Benzonatate, often marketed under the brand name Tessalon Perles, is a medication primarily used to relieve coughs. It works by acting directly on the cough center in your brain, suppressing the urge to cough. Benzonatate is available as a capsule or lozenge. It is typically taken every four to six hours as needed, with a maximum daily dosage of 180 mg.
Benzonatate is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, it can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and headache. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist to minimize the risk of side effects. Benzonatate should not be used by children under the age of 10 or by people with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease.
In the following section, we will delve deeper into the specific conditions for which benzonatate is commonly used, exploring its mechanism of action, benefits, and potential side effects. We will also discuss the appropriate dosage and administration guidelines, as well as important precautions and contraindications to consider.
what is benzonatate used for
Benzonatate is a medication primarily used to relieve coughs.
- Suppresses cough reflex
- Acts on cough center in brain
- Available as capsule or lozenge
- Dosage: 4-6 hours as needed
- Maximum daily dosage: 180 mg
- Generally safe and well-tolerated
- Potential side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, nausea
- Not for children under 10 or people with liver/kidney disease
It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist to minimize the risk of side effects. Benzonatate should not be used by children under the age of 10 or by people with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease.
Suppresses cough reflex
Benzonatate works by suppressing the cough reflex, which is the body's natural response to irritation in the throat or lungs. When you cough, your brain sends signals to your throat and lungs to expel the irritant.
- Acts on cough center in brain:
Benzonatate works by directly acting on the cough center in your brain, which is responsible for triggering the cough reflex. It does this by blocking the signals that are sent from the cough center to the throat and lungs.
- Peripherally acting:
Unlike some other cough suppressants, benzonatate does not work by numbing the throat or lungs. Instead, it works peripherally, meaning that it acts directly on the cough center in the brain.
- Non-narcotic:
Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough suppressant, which means that it does not contain any opioids. This makes it less likely to cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.
- Fast-acting:
Benzonatate is a fast-acting cough suppressant, which means that it starts working quickly to relieve your cough.
Overall, benzonatate is an effective and safe cough suppressant that works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain. It is a non-narcotic medication that starts working quickly and is less likely to cause side effects than some other cough suppressants.
Acts on cough center in brain
Benzonatate works by acting directly on the cough center in your brain, which is responsible for triggering the cough reflex. It does this by blocking the signals that are sent from the cough center to the throat and lungs.
- Location of cough center:
The cough center is located in the medulla oblongata, which is a part of the brainstem. It is responsible for coordinating the cough reflex.
- Mechanism of action:
Benzonatate works by blocking the sodium channels in the cough center. This prevents the signals that trigger coughing from being sent to the throat and lungs.
- Selective action:
Benzonatate is a selective cough suppressant, which means that it only acts on the cough center in the brain. This makes it less likely to cause side effects than some other cough suppressants, which can also affect other parts of the brain and body.
- Fast-acting:
Benzonatate is a fast-acting cough suppressant, which means that it starts working quickly to relieve your cough.
Overall, benzonatate is an effective and safe cough suppressant that works by acting directly on the cough center in the brain. It is a selective and fast-acting medication that is less likely to cause side effects than some other cough suppressants.
Available as capsule or lozenge
Benzonatate is available in two forms: capsules and lozenges. Both forms are taken orally, but they have different advantages and disadvantages.
Capsules:- Advantages:
Capsules are easy to swallow and can be taken with or without food. They are also less likely to cause mouth irritation than lozenges.
- Disadvantages:
Capsules may take longer to start working than lozenges. They can also be more expensive than lozenges.
- Advantages:
Lozenges dissolve slowly in the mouth, which can provide a soothing effect on the throat. They also start working more quickly than capsules.
- Disadvantages:
Lozenges can be more expensive than capsules. They can also cause mouth irritation, such as dryness or a burning sensation.
Ultimately, the best form of benzonatate for you will depend on your individual preferences and needs. If you are unsure which form is right for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when choosing a form of benzonatate:
- Capsules are not suitable for children under the age of 6.
- Lozenges are not suitable for children under the age of 10.
- People with difficulty swallowing may prefer capsules.
- People with a sensitive throat may prefer lozenges.
Dosage: 4-6 hours as needed
Benzonatate is typically taken every four to six hours as needed, with a maximum daily dosage of 180 mg. This means that you should not take more than 180 mg of benzonatate in a 24-hour period.
The dosage of benzonatate that is right for you will depend on your age, weight, and the severity of your cough. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage for you.
General dosage guidelines:- Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 100 mg every four to six hours as needed, with a maximum daily dosage of 180 mg.
- Children 6 to 11 years of age: 50 mg every four to six hours as needed, with a maximum daily dosage of 100 mg.
- Children under 6 years of age: Benzonatate is not recommended for children under the age of 6.
- Do not take more than the recommended dosage. Taking more than the recommended dosage of benzonatate can increase your risk of side effects.
- Do not take benzonatate for more than 7 days. If your cough does not improve after 7 days, see your doctor.
- Benzonatate should not be used by children under the age of 6.
- Benzonatate should not be used by people with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease.
If you have any questions about the dosage of benzonatate, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when taking benzonatate:
- Take benzonatate with a full glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break benzonatate capsules.
- Do not take benzonatate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications.
Maximum daily dosage: 180 mg
The maximum daily dosage of benzonatate is 180 mg. This means that you should not take more than 180 mg of benzonatate in a 24-hour period.
- Reason for maximum dosage:
The maximum daily dosage of benzonatate is set to reduce the risk of side effects. Taking more than the recommended dosage can increase your risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and headache.
- Symptoms of overdose:
Symptoms of a benzonatate overdose can include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and seizures. If you think you have taken an overdose of benzonatate, call your doctor or poison control center immediately.
- What to do if you miss a dose:
If you miss a dose of benzonatate, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
- Importance of following dosage instructions:
It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Taking more or less than the recommended dosage can increase your risk of side effects.
If you have any questions about the maximum daily dosage of benzonatate, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Generally safe and well-tolerated
Benzonatate is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. This means that most people who take benzonatate do not experience any side effects. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and headache.
Common side effects of benzonatate:- Drowsiness: This is the most common side effect of benzonatate. It is important to be aware of this side effect if you are operating machinery or driving a vehicle.
- Dizziness: This side effect is less common than drowsiness. It is important to avoid sudden changes in position, such as standing up quickly, if you are experiencing dizziness.
- Nausea: This side effect is also less common than drowsiness. It can be helpful to take benzonatate with food or milk to reduce the risk of nausea.
- Constipation: This side effect is rare. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet to reduce the risk of constipation.
- Headache: This side effect is also rare. It can be helpful to take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve a headache.
- Allergic reaction: Symptoms of an allergic reaction to benzonatate can include rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
- Seizures: This side effect is rare and is more likely to occur in people who take high doses of benzonatate.
- Liver damage: This side effect is also rare and is more likely to occur in people who take high doses of benzonatate for a long period of time.
If you experience any side effects from benzonatate, talk to your doctor. They may recommend lowering your dosage or switching to a different medication.
Overall, benzonatate is a safe and effective medication for the relief of coughs. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of benzonatate before taking it.
Potential side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, nausea
Benzonatate can cause a number of side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days. However, they can be more severe in some people.
Drowsiness:- This is the most common side effect of benzonatate.
- It is important to be aware of this side effect if you are operating machinery or driving a vehicle.
- To reduce the risk of drowsiness, avoid taking benzonatate with alcohol or other sedatives.
- You can also try taking benzonatate at night to reduce the impact of drowsiness during the day.
- This side effect is less common than drowsiness.
- It is important to avoid sudden changes in position, such as standing up quickly, if you are experiencing dizziness.
- To reduce the risk of dizziness, avoid taking benzonatate with alcohol or other sedatives.
- You can also try taking benzonatate at night to reduce the impact of dizziness during the day.
- This side effect is also less common than drowsiness.
- It can be helpful to take benzonatate with food or milk to reduce the risk of nausea.
- If you experience nausea after taking benzonatate, try taking it with a smaller meal or snack.
- You can also try taking benzonatate at night to reduce the impact of nausea during the day.
If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. They may recommend lowering your dosage or switching to a different medication.
In rare cases, benzonatate can cause more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, seizures, and liver damage. However, these side effects are very rare.
Not for children under 10 or people with liver/kidney disease
Benzonatate is not recommended for children under the age of 10 or for people with liver or kidney disease.
Children under 10:- Benzonatate is not approved for use in children under the age of 10.
- This is because benzonatate can cause serious side effects in children, such as seizures and respiratory depression.
- If your child has a cough, talk to your doctor about other cough suppressants that are safe for children.
- Benzonatate is not recommended for people with liver or kidney disease.
- This is because benzonatate is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
- In people with liver or kidney disease, benzonatate may not be properly metabolized or excreted, which can lead to a build-up of the drug in the body and an increased risk of side effects.
- If you have liver or kidney disease and you have a cough, talk to your doctor about other cough suppressants that are safe for you.
It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Taking more than the recommended dosage of benzonatate can increase your risk of side effects, especially if you are a child under 10 or a person with liver or kidney disease.
If you have any questions about whether benzonatate is safe for you, talk to your doctor.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about benzonatate:
Question 1: What is benzonatate used for?
Answer: Benzonatate is a medication used to relieve coughs. It works by acting directly on the cough center in your brain, suppressing the urge to cough.
Question 2: How do I take benzonatate?
Answer: Benzonatate is available as a capsule or lozenge. It is typically taken every four to six hours as needed, with a maximum daily dosage of 180 mg.
Question 3: What are the side effects of benzonatate?
Answer: The most common side effects of benzonatate are drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and headache. In rare cases, benzonatate can cause more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, seizures, and liver damage.
Question 4: Is benzonatate safe for children?
Answer: Benzonatate is not recommended for children under the age of 10. This is because benzonatate can cause serious side effects in children, such as seizures and respiratory depression.
Question 5: Is benzonatate safe for people with liver or kidney disease?
Answer: Benzonatate is not recommended for people with liver or kidney disease. This is because benzonatate is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. In people with liver or kidney disease, benzonatate may not be properly metabolized or excreted, which can lead to a build-up of the drug in the body and an increased risk of side effects.
Question 6: How long can I take benzonatate?
Answer: Benzonatate should not be taken for more than 7 days. If your cough does not improve after 7 days, see your doctor.
Question 7: What should I do if I miss a dose of benzonatate?
Answer: If you miss a dose of benzonatate, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
If you have any other questions about benzonatate, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
In addition to taking benzonatate, there are a number of other things you can do to relieve your cough, such as drinking plenty of fluids, getting plenty of rest, and using a humidifier.
Tips
Here are some tips for relieving your cough:
Tip 1: Drink plenty of fluids.
Staying hydrated helps to thin mucus and keep your throat from getting dry and irritated. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.
Tip 2: Get plenty of rest.
When you're sick, your body needs time to heal. Make sure to get plenty of rest so that your immune system can do its job.
Tip 3: Use a humidifier.
A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to soothe a dry throat and reduce coughing. You can use a warm-mist humidifier or a cool-mist humidifier.
Tip 4: Gargle with salt water.
Gargling with salt water can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. To make salt water, mix one-half teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. Gargle for 30 seconds to one minute, then spit out the water.
Tip 5: Try honey.
Honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to fight off infection and reduce coughing. You can take one to two teaspoons of honey up to three times per day. You can also add honey to tea or hot water.
Tip 6: Use over-the-counter cough suppressants.
There are a number of over-the-counter cough suppressants available that can help to relieve your cough. Some common ingredients in cough suppressants include dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. Be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the dosage instructions.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
If your cough is severe or does not improve after seven days, see your doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your cough.
By following these tips, you can help to relieve your cough and get back to feeling better.
Conclusion
Benzonatate is a safe and effective medication for the relief of coughs. It works by acting directly on the cough center in the brain, suppressing the urge to cough.
Benzonatate is available as a capsule or lozenge. It is typically taken every four to six hours as needed, with a maximum daily dosage of 180 mg. The most common side effects of benzonatate are drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and headache.
Benzonatate is not recommended for children under the age of 10 or for people with liver or kidney disease.
If you have a cough, talk to your doctor about whether benzonatate is right for you.
Closing Message:
Remember, coughing is a natural reflex that helps to protect your lungs from irritation. However, if your cough is severe or does not improve after seven days, see your doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your cough.
By following the tips in this article, you can help to relieve your cough and get back to feeling better.