Benzonatate

Drug Status in USA : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (ben zoe' na tate)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Benzonatate is used to relieve cough. Benzonatate is in a class of medications called antitussives (cough suppressants). It works by reducing the cough reflex in the lungs and air passages.


How should this medicine be used?

Benzonatate comes as a liquid-filled capsule and a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take benzonatate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules and liquid-filled capsules whole; do not break, dissolve, cut, crush, suck or chew them. If the medication is released in the mouth, it may make the mouth numb and cause choking. Do not eat or drink if you feel numbness or tingling of your mouth, tongue, throat, or face. If feelings of numbness or tingling continue or get worse, get medical help right away.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking benzonatate,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to benzonatate, procaine (Novocain), tetracaine (in Synera),any other medications, or any of the ingredients in benzonatate capsules. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking benzonatate, call your doctor.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking benzonatate.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Benzonatate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • nausea
  • constipation
  • drowsiness
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • stuffy nose
  • feeling chilly
  • burning in the eyes
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
  • rash or hives
  • itching
  • tightening of the throat
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • numbness of the chest
  • confusion
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that do not exist)

Benzonatate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed. It is very important to store this medication in a closed child-proof container and to keep it out of reach of children. Children may be attracted to the shape and look of the liquid-filled capsules and may die if they swallow the medication. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.


Drug Category/Class

  • Antitussive Agents
  • Cough and Cold Preparations
  • Respiratory System
  • Other cough suppressants
Prescribed For the symptomatic relief of cough. Has also been applied locally in the oral cavity in adults by releasing the drug from the liquid-filled capsul...
Weight :603.7419
Structure Benzonatate
Generic Drug Benzonatate prescribed For the symptomatic relief of cough. Has also been applied locally in the oral cavity in adults by releasing the drug from the liquid-filled capsul...
Formula

C30H53NO11

Benzonatate has 1 Brands listed


Benz (100 mg)

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