Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Tessalon, Tessalon Perles, Zonatuss
- Antitussives
Description
Oral nonnarcotic antitussive agent; chemically related to the ester-type local anesthetics; effective in suppressing cough particularly in cases of chronic cough resistant to opiate agonists; off-label use includes topical application to the oropharynx to obliterate the gag reflex prior to intubation or endoscopy.
Indications
Indicated for the symptomatic treatment of cough.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to benzonatate and related compounds (tetracaine-type topical anesthetics)
Adverse Effects
- Hypersensitivity reaction; bronchospasm, laryngospasm, cardiovascular collapse possibly related to local anesthesia from chewing or sucking the capsule or perle
- Chest numbness
- Chilly sensation
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- GI upset
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Pruritus
- Sedation
- Skin eruptions
Warnings
Keep out of reach of children
Severe hypersensitivity reactions (bronchospasm, cardiovascular collapse) reported with therapy (possibly related to sucking or chewing the capsule)
Deliberate or accidental overdose has resulted in death, particularly in children
Isolated cases of abnormal behavior (mental confusion and visual hallucinations) reported
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use caution
Maximum Dosage
600 mg/day PO.
600 mg/day PO.
600 mg/day PO.
10 years and older: 600 mg/day PO.
9 years and younger: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
How supplied
Benzonatate
capsule
- 100mg
- 150mg
- 200mg
