Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: benzonatate
BRAND NAME: Tessalon Perles
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Benzonatate is a medication
taken
orally to suppress coughs. It has an anesthetic (numbing)
action similar
to that of benzocaine and "numbs" the stretch sensors
in the
lungs. It is the stretching of these sensors with breathing
that causes
the cough. Benzonatate begins to work within 15 to 20 minutes,
and its
effects last for approximately 3 hours. Benzonatate is
unrelated to
narcotics such as codeine which are frequently used to suppress
coughs.
(Another frequently used cough suppressant, dextromethorphan,
which is
found in many over-the-counter cough and cold preparations, is a
derivative of the narcotics.) Benzonatate was approved by the
FDA in 1958.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 100mg.
STORAGE: Capsules should be stored at room
temperature, between
15° (59°F) and 30°C (86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Benzonatate is used for relieving
coughs.
DOSING: Benzonatate usually is given three times daily
as
needed for cough. A maximum doses of 6 capsules per day is
recommended by
the manufacturer. The capsules should be swallowed whole; they
should not
be broken or chewed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known drug
interactions with
benzonatate.
PREGNANCY: There is very little information about the
effects
on the fetus of benzonatate given to pregnant women. Physicians
may use it
during pregnancy if its benefits are deemed to outweigh its
potential but
unknown risks.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not
known whether benzonatate is secreted into breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequent adverse reactions of
benzonatate include sedation, headache, mild dizziness,
constipation,
nausea, and vomiting.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 7/23/1998
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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