Benzonatate, available under brand names like Tessalon Perles and Zonatuss, is a non-narcotic oral medication primarily prescribed to relieve cough symptoms. It is a significant tool in managing persistent coughs, especially when coughing interferes with daily life or sleep. Approved by the FDA in the 1950s, benzonatate has become a reliable and relatively safe option in the medical field for effective cough relief.
Benzonatate works by specifically targeting the cough reflex pathway, which involves sensory nerves in your airways and lungs. This medication functions by numbing these nerves, effectively reducing the cough reflex and the urge to cough. It’s commonly prescribed for individuals suffering from conditions such as acute bronchitis, pneumonia, and other illnesses that cause severe coughing. Ongoing research continues to validate benzonatate’s efficacy and safety, reinforcing its important role in treating coughs.
Understanding Benzonatate: How it Works
The effectiveness of benzonatate lies in its unique mechanism of action. It works by anesthetizing the stretch receptors located in the lungs, air passages, and pleura, which is the lining around the lungs. These receptors are crucial as they detect irritations or abnormalities in the respiratory system that typically trigger the cough reflex. Once benzonatate is ingested, it numbs these receptors, reducing their ability to send signals to the brain that initiate coughing.
Unlike centrally acting cough suppressants that target the cough center in the brain, benzonatate operates peripherally. This peripheral action is a key advantage because it minimizes the risk of central nervous system side effects. Narcotic cough medicines like codeine often come with side effects such as drowsiness and respiratory depression, which are less likely with benzonatate due to its targeted mechanism.
Benzonatate provides rapid relief from coughing. After taking it orally, patients generally experience effects within 15 to 20 minutes, and these effects can last for up to 8 hours. This quick action and long-lasting effect make it a practical choice for managing ongoing coughs, helping individuals to maintain their daily routines with minimal interruption from coughing fits.
Benzonatate Uses: Relieving Cough Symptoms
Benzonatate is primarily used for symptomatic relief of cough. This means it treats the symptom of coughing, rather than the underlying cause. It is particularly effective for coughs associated with:
- Acute Bronchitis: Benzonatate can help reduce the severity and frequency of coughs caused by acute bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
- Pneumonia: Coughing is a common symptom of pneumonia, an infection of the lungs, and benzonatate can provide relief.
- Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): Colds and flu often lead to coughs. Benzonatate can alleviate coughing associated with these common infections.
- Chronic Cough: While it’s important to identify the cause of chronic cough, benzonatate can be used to manage the symptoms while further diagnosis and treatment are pursued.
- Diagnostic Procedures: In some cases, benzonatate may be prescribed to suppress coughs before or after bronchoscopy or other diagnostic procedures involving the respiratory tract.
It is important to remember that benzonatate is not an antibiotic or antiviral medication, and it will not treat the infection causing the cough. It is designed to help manage the symptom of cough, allowing patients to rest and recover more comfortably.
How to Take Benzonatate: Dosage and Administration
Benzonatate is available in the form of soft gelatin capsules, typically in 100 mg or 200 mg dosages. The correct dosage and how often you should take it will depend on the intensity of your cough and your overall health. It is essential to strictly adhere to your healthcare provider’s instructions to ensure the medication is both effective and safe for you.
Generally, benzonatate capsules are taken three times a day as needed. A critical instruction is to swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not chew, crush, or dissolve them. Breaking the capsule can cause the medication to be released too quickly in your mouth, leading to local anesthesia. This can cause numbness in your mouth and throat, potentially leading to choking or other serious complications.
Relief from coughing typically begins within 15 to 20 minutes after taking benzonatate. The effects can last for 6 to 8 hours, offering substantial relief both during the day and night. It is vital to store benzonatate at room temperature and out of the reach of children. Accidental ingestion, especially in children, can lead to serious and potentially fatal side effects.
Benzonatate Side Effects: What to Watch Out For
While benzonatate is generally safe for most people when used as directed, like all medications, it can have side effects. Most side effects are mild and temporary, but it’s important to be aware of both common and serious potential reactions.
Common side effects of benzonatate may include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Upset stomach
These milder side effects often go away as your body gets used to the medication. However, certain severe side effects require immediate medical attention. These include:
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Symptoms can include rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
- Mental/Mood Changes: Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual anxiety.
- Numbness in Chest or Throat: Particularly if the capsule is broken or chewed, leading to potential choking.
It’s also crucial to consider contraindications. Benzonatate should not be used by anyone with a known hypersensitivity to benzonatate or similar compounds. Caution should be taken in patients with a history of allergic reactions to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) derivatives, as cross-sensitivity may occur.
Overdosing on benzonatate is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe consequences such as seizures, cardiac arrest, and even death. Therefore, always follow the prescribed dosage and ensure safe storage away from children and pets.
Benzonatate Interactions: Drugs to Be Cautious Of
Benzonatate can interact with other medications, which could change how well it works or increase the likelihood of side effects. It is vital to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Medications that may interact with benzonatate include:
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants: These include opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. Taking benzonatate with CNS depressants can increase drowsiness and dizziness, raising the risk of accidents and falls.
- Anesthetics: Since benzonatate has anesthetic properties, combining it with other anesthetics could amplify these effects, potentially leading to increased numbness or risk of choking.
It’s also advisable to avoid alcohol while taking benzonatate, as alcohol can enhance the sedative effects, further impairing cognitive and motor skills. If you are prescribed any new medications or if there are changes to your current medication regimen, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider to rule out any potential harmful interactions.
In conclusion, benzonatate is an effective medication for relieving cough symptoms by working on the sensory nerves in the respiratory system. Its peripheral mechanism reduces the risk of central nervous system side effects often associated with narcotic cough suppressants. Safe and effective use involves following dosage instructions, being aware of potential side effects and drug interactions, and consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
