Pharm

Benzonatate

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Benzonatate, Tessalon, Tessalon Perles

  • See Also
  1. Cough Suppressant
  2. Benzonatate Overdose
  • Background
  1. First approved for use in U.S. in 1958
  2. Synthetic butylamino-benzoate derivative (related to tetracaine, procaine)
    1. Voltage-gated Sodium channel inhibitor
  3. Peripherally acting non-opioid Antitussive
  4. Decreases cough reflex by anesthetizing and suppressing stretch receptors receptors in the airways, lungs, and pleura
  5. Narrow therapeutic range
    1. See Benzonatate Overdose
    2. Single capsule may be lethal in a child
    3. A small handful of capsules in Overdose could be lethal in adults
  • Dosing
  1. Adults: 100-200 mg orally every 8 hours as needed for cough
  2. Not approved for age under 10 years old
  • Pharmacokinetics
  1. Onset: 15-20 minutes
  2. Duration: 3-8 hours
  • Adverse Effects
  1. Nausea
  2. Dizziness
  3. Headache
  4. Sedation or Somnolence
  5. Tongue numbness
  • Precautions
  • Toxicology
  1. See Benzonatate Overdose