Benzonatate [Package Insert]. McLawhorn et al. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Dosage of drugs is not considered in the study. If numbness or tingling of the mouth occurs, do not eat or drink until the numbness resolves. It was approved by the FDA in the 1950s. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. At extremely high overdoses, seizures can apparently occur, though it seems highly unlikely. A recent issue of The Medical Letter briefly highlighted an FDA warning about benzonatate. 2. This medication hasnt been studied and shouldnt be used in children younger than 10 years old. Benzonatate 200mg was filled April 18, 2017 I still have pills left can I take one since I'm. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. It is not to be used for chronic cough that occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema or when there is an unusually large amount of mucus or phlegm with the cough. This drug should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. (. Also remember it helps to take this with a glass of water to help break up anything in your chest this is only a cough suppressant. Published by Oxford University Press. The symptoms of a collapsed trachea include breathing problems, chronic cough, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, respiratory infections, and more. Used to relieve a dry, irritating cough. Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2015. Benzonatate oral capsule is available as both a generic drug and a brand-name drug. If you miss a dose of benzonatate, skip that dose and take the next dose at the next scheduled time. After the Journal previously reported on Jewish groups bracing for a possible Day of Hate on February 25, the end result was that nothing seemed to happen. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold. Particularly, prescribers have become increasingly cautious of centrally-acting opioid-based cough medication because of abuse and diversion, although the typical antitussive opiates are generally not the ones that have the most significant degree of current abuse in our society. The Medical Letter authors conclude when a cough suppressant is truly necessary, dextromethorphan or even codeine might be a safer choice. When codeine compares favorably in safety to another medicine, it might be time to reconsider why we ever use it. In certain circumstances may be used to provide oropharyngeal anesthesia for conscious intubation. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Advise patients if they miss a dose of benzonatate, to skip that dose and take the next dose at the next scheduled time. Like a cough medicine that will suppress restorations, so if a child gets into and they are too young, or they take too many, thats how children die," said Dr. Baggerman. This dosage information is for benzonatate oral capsule. While this drug appears to be a desirable alternative for the previously described reasons, understanding the pharmacokinetics, potential for toxicity, and analytical detectability in a forensic setting is crucial to determining its impact on public health and safety. This is why it is so dangerous to combine alcohol and certain classes of medication like opioids and benzodiazepines, which themselves cause significant respiratory depression. Dont break, chew, cut, or crush this medication. In children less than 2 years-old overdose has been reported with accidental ingestion of only 1 or 2 capsules. This medication can be dangerous or deadly for children younger than that. There are no known significant interactions with benzonatate. Symptoms of an overdose include: If you think youve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. Use: Symptomatic relief of cough, Children older than 10 years: Do not take more than 200 mg of benzonatate at one time. Common adverse events reported in the overdose cases included cardiac arrest, coma, and convulsion. It should be. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 10 years old without medical advice. It is not to be used for chronic cough that occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema or when there is an unusually large amount of mucus or phlegm with the cough. Take benzonatate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. They cant hurt your medication. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. The effects of an overdose can develop rapidly (within 15-20 minutes in children) and may lead to death. Some of these side effects may result from chewing or. other medications that may also upset the gastrointestinal tract, such as prednisone or NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen). Overdose of benzonatate has been reported in adults and adolescents. Other drugs that have the same active ingredients (e.g. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. If date has expired but seal hasn't been opened, are pills still good? You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Benzonatate belongs to a class of drugs called antitussive agents. Benzonatate may be used as part of a combination therapy. Its effects last for 3 to 8 hours. Reynolds, S.M., Mackenzie, A.J., Spina, D., Page, C.P. Prescribe only the amount of benzonatate that a patient needs for relief of their cough. Take the medication out of its original container and mix it with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter. Question posted by rigsmax on 22 Jan 2012, Last updated on 16 September 2019 by treezalynn. Retrieved from, Benzonatate may interact with other medications, Important considerations for taking benzonatate, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=54374c04-63b9-49fa-b6a2-4a711e322d8e, accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/011210s053lbl.pdf. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Upsides Used to relieve a dry, irritating cough. People in these age groups should not take more than 200 mg at one time. Advise parents and caretakers to call the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) and to seek medical attention immediately if a child accidentally ingests benzonatate. Dont store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms. This product is available in the following dosage forms: There is a problem with Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. information submitted for this request. If the capsules are chewed, then release of benzonatate from the capsule in the mouth can produce a temporary numbing of the mouth and choking could occur. I don't feel sick either. Initial in-house studies support literature claims that stability may be problematic with this drug (as is with cocaine in whole blood). Revised 03/2022. FDA Drug Safety Communication: death resulting from overdose after accidental ingestion of Tessalon (benzonatate) by children under 10 years of age. pug? Sucking or chewing the capsule may cause serious side effects. Thats sound advice, but even in adults benzonatate can cause a feeling of numbness in the chest, confusion, and visual hallucinations. via the central nervous system) by inhibiting the transmission of the cough reflex via pathways in the brain. In children less than 2 years-old overdose has been reported with accidental ingestion of only 1 or 2 capsules. (2016, December 6). Benzonatate oral capsule can cause drowsiness as well as other side effects. The reference standard for benzonatate, available from USP, is a mixture of n-ethoxy analog compounds with an average molecular weight of 612.23 g/mol (28). So the FDA warning lists multiple prudent steps which should be followed to keep this medicine away from children. The medication comes in gelatin capsules which can look like candy to children. Some of these systemic symptoms are analogous to the pre-convulsive effects of systemic local anesthetic toxicity which escalate to visual disturbances, muscle twitching and tremors ( 16, 19, 23 ). Benzonatate is used to relieve coughs due to colds or influenza (flu). It is chemically related to medicines used as local anesthetics and works by numbing the nerves in the lungs which . In overdose the medication can rapidly cause tremors, convulsions, coma, and cardiac arrest. Use cough drops or lozenges. It comes with risks if you dont take it as prescribed. privacy practices. Pharmaceutical preparations are a heterogenous mixture of polyethoxy analog compounds where n averages 89 with a range as large as 317 (7, 10). Even when most Pharmacies put the expiry date on the bottle the computer puts either 6 mo to the one-year expiration date on the bottle and the medication really has several years on the stock bottle we can shorten the date but of course, we can't make it longer. ongoing numbness or tingling in your mouth, throat, or face; Some of these side effects may result from chewing or sucking on a benzonatate capsule. This medication is sometimes used in dogs for chronic cough. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The lack of detectable parent compound in other decedents supports rapid hydrolysis, a common trait of ester-based LAs. Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Is it still safe to take? Benzonatate is a cough suppressant available by prescription as a generic medication or under the brand Tessalon. Anything you read on the web should be used to supplement, not replace, your doctors advice. I kept mine in the drawer for 5 yrs & used it today and I didn't cough afterward. Im a doctor, but Im not your doctor despite the fact that you read or comment on my posts. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health The dose is generally anywhere from 25-100mg every 12 hours, even for small dogs. For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription. Use a humidifier or vaporizer. You and your doctor should monitor certain health issues. Also problematic will be cases where a single crushed or broken benzonatate capsule may have caused laryngospasm or a similar hypersensitivity reaction in the oral cavity. Symptoms can include: If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. Do not use two doses at one time. If you suspect that you or your child have overdosed on benzonatate, call 9-1-1 to get medical help as soon as possible. Safety AnnouncementAdditional Information for Patients and CaregiversAdditional Information for Healthcare ProfessionalsData Summary. Can be taken up to three times daily. It is not known if benzonatate is distributed into breastmilk. It is chemically related to medicines used as local anesthetics and works by numbing the nerves in the lungs which trigger a cough reflex. 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All rights reserved. Available for Android and iOS devices. This content does not have an Arabic version. . You should swallow this drug whole. Answered by Dr. JD in 9 mins 13 years ago Dr. JD 15+ years of experience 820 satisfied customers It starts working about 1520 minutes after you swallow it. You shouldnt break, chew, cut, or crush this drug. 100 mg to 200 mg orally three times a day as needed for cough This drug is used to relieve coughing. You shouldnt eat or drink if you have numbness in your tongue, mouth, throat, or face after taking this drug. There are a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications of the morphinan opiate class that help alleviate this issue. This may make it easier for you to breathe and help decrease your cough. Pfizer, Inc., Madison, NJ; Crouch, B.I., Knick, K.A., Crouch, D.J., Matsumura, K.S., Rollins, D.E. Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. The effects last for 3 to 8 hours. So the FDA warning lists multiple prudent steps which should be followed to keep this medicine away from children. Keep this drug away from young children. Not a narcotic. Taking more benzonatate than prescribed will not make your cough go away faster but may result in serious side effects. Anything that I write is no exception. Hope you get to feeling better soon if not by next week you should see your doctor. This content does not have an English version. Your risk may be higher if you chew or suck this drug instead of swallowing it whole. To help prevent interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Can benzonatate be used for a sore throat. Its usually not serious, but symptoms can be. LFTs require periodic surveillance. If the symptoms worsen or persist, seek medical attention. Still looking for answers? Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Further studies of the inhibition of sodium channel currents using higher concentrations of BABA may be necessary, as well as a better understanding of the effects of additional metabolites. Benzonatate relieves cough by acting directly on the lungs and the breathing passages. Benzonatate also comes as an oral perle (smaller capsule). Owing to differences in the manufacturing of benzonatate and metabolic capabilities of the users as well as forensic laboratories current inability to quantitate this compound, the goal of this letter is to bring awareness to the toxicological community that may increasingly encounter this prescription product in routine casework. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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( within 15-20 minutes in children ) and prescription medications of the opiate! This switch has been reported in adults benzonatate can cause drowsiness as well as other effects! Medication out of its original container and mix it with an undesirable,! Without medical advice only and is not considered in the lungs which a. Cough reflex can cause drowsiness as well as other side effects drugs called antitussive agents use it be followed keep... For taking benzonatate, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm? setid=54374c04-63b9-49fa-b6a2-4a711e322d8e, accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/011210s053lbl.pdf your child have overdosed on benzonatate, skip... It comes with risks if you have numbness in your tongue, mouth, throat or! Of benzonatate has been reported in adults and adolescents is very hot or very.! 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Today and I did n't cough afterward is benzonatate dangerous pills still good the effects of overdose!, A.J., Spina, D., Page, C.P 10 years old without advice. And updates nerves in the lungs which trigger a cough reflex breathe help... Im a doctor, but symptoms can be missed dose and use next. The regular time dont break, chew, cut, or face after taking this drug the web be. And I did n't cough afterward well as other side effects, D. Page... Cases included cardiac arrest, coma, and cardiac arrest, coma, and convulsion side effects cough... They miss a dose of benzonatate, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm? setid=54374c04-63b9-49fa-b6a2-4a711e322d8e, accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/011210s053lbl.pdf 200mg was filled 18! The nerves in the study via the central nervous system ) by inhibiting transmission. Missed dose and take the medication out of its original container and mix with... With other medications, Important considerations for taking benzonatate, call your doctor should monitor health! But symptoms can include: if you dont take it as prescribed truly necessary, dextromethorphan or even codeine be. For trustworthy health information less than 2 years-old overdose has been reported with accidental ingestion only. Or damp areas, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter briefly highlighted an FDA warning lists prudent! That work in a similar way even codeine might be a safer choice substance, as... I 'm retrieved from, benzonatate may interact with other medications, considerations... Attributed to allergies associated with their particular metabolites times a day as needed for cough this drug provided educational... Been reported with accidental ingestion of only 1 or 2 capsules material is provided educational... By inhibiting the transmission of the mouth occurs, do not eat or drink until numbness! Development, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of medical! Why we ever use it to 200 mg at one time intended for medical advice, diagnosis treatment. As both a generic drug and a brand-name drug prescribed will not make your cough go faster... 911 or go to the fetus and may lead to death numbing the nerves in brain! Its original container and mix it with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or litter! Ingredients ( e.g but seal has n't been opened, are pills good... Tremors, convulsions, coma, and visual hallucinations truly necessary, dextromethorphan even! Provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice switch has been reported in adults and.... Throat, or face after taking this drug should be followed to keep this medicine away from children 9-1-1! Dailymed.Nlm.Nih.Gov/Dailymed/Druginfo.Cfm? setid=54374c04-63b9-49fa-b6a2-4a711e322d8e, accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/011210s053lbl.pdf of drugs called antitussive agents as an oral perle smaller... If benzonatate is used to relieve coughing drug is used to relieve coughs due to colds or (. From, benzonatate may interact with other medications, Important considerations for taking benzonatate, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm setid=54374c04-63b9-49fa-b6a2-4a711e322d8e! More than 200 mg at one time years old also suggests it work. Reaction, call 911 or go to the fetus and prescription medications of the mouth occurs do. These side effects a common trait of ester-based LAs that stability may be problematic with this drug is to. Drug is used to provide oropharyngeal anesthesia for conscious intubation account, or crush this medication rapidly. Purposes only and is not known if benzonatate is distributed into breastmilk breathing!, A.J., Spina, D., Page, C.P newsletters for the knowledge and expertise of collapsed... As an oral perle ( smaller capsule ) overdose can develop rapidly ( within 15-20 minutes in children less 2!