Benzonatate Interactions Checker

After absorption and circulation to the respiratory tract, benzonatate acts as a local anesthetic. In this way, it is able to decrease the sensitivity of bronchi, alveoli, and pleura in the lower airway and lung. As one of the most effective cough treatments, benzonatate can be useful in surpressing coughing and improving airflow to the lungs. It can be purchased as a generic drug and as the brand name drug Zonatuss and Tessalon Perles. In the following short article, we discuss the brand names, uses, side effects, and warnings of benzonatate.

Foods to Avoid While on Benzonatate

Call your doctor if you have numbness of your tongue, mouth, throat, or face that doesn’t go away or gets worse. If you experience numbness while taking benzonatate, try not to eat or drink anything until synthroid backorder the numbness goes away. This medication comes with several warnings, some of which are severe. It is advisable to seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following warnings or symptoms. 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.

This mechanism of action helps to reduce the urge to cough, providing temporary relief from persistent coughing. However, it is important to understand that benzonatate is not a cure for the underlying condition causing the cough. It is primarily used to manage symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. Serious side effects of benzonatate include choking feeling, chest pain or numbness, feeling like you might pass out, confusion, or hallucinations. Some of these side effects may result from chewing or sucking on a capsule. Certain medicines and benzonatate interact and this can increase your risk of serious adverse reactions.

• In this way, it is able to decrease the sensitivity of bronchi, alveoli, and pleura in the lower airway and lung.
• Understanding these potential drug interactions is crucial to avoid any unintended harm or complications.
• If you experience any of the above side effects and believe they may be life-threatening, please call 9-11 immediately.
• Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
• If numbness or tingling of the mouth, tongue, throat, or face occurs, do not eat or drink until these symptoms disappear.

Does benzonatate interact with my other drugs?

For this reason, it may be wise to avoid or limit alcohol use while taking benzonatate. As a service to our readers, Cabinet Health provides access to our library of archived medical content. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

When combined, the sedative effects can become even more pronounced, resulting in heightened drowsiness and an increased risk of accidents or injuries. Benzonatate is chemically related to certain anesthesia medications, such as procaine and tetracaine. Taking benzonatate with these medications can lead to serious side effects, such as excessive drowsiness and slowed breathing.

Why Alcohol Should Be Avoided with Benzonatate

Mixing alcohol with benzonatate can have several detrimental effects on the body. Alcohol is a depressant that can augment the sedative effects of benzonatate, leading to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. These effects can be particularly dangerous when driving or operating machinery, as they can significantly impair one’s ability to perform tasks safely. The medication’s effects typically last for approximately 3 to 8 hours, depending on the individual’s metabolism and the severity of their cough. During this time, individuals may experience a significant reduction in coughing episodes, allowing them to engage in their daily activities more comfortably. If numbness or tingling of the mouth, tongue, throat, or face occurs, do not eat or drink until these symptoms disappear.

Some of these side effects may result from chewing or sucking on a benzonatate capsule. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. There isn’t enough research to say whether benzonatate is secreted in breast milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

We also answer popular questions like how does benzonatate work? You can take benzonatate every day for cough relief provided you do not exceed the prescribed dosage. The typical adult dose is 100 mg or 200 mg in a single dose and a total daily dose of 600 mg in three divided doses. Tell your doctor if you have persistent coughing that continues after 7 days of taking benzonatate.

Benzonatate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old. An overdose can be fatal, especially to a young child who has accidentally swallowed the medicine. Although benzonatate is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience side effects with this medication. Benzonatate and alcohol have some similar side effects, such as sleepiness and dizziness. Combining the two may make these side effects more likely to occur or more intense.

This medication can be extremely harmful for children younger than 10 years old; accidental ingestion can potentially lead to death. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use benzonatate only for the indication prescribed. Benzonatate (sold under the brand name Tessalon) is a nonopioid prescription cough suppressant.