Benzonatate <genindx> Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
Benzonatate
(ben- ZOH-nah-tayt)
Pregnancy Category: C Tessalon Perles (Rx)

Classification: Antitussive, nonnarcotic

Action/Kinetics: Acts peripherally by anesthetizing stretch receptors in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura, thus depressing the cough reflex at its source. No effect on the respiratory center in the doses recommended. Onset: 15-20 min. Duration: 3-8 hr.

Uses: Symptomatic relief of cough.

Contraindications: Sensitivity to benzonatate or related drugs such as procaine and tetracaine.

Special Concerns: Use with caution during lactation. Safety and efficacy have not been determined in children less than 10 years of age.

Side Effects: Hypersensitivity reactions: Bronchospasm, laryngospasm, CV collapse. GI: Nausea, GI upset, constipation. CNS: Sedation, headache, dizziness, mental confusion, visual hallucinations. Dermatologic: Pruritus, skin eruptions. Miscellaneous: Nasal congestion, sensation of burning in the eyes, "chilly" sensation, numbness of the chest.

Overdose Mangement: Symptoms: Oropharyngeal anesthesia if capsules are chewed or dissolved in the mouth. CNS stimulation, including restlessness, tremors, and clonic convulsions followed by profound CNS depression. Treatment: Evacuate gastric contents followed by copious amounts of activated charcoal slurry. Due to depressed cough and gag reflexes, efforts may be needed to protect against aspiration of gastric contents and orally administered substances. Treat convulsions with a short-acting IV barbiturate. Do not use CNS stimulants. Support of respiration and CV-renal function.

How Supplied: Perles: 100 mg.

Dosage
?Capsules (Perles) Antitussive.
Adults and children over 10 years of age: 100 mg t.i.d., up to a maximum of 600 mg/day.