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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
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 ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Benzonatate may interact with Pulse Frequency
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-
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
12 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1
Benzonatate Reviews: What are patients saying about Benzonatate?
5Patient Review
6/7/2022 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 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 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 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 This treatment is amazing. It allows me to breathe and cough up congestion easily.
4Patient Review
11/11/2022 This is the only medicine that helps quiet my cough.
3.3Patient Review
7/2/2022 I was originally diagnosed with acute bronchitis, but after taking doxycycline for a while, I began to feel better. However, now I am wheezing and need to cough the phlegm out of my lungs, so I don’t think this medication is what I need. This is not a dry cough.
3.3Patient Review
10/7/2022 The prednisone is working well for my viral bronchitis, but the cough medicine has been only average. I actually ended up going back to Robitussin DM last night, which worked better for me.
3Patient Review
6/12/2022 I have a tickle in my throat that is causing a very dry and persistent cough. I took four pills of the 200mg yesterday and today, but it doesn't seem to be helping at all. I didn't get any sleep last night because I coughed all night, and I'm still coughing now even though I've taken the medication.
2.7Patient Review
5/29/2022 I find that I am coughing more frequently since taking this medication, though the coughs are not as severe.
2.3Patient Review
10/12/2022 I was given this medication today and it has caused me to cough incessantly since taking it. This is hour 8.5 I won't be able to sleep tonight
1.7Patient Review
7/22/2022 I was prescribed this medication for a really dry cough, but it only made things worse. I coughed more and couldn't even sleep. I would never take this again.
1.7Patient Review
8/28/2022 I've been coughing for ten days now, and this medication hasn't done anything to help. The doctor said if it doesn't get better, she'll give me a z-pack, but I might need something stronger. I can't sleep because of the constant coughing, and this medicine is supposed to work within 15-20 minutes. So far, it's done nothing.
1.7Patient Review
7/28/2022 Compares similarly to other cough suppressants in terms of lack of effectiveness.
1.7Patient Review
8/14/2022 I was prescribed this medication, but it has not helped at all with my coughing or congestion.
1.7Patient Review
8/26/2022 I was prescribed 100 mg 3 times a day by a PA at an Urgent Care Clinic for bronchitis. I had a cold for over a week and Covid tests were negative. I have noticed very little effect from this drug. I was able to sleep the first night I took it, but maybe that's because I hadn't slept in a week!
1Patient Review
6/6/2022 The cough medication made my symptoms much worse and now it's difficult to even drink water or take pills.
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