What is the most important information I should know about benzonatate?
Never suck or chew on a benzonatate capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule may cause serious side effects.
Benzonatate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old. An overdose of benzonatate can be fatal to a young child.
What is benzonatate?
Benzonatate is used to relieve coughing.
Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough medicine that numbs the throat and lungs, making the cough reflex less active.
Benzonatate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking benzonatate?
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).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Benzonatate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old. An overdose of benzonatate can be fatal, especially to a young child who has accidentally swallowed the medicine.
How should I take benzonatate?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Never suck or chew on a benzonatate capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule may cause serious side effects.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of benzonatate can be fatal, especially to a child. Accidental death has occurred in children under 10 years old.
Overdose symptoms may include tremors, feeling restless, seizure (convulsions), slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, and slow breathing (breathing may stop).
What should I avoid while taking benzonatate?
Avoid eating or drinking anything while you feel numbness or tingling in your mouth or throat.
What are the possible side effects of benzonatate?
Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe drowsiness or dizziness;
- confusion, hallucinations.
- ongoing numbness or tingling in your mouth, throat, or face;
- numbness in your chest;
- a choking feeling;
- chills; or
- burning in your eyes.
Some of these side effects may result from chewing or sucking on a benzonatate capsule.
Common side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness;
- nausea, upset stomach;
- constipation;
- itching, rash; or
- stuffy nose.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect benzonatate?
Using benzonatate with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs may affect benzonatate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about benzonatate.
