Benzonatate

Acute Bronchitis
Treatment
1 FDA approval
5 Active Studies for Benzonatate

What is Benzonatate

BenzonatateThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryBenzonatate is a medication used to suppress coughs in people aged 10 and up. It is the only non-narcotic cough suppressant available as a prescription drug. Benzonatate works by numbing the tissues in the lungs and chest that trigger the cough reflex. It was approved by the FDA in 1958 under the brand name Tessalon Perles. Benzonatate can be toxic and cause an overdose, particularly in children, so it must be taken with caution.
Tessalonis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Benzonatate Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Tessalon
Benzonatate
1958
337

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Benzonatate, also known as Tessalon, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses including Acute Bronchitis .
Acute Bronchitis

Effectiveness

How Benzonatate Affects PatientsBenzonatate is a drug used to reduce coughing caused by respiratory issues. It does this by temporarily blocking the receptors in the lungs that lead to coughing. Clinical trials have shown that benzonatate reduces coughing, taking effect in 15-20 minutes and lasting for 3-8 hours. Benzonatate does not affect the respiratory system in recommended doses.
How Benzonatate works in the bodyBenzonatate is a drug that numbs or anesthetizes the nerves responsible for coughing. These nerves have an afferent pathway, meaning they send signals to the medulla where they are received and an efferent signal is sent back to the expiratory muscles to cause coughing. Benzonatate reduces the activity of these nerves, blocking the signals and suppressing the cough reflex. It is believed to accomplish this through numbing the nerve endings, inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels, and blocking impulses in the vagal nuclei of the medulla.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested dosage of Benzonatate is contingent upon the determined condition. The measure of dosage fluctuates, as per the method of administration (e.g. Tablet or Capsule, liquid filled) featured in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Acute Bronchitis
100.0 mg, , 200.0 mg, 150.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral

Warnings

Benzonatate Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Benzonatate may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 13 known major drug interactions with Benzonatate.
Common Benzonatate Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Aclidinium
Minor
The serum concentration of Aclidinium can be increased when it is combined with Benzonatate.
Butyrylthiocholine
Minor
The serum concentration of Butyrylthiocholine can be increased when it is combined with Benzonatate.
Chloroprocaine
Minor
The serum concentration of Chloroprocaine can be increased when it is combined with Benzonatate.
Clevidipine
Minor
The serum concentration of Clevidipine can be increased when it is combined with Benzonatate.
Cocaine
Minor
The serum concentration of Cocaine can be increased when it is combined with Benzonatate.
Benzonatate Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest recorded toxic dose of benzonatate from oral consumption is 51 mg/kg and the lethal dose for mice is 400 mg/kg when taken orally or 100 mg/kg when taken subcutaneously. Signs of overdose may appear within 15-20 minutes and can affect the heart, brain, and nervous system. Children are particularly at risk for overdose and just 1 or 2 capsules can be deadly for them. Symptoms of overdose include restlessness, tremors, convulsions, coma, and difficulty breathing. To treat an overdose, gastric contents should be evacuated and activated charcoal should be administered. In severe cases, short-
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Benzonatate Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Benzonatate?

8 active clinical trials are currently analyzing the efficacy of Benzonatate in Acute Bronchitis treatment.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Acute Bronchitis
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1

Benzonatate Reviews: What are patients saying about Benzonatate?

5Patient Review
6/7/2022
Benzonatate for Cough
This medication is highly effective for me, usually working within fifteen minutes of taking it. It doesn't completely stop the cough, but nothing does that. I'm grateful to have found something that at least lessens the severity and frequency.
5Patient Review
8/2/2022
Benzonatate for Cough
This treatment has been a lifesaver for my husband. Since he started taking it, he's been able to sleep through the night without coughing fits. It's definitely improved his quality of life during this difficult time.
5Patient Review
8/15/2022
Benzonatate for Cough
This treatment was an absolute life-saver for me. It significantly decreased the frequency of my cough within 15 minutes, and allowed me to get some much needed sleep. I would recommend using it in conjunction with cough drops to keep your throat lubricated.
5Patient Review
10/26/2022
Benzonatate for Cough
This treatment has been working great for my Covid diagnosis. I've had very little coughing and the only noticeable side effect is dry eyes. So much better than cough syrup with codeine!
5Patient Review
8/12/2022
Benzonatate for Cough
This treatment is amazing. It allows me to breathe and cough up congestion easily.
View All Reviews
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Patient Q&A Section about benzonatate

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is mucinex the same as benzonatate?

"Guaifenesin is an expectorant that thins mucus, making it easier to cough up. Benzonatate is an antitussive that suppresses or quiets a cough."

Answered by AI

Does benzonatate make you sleepy?

"upset stomach.

Benzonatate may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or an upset stomach."

Answered by AI

Who should not take benzonatate?

"Benzonatate can be dangerous for children under 10 years old and can even lead to death. Keep this medication away from young children."

Answered by AI

What is the drug benzonatate used for?

"Benzonatate is used to relieve coughs that are caused by colds or the flu. It should not be used for chronic coughs that are caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or when there is a large amount of mucus or phlegm with the cough."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Benzonatate

Have you considered Benzonatate clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Benzonatate, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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