How to Take Benzonatate

Take Benzonatate exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Benzonatateis generally available in market in the form of Capsules 100 mg , Capsules 200 mg . Administer up to tid as prescribed for cough. Have patient swallow capsules whole. Caution patient not to suck or chew capsule because benzonatate can produce a temporary local anesthesia of the oral mucosa and choking could occur. Administer without regard to meals but administer with food or milk if GI upset occurs.

Dosage Instructions for BenzonatateDrug

Symptomatic relief of cough.

What are the Side Effects of Benzonatate -

Like other medicines, Benzonatatecan cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Benzonatateinclude

* Sedation; headache; mental confusion; visual hallucinations.
* Pruritus; skin eruptions
* Constipation; nausea; GI upset.
* Hypersensitivity reactions including bronchospasm, laryngospasm, CV collapse, possibly related to chewing the capsule.
* Nasal congestion; eye irritation; feeling cold; chest numbness.

Warnings and precautions before taking Benzonatate :

* Advise patient before using Benzonatate to take prescribed dose up to tid if needed for cough.
* Caution patient before using Benzonatate not to chew or suck on capsule because doing so can cause local anesthesia (numbness) of the mouth and throat and choking could occur.
* Advise patient before using Benzonatate to take without regard to meals but to take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.
* Advise patient before using Benzonatate if a dose is missed, to take as soon as remembered unless it is nearing time for the next dose. Caution patient before using Benzonatate not to double the dose to catch up.
* Advise patient if cough is not controlled, not to increase the dose of medication but to inform health care provider.
* Advise patient before using Benzonatate to inform health care provider if bothersome side effects occur.
* Caution patients before using Benzonatate that drug may cause drowsiness or dizziness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness until tolerance is determined.
* Advise women before using Benzonatate to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
* Caution patient before using Benzonatate not to take any prescription or OTC medications, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements unless advised by health care provider.

What if Overdose of Benzonatate ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Benzonatate, immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. CNS stimulation, restlessness, tremors, convulsions, profound CNS depression are may be the overdose symptoms of Benzonatate.

What if Missed Dose of Benzonatate?

If you miss a dose of Benzonatate medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Benzonatate:

Store Benzonatate capsules at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F). Keep tightly capped.

By: ashu