Benzonatate
(ben zoe' na tate)
Why is this medication prescribed?
Benzonatate is used to relieve cough. Benzonatate is in a class of medications called antitussives (cough
suppressants). It works by reducing the cough reflex in the lungs and air passages.
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How should this medicine be used?
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Benzonatate comes as a liquid-filled capsule and a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day as
needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part
you do not understand. Take benzonatate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your doctor.
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Swallow the capsules and liquid-filled capsules whole; do not break, dissolve, cut, crush, suck or chew them. If the
medication is released in the mouth, it may make the mouth numb and cause choking. Do not eat or drink if you feel
numbness or tingling of your mouth, tongue, throat, or face. If feelings of numbness or tingling continue or get worse, get
medical help right away.
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Other uses for this medicine
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This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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What special precautions should I follow?
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Before taking benzonatate,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to benzonatate, procaine (Novocain), tetracaine (in Synera),any
other medications, or any of the ingredients in benzonatate capsules. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of
ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional
supplements , and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of
your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
taking benzonatate, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery , including dental surgery , tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking benzonatate.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
This medication is usually taken as needed. If you are taking benzonatate regularly and you miss a dose, skip the
missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Benzonatate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
nausea
constipation
drowsiness
headache
dizziness
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stuffy nose
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feeling chilly
burning in the eyes
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Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
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rash or hives
itching
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tightening of the throat
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difficulty breathing or swallowing
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numbness of the chest
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confusion
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hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that do not exist)
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Benzonatate may cause other side effects . Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this
medication.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed. It is very important to store this medication in a closed
child-proof container and to keep it out of reach of children. Children may be attracted to the shape and look of the
liquid-filled capsules and may die if they swallow the medication. Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not
breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
If benzonatate is taken accidentally, call for medical help immediately. Symptoms of overdose can occur
rapidly (within 15–20 minutes of taking medication) and death in children has been reported within an hour.
These symptoms may include the following:
restlessness
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
confusion
seizures
unconsciousness
What other information should I know?
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Keep all appointments with your doctor.
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Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription.
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It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you
are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list
with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with
you in case of emergencies.
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Brand names
Zonatuss ®
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Tessalon®