasing the cough reflex at its source without depressing the respiratory center.

Adults and children over 10 years: Take one 100 mg or 200 mg capsule three times daily as needed for cough. The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 600 mg divided in three doses.

Administration: Capsules must be swallowed whole. Do not break, chew, dissolve, cut, or crush the capsules, as this may cause numbing of the mouth or throat and risk choking.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Benzonatate capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to benzonatate or related compounds.

• Severe allergic reactions can occur, including bronchospasm, laryngospasm, and cardiovascular collapse, especially if the capsule is chewed or sucked instead of swallowed whole.
• Accidental ingestion by children under 10 years can be fatal. Keep capsules out of their reach.
• Signs of overdose can appear within 15-20 minutes, and death can occur within one hour after ingestion.
• Psychiatric effects such as confusion and hallucinations have been reported when used with other drugs.

• Common: Sedation, headache, dizziness, mental confusion, visual hallucinations, constipation, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, itching, skin rash, nasal congestion, burning sensation in the eyes, chest numbness.
• Serious: Hypersensitivity reactions, including bronchospasm and cardiovascular collapse, especially related to improper use of the capsule.

Isolated psychiatric effects, including mental confusion and hallucinations, have been noted when benzonatate is taken with other prescribed medications. Specific interacting drugs are not detailed here.

Pregnancy: Classified as Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies have not been performed, and the risk to the fetus is unknown. Use only if clearly needed.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if benzonatate is excreted in human milk. Use caution when administering to nursing mothers.

Overdose, whether intentional or accidental, may cause rapid onset (15-20 minutes) of oropharyngeal anesthesia if capsules are chewed or dissolved in the mouth, leading to choking and airway blockage.

Signs include restlessness, tremors, convulsions, coma, cerebral edema, cardiac arrest, and potentially death within one hour.

Treatment involves immediate medical attention, evacuation of gastric contents, activated charcoal administration, protection against aspiration, intravenous short-acting barbiturates for convulsions, and intensive respiratory and cardiovascular support. CNS stimulants should not be used.

Store at 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F) in a tight, light-resistant, child-resistant container.