Drug Name
Generic Name: benzonatate
Brand Name: Benzonatate Softgels, Tessalon, Tessalon Perles
Classification: Antitussive (nonopioid)
Pregnancy Category C
Dosage & Route
ADULTS AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS > 10 YR
- 100–200 mg PO tid; up to 600 mg/day may be used.
Therapeutic actions
- Related to the local anesthetic tetracaine; anesthetizes the stretch receptors in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura, hampering their activity and reducing the cough reflex at its source.
Indications
- Symptomatic relief of nonproductive cough
- Unlabeled use: May be used to reduce cough reflex during procedures (ie, endoscopy)
Adverse effects
- CNS: Sedation, headache, mild dizziness, hallucinations, nasal congestion, sensation of burning in the eyes
- Dermatologic: Pruritus, skin eruptions
- GI: Constipation, nausea, GI upset
- Other: Vague “chilly” feeling, numbness in the chest
Contraindications
- Contraindicated with allergy to benzonatate or related compounds (tetracaine); lactation.
- Use cautiously with pregnancy.
Nursing considerations
Assessment
- History: Allergy to benzonatate or related compounds (tetracaine); lactation, pregnancy
- Physical: Nasal mucous membranes; skin color, lesions; orientation, affect; adventitious sounds
Interventions
- WARNING: Administer orally; caution patient not to chew or break capsules but to swallow them whole; choking could occur if drug released in the mouth.
Teaching points
- Swallow the capsules whole; do not chew or break capsules because numbness of the throat and mouth could occur, and swallowing could become difficult.
- You may experience these side effects: Rash, itching (skin care may help); constipation, nausea, GI upset; sedation, dizziness (avoid driving or tasks that require alertness).
- Report restlessness, tremor, difficulty breathing, constipation, rash, bizarre behavior.