Benzonatate (patient information)

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Why this medication is prescribed

Benzonatate is used to treat cough due to the common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other lung infections. Benzonatate is in a class of medications called antitussives (cough suppressants). It works by reducing the cough reflex in the lungs and air passages.

How this medication should be used

Benzonatate comes as a liquid-filled capsule (perle) and a regular capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take benzonatate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules and liquid-filled capsules whole; do not suck or chew on them. If the medication is released in the mouth, it may make the mouth numb and cause choking.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions

Before taking benzonatate:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to benzonatate, procaine (Novocain), tetracaine (Pontocaine), or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking benzonatate, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking benzonatate.
• you should know that benzonatate may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.

Special dietary instructions

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What to do if you forget a dose

This medication is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take benzonatate regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Minor Side Effects

Benzonatate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• constipation
• drowsiness
• headache
• dizziness
• stuffed nose
• burning in the eyes

Severe Side Effects

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• rash or hives
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• confusion
• seeing things that do not exist (hallucinating)

Benzonatate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• restlessness
• shaking hands that you cannot control
• seizures
• unconsciousness

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Tessalon® Capsules
• Tessalon® Perles

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