Benzonatate
Mechanism :
Benzonatate acts peripherally by anesthetizing the stretch receptors located in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura by dampening their activity and thereby reducing the cough reflex at its source. It begins to act within 15 to 20 minutes and its effect lasts for 3 to 8 hours. Benzonatate has no inhibitory effect on the respiratory centre in recommended dosage.
Indication :
- Symptomatic relief of cough
Contraindications :
Hypersensitivity to benzonatate or related compounds.
Dosing :
<10 years:
Safety and efficacy has not been established.
Adults and children over 10 years of age:
Usual dose is one 100 mg soft gel thrice daily PO. If necessary, up to 6 soft gels daily may be given. Maximum dose: 600 mg/day. It is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.
Adverse Effect :
Hypersensitivity reactions including bronchospasm, laryngospasm, cardiovascular collapse possibly related to local anaesthesia from chewing or sucking the soft gel, sedation, headache, dizziness, mental confusion, visual hallucinations, constipation, nausea, GI upset, pruritus, skin eruptions, nasal congestion, sensation of burning in the eyes.
Interaction :
Tizanidine: Concurrent use may increase side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness, difficulty concentrating, and impairment in thinking and judgment.
Hepatic Dose :
No dosage adjustments are recommended.