Benzonatate Drug Information

Benzonatate Capsule is indicated for the symptomatic relief of cough.

Adults and Children over 10 years of age Usual dose is one 100 mg or 200 mg capsule three times a day as needed for cough. If necessary to control cough, up to 600 mg daily in three divided doses may be given. Benzonatate Capsules should be swallowed whole.

Benzonatate Capsules are not to be broken, chewed, dissolved, cut or crushed.

• Potential Adverse Reactions to Benzonatate Capsules may include: Hypersensitivity reactions including bronchospasm, laryngospasm,cardiovascular collapse possibly related to local anesthesia from chewing or sucking the capsule. CNS: sedation; headache; dizziness; mental confusion; visual hallucinations. GI: constipation; nausea; GI upset.
• Dermatologic: pruritus; skin eruptions. Other: nasal congestion; sensation of burning in the eyes; vague "chilly" sensation; numbness of the chest; hypersensitivity. Deliberate or accidental overdose has resulted in death, particularly in children.

Usage in Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Benzonatate Capsules. It is also not known whether Benzonatate Capsules can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Benzonatate Capsules should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 10 have not been established. Accidental ingestion resulting in death has been reported in children below age 10. Keep out of reach of children.

Hypersensitivity to benzonatate or related compounds.

Intentional and unintentional overdose may result in death, particularly in children. The drug is chemically related to tetracaine and other topical anesthetics and shares various aspects of their pharmacology and toxicology. Drugs of this type are generally well absorbed after ingestion.

Signs and Symptoms The signs and symptoms of overdose of benzonatate have been reported within 15-20 minutes. If capsules are chewed or dissolved in the mouth, oropharyngeal anesthesia will develop rapidly, which may cause choking and airway compromise. CNS stimulation may cause restlessness and tremors which may proceed to clonic convulsions followed by profound CNS depression.

Convulsions, coma, cerebral edema and cardiac arrest leading to death have been reported within 1 hour of ingestion. Treatment In case of overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Evacuate gastric contents and administer copious amounts of activated charcoal slurry.

Even in the conscious patient, cough and gag reflexes may be so depressed as to necessitate special attention to protection against aspiration of gastric contents and orally administered materials. Convulsions should be treated with a short-acting barbiturate given intravenously and carefully titrated for the smallest effective dosage. Intensive support of respiration and cardiovascular-renal function is an essential feature of the treatment of severe intoxication from overdosage.

Do not use CNS stimulants.