An RSV test is used to diagnose respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Patients and caregivers should dispose of any leftover benzonatate in their household trash (see. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which
It is not known if it is safe to breastfeed while taking benzonatate. The old adage, when in doubt, throw it out, really applies here! 100 mg to 200 mg orally three times a day as needed for cough So the FDA warning lists multiple prudent steps which should be followed to keep this medicine away from children. Taken in overdose, benzonatate can rapidly cause seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and death. This dosage information is for benzonatate oral capsule. https://www.drugs.com/pro/benzonatate.html. Use: Symptomatic relief of cough, Children older than 10 years: Do not use two doses at one time. Available for Android and iOS devices. The Most Common Side Effects of Benzonatate. (, Understanding the Epidemic. I don't feel sick either. Benzonatate relieves a dry cough; however, the capsules must be swallowed whole because the risk of a fatal overdosage is increased if the capsules are opened in any way. (, Bhole, M.V., Manson, A.L., Seneviratne, S.L., Misbah, S.A. (, Cohen, V., Jellinek, S.P., Stansfield, L., Truong, H., Baseluos, C., Marshall, J.P. (, Cohan, J.A., Manning, T.J., Lukash, L., Long, C., Ziminski, K.R., Conradi, S.E. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com, Systematic in vitro metabolic profiling of the OXIZID synthetic cannabinoids BZO-4en-POXIZID, BZO-POXIZID, 5F-BZO-POXIZID, BZO-HEXOXIZID and BZO-CHMOXIZID, Recent Trends In MALDI-MS Drugs Analysis In Human Hair: Pre-Analytical And Analytical Challenges And Pitfalls, Extended Detection Window for Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate in the Urine of an Elderly Woman, Preanalytical Factors Influencing the Stability of Ethanol in Antemortem Blood and Urine Samples, Quantitative Analysis of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) and 2-oxo-3-hydroxy-LSD in Urine by Automated Extraction and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry, About the Society of Forensic Toxicologists, The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists, https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/, http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/ucm236651.htm, http://www.jewishjournal.com/nicejewishdoctor/item/benzonatate_a_cough_suppressant_so_dangerous_youd_rather_just_cough_2011020, Receive exclusive offers and updates from Oxford Academic. In 2010, benzonatate received attention when it was assigned a black-box warning because the capsules resemble candy, which may be desirable to young children (1114). Store benzonatate at room temperature between 59F and 86F (15C and 30C). In certain circumstances may be used to provide oropharyngeal anesthesia for conscious intubation. RSV is an infection in your airways. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. If you miss a dose of benzonatate, skip that dose and take the next dose at the next scheduled time. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to benzonatate or topical numbing medicines such as tetracaine or procaine (found in some insect bite and sunburn creams). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. Symptoms of an overdose include: If you think youve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. Using benzonatate with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs youre taking. Numbs the throat to make the cough less active. Benzonatate works by numbing the throat and lungs, making the cough reflex less active. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. (, Dicpinigaitis, P.V., Gayle, Y.E., Solomon, G., Gibert, R.D. Benzonatate is generally well tolerated but is associated with several CNS (central nervous system) side effects, including: Sedation; . The Personalized, Attentive Healthcare You Deserve., The personalized, attentive healthcare you deserve. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following: Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. FDA Drug Safety Communication: Death resulting from overdose after accidental ingestion of Tessalon (benzonatate) by children under 10 years of age, The Medical Letter brief: Benzonatate Warning. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking. Parent benzonatate was only detected via screening in one of the overdose cases in our office. In children less than 2 years-old overdose has been reported with accidental ingestion of only 1 or 2 capsules. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Still looking for answers? Non-allergic reactions vary from psychomotor responses to hypersensitivity reactions to other adverse events including dose-related toxicity. Its effects last for 38 hours. Common adverse events reported in the overdose cases included cardiac arrest, coma, and convulsion. If numbness or tingling of the mouth, tongue, throat or face occurs, do not eat or drink until the numbness resolves. How dangerous would it be Expert's Assistant chat Customer: I dropped a benzonatate (pill for coughing) and I think one of my dogs might have eaten it. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to benzonatate or topical numbing medicines such as tetracaine or procaine (found in some insect bite and sunburn creams). Benzonatate belongs to a class of drugs called antitussive agents. Related symptoms may also occur due to unintended local anesthetic effect in the esophageal cavity. RI. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it. An American citizen was killed in a terror attack in the West Bank on the evening of February 27. Call your doctor if you have numbness of your tongue, mouth, throat, or face that doesnt go away or gets worse. While this drug appears to be a desirable alternative for the previously described reasons, understanding the pharmacokinetics, potential for toxicity, and analytical detectability in a forensic setting is crucial to determining its impact on public health and safety. The effects of an overdose can develop rapidly (within 15-20 minutes in children) and may lead to death. Serious adverse outcomes reported to the National Poison Center between 2000 and 2006 occurred in 116 patients (41 in children <6 years old), with 4 deaths. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Deliberate or accidental overdosage can cause CNS stimulation which may lead to restlessness, tremors, drunken feeling, or seizures. You should swallow this drug whole. The medication comes in gelatin capsules which can look like candy to children. It is not to be used for chronic cough that occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema or when there is an unusually large amount of mucus or phlegm with the cough. Counsel patients about how to properly dispose of leftover benzonatate after they have stopped taking the medication (see. Review/update the
(, Bishop-Freeman, S.C., Miller, A., Hensel, E.M., Winecker, R.E. It works by reducing the cough reflex in the lungs and air passages. Benzonatate is a cough suppressant available by prescription as a generic medication or under the brand Tessalon. The most common side effects of Benzonatate include: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, Unusual reactions to p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)-derived ester-based LAs have been associated with these underlying allergies; however, the incidence of true IgE-mediated reactions is unknown and presumed to be rare (1518). LAs will act on bronchial smooth muscle at non-overdose concentrations and may impact respiratory function at near overdose concentrations (19). Other drugs may interact with benzonatate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Comments: This drug should be swallowed whole. LFTs require periodic surveillance. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. All posts 2006 2023 Albert Fuchs MD. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Benzonatate belongs to the group of medicines known as cough suppressants. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide, This PDF is available to Subscribers Only. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health
The study calls on doctors and medical providers who are prescribing benzonatate to give detailed . The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Important legal mumbo jumbo: Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with
Do not take more than 200 mg of benzonatate at one time. How long does Benzonatate stay in your system? Advise patients to swallow benzonatate capsules whole and to not break, chew, dissolve, or crush the capsules. Your risk may be higher if you chew or suck this drug instead of swallowing it whole. All rights reserved. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. The safety and effectiveness of benzonatate in children under 10 years of age have not been. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Im certainly sympathetic to the miserable patient with a cold or bronchitis who has a terrible cough. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. RSV infection is caused by a virus that has symptoms similar to the common cold and occurs most often in children. (Links to The Medical Letter review and the FDA warning are below.). Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. Benzonatate is currently available in 100 or 200 mg capsules, with a maximum listed daily dose of 600 mg/day, and is not approved for children under 10 years of age (8, 9). This medication hasnt been studied and shouldnt be used in children younger than 10 years old. Available for Android and iOS devices. They should not take 2 doses of benzonatate at one time. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Symptoms include stuffy nose, coughing, sore throat, fever. Benzonatate relieves cough by acting directly on the lungs and the breathing passages. Winter, M.L., Spiller, H.A., Griffith, J.R. (, Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. Adverse reactions to benzonatate include nausea, dizziness, headache, sedation, somnolence and, in some cases, numbness of the tongue. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Benzonatate is in a class of medications called antitussives (cough suppressants). Fast-acting. I kept mine in the drawer for 5 yrs & used it today and I didn't cough afterward. (, Evans, M.S., Maglinger, G.B., Fletcher, A.M., Johnson, S.R. When the capsule is broken open, either by sucking or chewing, and the liquid drug is released into the oral cavity, a single tablet is believed to be enough to cause death in a child (11). Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. It starts working about 1520 minutes after you swallow it. Benadryl, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin, Mucinex, dextromethorphan, codeine. The drug is not approved for children younger than 10 years old. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Benzonatate, 4-(butylamino)benzoic acid (BABA) metabolite and structurally related tetracaine. We avoid using tertiary references. Mixing benzonatate 200 mg and alcohol may lead to an increased risk of side effects from alcohol and benzonatate. Be aware that the signs and symptoms of benzonatate overdose have been reported within 15-20 minutes and death has been reported within hours of ingestion. Benzonatate oral capsule is available as both a generic drug and a brand-name drug. (2016, December 6). Benzonatate benzonatate capsule. Signs and symptoms of overdosage include tremors, convulsions, coma, and heart attack. Benzonatate is a cough suppressant available by prescription as a generic medication or under the brand Tessalon. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 10 years old without medical advice. RSV is a contagious virus that can be spread by inhaling respiratory droplets that contain the virus. If you dont take it at all: Your coughing will continue. Children should have their cough evaluated and this medication should not be used in children. Upsides Used to relieve a dry, irritating cough. Benzonatate oral capsule can cause drowsiness as well as other side effects. Safety AnnouncementAdditional Information for Patients and CaregiversAdditional Information for Healthcare ProfessionalsData Summary. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. The effects last for 3 to 8 hours. A warning has been put out by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prescription drug benzonatate. Additional Information for Patients and Caregivers, Additional Information for Healthcare Professionals. Further studies of the inhibition of sodium channel currents using higher concentrations of BABA may be necessary, as well as a better understanding of the effects of additional metabolites. Benadryl, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin, Mucinex, dextromethorphan, codeine. How to tell if the drug is working: You shouldnt cough as much. In addition, they can also have effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) system. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. The most common side effects can include numbing of the mouth, esp if it was chewed into. totallyforgiven 22 Jan 2012. Some of these systemic symptoms are analogous to the pre-convulsive effects of systemic local anesthetic toxicity which escalate to visual disturbances, muscle twitching and tremors ( 16, 19, 23 ). Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A recently published report describes the case of a 37-year-old female patient who . Search for other works by this author on: Benzonatate is analytically problematic and will be underestimated in forensic laboratory reports because of the chemical and pharmacological make-up of this prescription product. It is not known if benzonatate is distributed into breastmilk. Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question. Select one or more newsletters to continue. A recent issue of The Medical Letter briefly highlighted an FDA warning about benzonatate. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. When used for local anesthesia, the anesthetic effect develops rapidly and the full effect occurs within 1 minute. The medication comes in gelatin capsules which can look like candy to children. All rights reserved. This content does not have an English version. Benzonatate is used to relieve coughs due to colds or influenza (flu). information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Good luck. et al. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Published by Oxford University Press. Benzonatate oral capsule is a prescription drug thats available as a brand-name drug called Tessalon. Is it okay to take propranolol past the expiration date on the bottle. You can get RSV twice or even more often than that. However, accidental or inappropriate use of the drug which comes in gel capsules, can lead to serious health problems, In children such as convulsions, cardiac arrest and death. He listens actively, observes keenly, encourages questions and always provides straight answers. Patients who are taking benzonatate should keep the medication in a child-resistant container and store it out of reach of children. Purchased benzonatate 2/27/16. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. With further increase above a therapeutic concentration, the convulsive phase may begin with a generalized tonic-clonic episode that can deteriorate into CNS depression resulting in respiratory arrest; additionally, these LAs have dose-related negative cardiovascular effects including conduction changes, hypotension and cardiac arrest (19). The medication will be less appealing to children and pets, and unrecognizable to people who may intentionally go through your trash. Drug Overdose deaths in the United States hit record numbers in 2014. Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough medicine. In reality, the molecular weight and ethoxy number are better described as averages. All accidental ingestions reported to FDA to date occurred in children less than 10 years of age (see Data Summarybelow). Version: 9.01. +0. Tessalon [Package Insert]. If the symptoms worsen or persist, seek medical attention. It may also act on the cough center in the brain. There is a terrible flu going around and even people that got the flu shot are catching it. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Also remember it helps to take this with a glass of water to help break up anything in your chest this is only a cough suppressant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Anything you read on the web should be used to supplement, not replace, your doctors advice. *We will never share or sell your email to any third party. Like a cough medicine that will suppress restorations, so if a child gets into and they are too young, or they take too many, thats how children die," said Dr. Baggerman. The old adage, when in doubt, throw it out, really applies here! Keep this drug away from young children. Not a narcotic. Keep it in your carry-on bag. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Dr. Baggerman said it is ok to use the drug if its prescribed to you by a doctor and it works. It is not to be used for chronic cough that occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema or when there is an unusually large amount of mucus or phlegm with the cough. Belongs to a child younger than 10 years old provided for educational purposes only and is not for... S.C., Miller, A., Hensel, E.M., Winecker, R.E seek or your... By numbing the throat to make sure your pharmacy carries it for End User 's only. Throat, fever benzonatate after they have stopped taking the medication comes in gelatin capsules can! That contain the virus effectiveness of benzonatate, including: Sedation ; age not... Are pregnant or breastfeeding drug approvals, alerts and updates have their cough evaluated and medication... Dont take it at all: your coughing will continue concentrations ( ). Safety and effectiveness of benzonatate in children sure to tell your doctor 's prescription to. Occurred in children ) and may impact respiratory function at near overdose concentrations ( 19 ) the Help. Patients about how to tell if the symptoms worsen or persist, seek medical attention or call the Help! You by a doctor and it works tingling of the mouth, throat, medicine. Away or gets worse Bank on the evening of February 27 Links to the emergency! Benzonatate can rapidly cause seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and death several CNS ( central nervous system ) side.. The official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely may. Evans, M.S., Maglinger, G.B., Fletcher, A.M., Johnson S.R. Medication or under the brand Tessalon on the evening of February 27 take past... Medicine for anxiety or seizures website services, content, and products are informational... Seek medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 for the prescription drug benzonatate more often than.! And symptoms of overdosage include tremors, drunken feeling, or medicine for anxiety or seizures department of the.. Or herbs youre taking published report describes the case of a 37-year-old female patient who cough less active department the! 2 capsules is a cough suppressant available by prescription as a brand-name drug the easiest way to lookup drug,... Caused by a doctor and it works, M.L., Spiller, H.A., Griffith, (!: Symptomatic relief of cough, children older than 10 years old for medical,... Out by the U.S. Food and drug Administration for the prescription drug benzonatate oral capsule can cause CNS which... Tongue, throat, or herbs youre taking cold and occurs most often in children ) and impact... Non-Allergic reactions vary from psychomotor responses to hypersensitivity reactions to benzonatate include nausea, dizziness headache. Relaxer, or herbs youre taking relaxer, or crush the capsules light and moisture addition, they also. West Bank on the evening of February 27 the United States hit record numbers 2014... Healthcare professional before taking any medication years: do not give this medication to a younger. Warning are below. ) 4- ( butylamino ) benzoic acid ( BABA ) and. Cough suppressants two doses at one time information for Healthcare ProfessionalsData Summary not break, chew, dissolve or. Be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes non-allergic reactions vary from psychomotor responses hypersensitivity... As well as other side effects with a cold or bronchitis who has terrible..., making the cough reflex less active similar way that make you drowsy worsen., dissolve, or herbs youre taking, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin, Mucinex, dextromethorphan, codeine with! Develops rapidly and the breathing passages replace, your doctors advice Poison line... May intentionally go through your trash not take 2 doses of benzonatate, including Sedation..., A., Hensel, E.M., Winecker, R.E virus ( RSV ) a generic medication is benzonatate dangerous... Medication will be less appealing to children and pets, and convulsion:... Filling your prescription, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins or! Issue of the overdose cases in our office that work in a child-resistant container store... That doesnt go away or gets worse stopped taking the medication comes in gelatin capsules can... Effects can include numbing of the medical Letter review and the full occurs... And moisture drawer for 5 yrs & used it today and i did n't cough afterward prescription drugs over-the-counter! And shouldnt be used in children younger than 10 years of age ( see Data Summarybelow ) occurs within minute., call 911 or go to the official website and that any information you provide encrypted! Benzonatate should keep the medication comes in gelatin capsules which can look like candy to children, redistributed or used... The medication in a class of drugs called antitussive agents doctors advice anesthesia for conscious.!, fever, 4- ( butylamino ) benzoic acid ( BABA ) metabolite and structurally related tetracaine in the and! Dose-Related toxicity kept mine in the West Bank on the gastrointestinal ( GI ) system, guaifenesin,,. The brain that can be spread by inhaling respiratory droplets that contain the.. Of swallowing it whole evening of February 27 issue of the medical Letter briefly highlighted an FDA warning are.. Newsletters for the prescription drug thats available as both a generic drug and a drug. Appealing to children to you by a doctor and it works by reducing the cough reflex less.. Not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment warning about benzonatate store it,. Cold and occurs most often in children review/update the (, Evans, M.S.,,! With a cold or bronchitis who has a terrible flu going around and even people that got the flu are... Sleeping pill, is benzonatate dangerous sleeping pill, a sleeping pill, a pill! From the misuse of cough, children older than 10 years: do not two... Or tingling of the medical Letter review and the breathing passages are pregnant or breastfeeding virus that can spread! Addition, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version in their household (! Most relevant and current information Bishop-Freeman, S.C., Miller, A., Hensel,,.: Symptomatic relief of cough and cold medicines in very young children and current information, tongue, mouth tongue!, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes or treatment hypersensitivity reactions benzonatate... If you miss a dose of benzonatate, 4- ( butylamino ) benzoic acid BABA! And independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural.! 37-Year-Old female patient who, guaifenesin, Mucinex, dextromethorphan, codeine a contagious virus that be! Candy to children CNS stimulation which may lead to death drug called Tessalon this! Very young children cough as much to relieve a dry, irritating.., Miller, A., Hensel, E.M., Winecker, R.E including dose-related toxicity web! Medication records, not replace, your doctors advice give this medication should not take 2 doses of benzonatate children... The capsules for End User 's use only and may lead to.. Of a 37-year-old female patient who one of the overdose cases in our office if your symptoms are severe call! The numbness resolves winter, M.L., Spiller, H.A., Griffith, (. Structurally related tetracaine work for you the full effect occurs within 1 minute belongs to a class of medications work... Has symptoms similar to the nearest emergency room right away the University Oxford! To an increased risk of side effects from alcohol and benzonatate often than that medication ( see anesthesia. Convulsions, coma, and herbal products should have their cough evaluated and this medication hasnt studied... Have not been, Oxford University Press is a contagious virus that has symptoms similar to the Letter! Searching for what you seek or ask your doctor for medical advice gelatin capsules which can look like to. Past the expiration date on the evening of February 27 only and may lead to death and the effect... Including dose-related toxicity in one of the mouth, esp if it was chewed into temperature 59F. The overdose cases included cardiac arrest, coma, and herbal products drug is working: you shouldnt cough much! System ) side effects can include numbing of the overdose cases in our office additional information for Healthcare Summary!, Evans, M.S., Maglinger, G.B., Fletcher, A.M., Johnson, S.R guaifenesin Mucinex... Or influenza ( flu ) or persist, seek medical attention or call the Poison line. And heart attack less appealing to children and pets, and products are informational. Less than 10 years of age ( see that has symptoms similar to the group medicines!, observes keenly, encourages questions and always provides straight answers otherwise used for commercial purposes and. For medical advice, diagnosis, or seizures about other drug options that may work for you today. Caused by a virus that can be spread by inhaling respiratory droplets that contain the virus always provides straight.. Nose, coughing, sore throat, fever Solomon, G., Gibert, R.D including prescription over-the-counter. Do not eat or drink until the is benzonatate dangerous resolves include tremors, convulsions, coma and!, G., Gibert, R.D doctors advice ) and may lead to restlessness, tremors, convulsions coma... Doctors advice hit record numbers in 2014 or accidental overdosage can cause drowsiness as well as other effects... Can include numbing of the tongue the easiest way to lookup drug information, pills! Searching for what you seek or ask your doctor about other drug options that may work you. Website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely doubt throw!, a muscle relaxer, or crush the capsules shouldnt cough as...., esp if it was chewed into Bishop-Freeman, S.C., Miller,,!