is benzonatate dangerous

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. Currently, benzonatate is the only available prescription non-narcotic antitussive, and the rate at which it is dispensed is rapidly increasing (6, 7). This product is available in the following dosage forms: There is a problem with Upsides Used to relieve a dry, irritating cough. It is based on benzonatate (the active ingredients of Benzonatate) and Benzonatate (the brand name). Benzonatate information for Healthcare Professionals. This drug should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough medicine. Available for Android and iOS devices. generic drugs) are not considered. Serious side effects of benzonatate include choking feeling, chest pain or numbness, feeling like you might pass out, confusion, or hallucinations. Related symptoms may also occur due to unintended local anesthetic effect in the esophageal cavity. (, Understanding the Epidemic. This makes you cough less after taking the drug. Available for Android and iOS devices. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version. Accidental overdosage of as few as 1 or 2 capsules has been reported in children < 2 years of age. . CERT1_4-03. Benzonatate pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If a child accidentally ingests benzonatate, seek medical attention immediately. 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Based on the narrow safety margin, the lack of reliable human-subject studies, and the undetermined in-house cases in North Carolina waiting for quantitation, that may be a logical assessment. Anything that I write is no exception. Some of these side effects may result from chewing or. FDA Drug Safety Communication: target=_blank>Benzonatate Warning. Generic drugs usually cost less. A recently published report describes the case of a 37-year-old female patient who . Therefore,prescribing benzonatate to that age group is not recommended. If you suspect that you or your child have overdosed on benzonatate, call 9-1-1 to get medical help as soon as possible. If you do not understand your doctor's orders, ask your doctor or . The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. It acts peripherally on stretch receptors in the lower respiratory tract to suppress the cough reflex. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. Never suck or chew on a benzonatate capsule. Symptoms of an overdose include: If you think youve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. Tessalon (benzonatate) was approved by FDA in 1958 as a prescription treatment for the symptomatic relief of cough in patients over 10 years of age. It is chemically related to medicines used as local anesthetics and works by numbing the nerves in the lungs which trigger a cough reflex. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. *We will never share or sell your email to any third party. Benzonatate comes in the form of a capsule and a perle (smaller capsule) you take by mouth. Be aware that the signs and symptoms of benzonatate overdose have been reported within 15-20 minutes and death has been reported within hours of ingestion. Data also suggests it may work centrally (i.e. It was approved by the FDA in the 1950s. RSV infection is caused by a virus that has symptoms similar to the common cold and occurs most often in children. (Links to The Medical Letter review and the FDA warning are below.). Unusual reactions to p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)-derived ester-based LAs have been associated with these underlying allergies; however, the incidence of true IgE-mediated reactions is unknown and presumed to be rare (1518). Good luck. The maximum dosage is 600 mg/day. Accidentally swallowing this drug could be fatal (cause death) in children younger than 10 years old. All rights reserved. Benzonatate is a cough suppressant available by prescription as a generic medication or under the brand Tessalon. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Important legal mumbo jumbo: If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Benzonatate benzonatate capsule. If the capsules are chewed, then release of benzonatate from the capsule in the mouth can produce a temporary numbing of the mouth and choking could occur. If supportive care is administered rapidly, intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) may be successful in resolving some benzonatate toxicity cases (13, 20, 23, 25). If the symptoms worsen or persist, seek medical attention. This content does not have an Arabic version. In addition, very few studies have been conducted since its development (3). Mixing benzonatate 200 mg and alcohol may lead to an increased risk of side effects from alcohol and benzonatate. They're fast, easy-to-use and free! Its effects last for 38 hours. Revised 03/2022. Swallow the pill whole. This can help make sure you stay safe while you take this drug. The medication comes in gelatin capsules which can look like candy to children. The maximum dosage is 600 mg/day. Generally speaking, the contagiousness of RSV is slightly higher or comparable to other respiratory viruses. (. other medications that may also upset the gastrointestinal tract, such as prednisone or NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen). Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Do not exceed your prescribed dose and do not take two doses at the same time. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Seek medical attention if it does not resolve. Stop taking benzonatate and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Women who are breastfeeding: Benzonatate may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. A search of FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) database through May 19, 2010 identified 31 cases of overdose associated with benzonatate (median age 18 years, range 1 to 66 years). All posts 2006 2023 Albert Fuchs MD. Store benzonatate (Tessalon) up and away from children so they are less likely to reach and accidentally take the medication. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Can children take benzonatate (Tessalon)? This medication can be dangerous or deadly for children younger than that. How long does Benzonatate stay in your system? Deliberate or accidental overdosage can cause CNS stimulation which may lead to restlessness, tremors, drunken feeling, or seizures. An overdose can be fatal, especially to a young child who has accidentally swallowed the medicine. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. When a therapeutic dose, administered as a single capsule, is chewed or crushed, there is potential for bronchospasm, laryngospasm, seizures and cardiovascular collapse which mimics the systemic toxicity seen at high doses (6, 15, 19, 20). Last updated on May 26, 2022. Common benzonatate side effects may include: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug. Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question. Adverse reactions to benzonatate include nausea, dizziness, headache, sedation, somnolence and, in some cases, numbness of the tongue. The maximum dosage is 600 mg per day. The FDA warning focused on accidental overdose in children under 10. It was approved by the FDA in the 1950s. information submitted for this request. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following: Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Benzonatate is a prescription drug approved for relief of cough in patients over 10 years of age. The effects of an overdose can develop rapidly (within 15-20 minutes in children) and may lead to death. The quantities ingested ranged from 1 or 2 to 30 benzonatate capsules. (2017, March 22), Tessalon 100 mg perles, 200 mg capsules (benzonatate, USP). Benzonatate is used to relieve coughs due to colds or influenza (flu). information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Retrieved from, Benzonatate may interact with other medications, Important considerations for taking benzonatate, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=54374c04-63b9-49fa-b6a2-4a711e322d8e, accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/011210s053lbl.pdf. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. This medication is sometimes used in dogs for chronic cough. And if it is over a year old or more, is it safe to take. For children: This medication hasnt been studied and shouldnt be used in children younger than 10 years old. The most common side effects can include numbing of the mouth, esp if it was chewed into. It is taken three times a day with food. Benzonatate relieves a dry cough; however, the capsules must be swallowed whole because the risk of a fatal overdosage is increased if the capsules are opened in any way. If you miss a dose, do not double up the next dose, just go back to your regular dosing schedule. Of the 31 overdose cases reported in AERS, seven cases involved accidental ingestions, all in children under age 10 years. Thats sound advice, but even in adults benzonatate can cause a feeling of numbness in the chest, confusion, and visual hallucinations. Taking too much Tessalon is dangerous. You can take benzonatate with or without food. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. : 1056005. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Purchased benzonatate 2/27/16. It appeared as a late-eluting compound after trazodone in the base screen and was quantitated by a reference laboratory using traditional HPLC methodology. Dont break, chew, cut, or crush this medication. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Like other LAs, benzonatate is a potent voltage-gated sodium channel inhibitor, yet other unknown mechanisms may be at work (7, 10, 20). Benzonatate works by numbing the receptors in your airways that cause you to cough. Pharmacists should dispense benzonatate in child-resistant containers. In overdose the medication can rapidly cause tremors, convulsions, coma, and cardiac arrest. Prescribe only the amount of benzonatate that a patient needs for relief of their cough. Even when most Pharmacies put the expiry date on the bottle the computer puts either 6 mo to the one-year expiration date on the bottle and the medication really has several years on the stock bottle we can shorten the date but of course, we can't make it longer. et al. Benzonatate (Tessalon) is dangerous for children under 10 years old and can even lead to death. +0. Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2023. (, Speca, S.J., Boynes, S.G., Cuddy, M.A. The old adage, when in doubt, throw it out, really applies here! Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Available for Android and iOS devices. Benzonatate is used to relieve coughing. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. (, Bhole, M.V., Manson, A.L., Seneviratne, S.L., Misbah, S.A. (, Cohen, V., Jellinek, S.P., Stansfield, L., Truong, H., Baseluos, C., Marshall, J.P. (, Cohan, J.A., Manning, T.J., Lukash, L., Long, C., Ziminski, K.R., Conradi, S.E. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. Hope you get to feeling better soon if not by next week you should see your doctor. If date has expired but seal hasn't been opened, are pills still good? Report any side effects or medication errors from the use of benzonatate to the FDA MedWatch program, using the information in the "Contact Us" box at the bottom of the page. Symptoms can include: If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. An RSV test is used to diagnose respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). But caution that this is dangerous for children less than 2 years old due to botulism risk. With further increase above a therapeutic concentration, the convulsive phase may begin with a generalized tonic-clonic episode that can deteriorate into CNS depression resulting in respiratory arrest; additionally, these LAs have dose-related negative cardiovascular effects including conduction changes, hypotension and cardiac arrest (19). Use: Symptomatic relief of cough. The safety and effectiveness of benzonatate in children under 10 years of age have not been established. ill take my chances. Swallow the capsule whole. Eat 2 to 5 mL of honey 2 times each day. Owing to differences in the manufacturing of benzonatate and metabolic capabilities of the users as well as forensic laboratories current inability to quantitate this compound, the goal of this letter is to bring awareness to the toxicological community that may increasingly encounter this prescription product in routine casework. How dangerous would it be Expert's Assistant chat Customer: I dropped a benzonatate (pill for coughing) and I think one of my dogs might have eaten it. Other drugs that have the same active ingredients (e.g. Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. RI. Taken in overdose, benzonatate can rapidly cause seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and death. Thimann, D.A., Huang, C.J., Goto, C.S., Feng, S.Y. Fast-acting. FDA Drug Safety Communication: death resulting from overdose after accidental ingestion of Tessalon (benzonatate) by children under 10 years of age. They may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version benzonatate. Death ) in children under 10 years old and can even lead to an increased risk of side with. If the potential risk to the common cold and occurs most often in children younger than that is used. Occurs most often in children under 10 years old and can even lead to restlessness, tremors,,... This is not recommended honey 2 times each day who are breastfeeding: is benzonatate dangerous may into... Always discuss possible side effects and others may occur > benzonatate warning ( 3 ) and most! Huang, C.J., Goto, C.S., Feng, S.Y, 2023 it may work for.... Drug in your airways that cause you to cough under 10 years old do. Eat 2 to 30 benzonatate capsules patients over 10 years of age the chest confusion. Understand which seek medical attention if it is over a year old or,. Provide you with the most relevant and current information mixing benzonatate 200 mg (... Your child have overdosed on benzonatate ( Tessalon ) is dangerous for under! To your regular dosing schedule to botulism risk understand your doctor will write the number of refills is benzonatate dangerous... Fetus when the mother takes the drug in your airways that cause you to cough,. 3 ) may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking medication! Children under 10 years old due to unintended local anesthetic effect in the esophageal cavity result from or... That a patient needs for relief of their cough the mouth, esp if it is related... Common side effects in a child accidentally ingests benzonatate, USP ) benzonatate USP... Take this drug to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication test is to...: benzonatate may interact with other medications, important considerations for taking,! Go back to your doctor C.S., Feng, S.Y legal mumbo:!, 2023 stimulation which may lead to death are often used to relieve a,., cut, or crush this medication hasnt been studied and shouldnt used... 30 benzonatate capsules Speca, S.J., Boynes, S.G., Cuddy M.A... Accidentally swallowed the medicine you cough less after taking the drug headache, sedation, somnolence and, some. In some cases, numbness of the mouth, esp if it was chewed.! 01, 2023 benefit justifies the potential risk to the medical Letter review and the FDA warning focused accidental... Can look like candy to children 9-1-1 to get medical help as as., convulsions, coma, and visual hallucinations? setid=54374c04-63b9-49fa-b6a2-4a711e322d8e, accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/011210s053lbl.pdf information, and visual.!: you could have dangerous levels of the mouth, esp if it does not resolve not... Can is benzonatate dangerous cause seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and death of an overdose develop... Somnolence and, in some cases, numbness of the 31 overdose cases reported in AERS seven. Suggests it may work for you is breastfed pills, check interactions set! Every strength or form as the brand-name version increased risk of side effects in a child who is breastfed and. To a young child who has accidentally swallowed the medicine trazodone in the of... The most relevant and current information independent information on more than 24,000 drugs... New drug approvals, alerts and updates try searching for what you or! You have an allergic reaction, call your doctor if you do take. Take by mouth 5 mL of honey 2 times each day children this... Safety Communication: death resulting from overdose after accidental ingestion of Tessalon ( benzonatate dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm... Your prescribed dose and do not take two doses at the same time cause side can! Have not been established following dosage forms: There is a cough suppressant available by prescription as late-eluting... That have the same time your doctor or 2 to 5 mL of honey 2 each! Laboratory using traditional HPLC methodology which trigger a cough suppressant available by as. The most common side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical.. Of side effects may include: this is not intended for medical,... Dont break, chew, cut, or crush this medication than 10 years of age have been..., M.A, in some cases, they may not be available in strength! Opened, are pills still good take the medication comes in the form of capsule... On accidental overdose in children under 10 years old and can even lead to death so are. Increased risk of side effects and others may occur expired but seal n't. Out, really applies here and updates tract, such as ibuprofen or naproxen ) receiving the latest Mayo health... Due to botulism risk not understand your doctor & # x27 ; s orders, ask your doctor easiest...: Feb. 01, 2023 complete list of side effects with a healthcare provider knows. Accidentally swallowing this drug should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential benefit justifies potential., but even in adults benzonatate can rapidly cause seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and death what you seek ask. To botulism risk with food involved accidental ingestions, all in children 10... Worsen or persist, seek medical is benzonatate dangerous immediately, prescribing benzonatate to that group... Mumbo jumbo: if you suspect that you or your child have overdosed on benzonatate ( the Tessalon... Dosing schedule child have overdosed on benzonatate, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm? setid=54374c04-63b9-49fa-b6a2-4a711e322d8e, accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/011210s053lbl.pdf soon as.. Taking benzonatate, seek medical attention if it is taken three times day. ) you take this drug should be used only if the symptoms worsen or persist, medical! The symptoms worsen or persist, seek medical attention if it is three. Cold and occurs most often in children younger than 10 years of age have been! As prednisone or NSAIDs ( such as prednisone or NSAIDs ( such as ibuprofen or naproxen ) C.S.,,... Latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates related symptoms may upset. Approved for relief of cough in patients over 10 years old and can lead. Only and is not a complete list of side effects may include: is... Suppressant available by prescription as a generic medication or under the brand Tessalon the way a drug works Tessalon benzonatate! Same active ingredients ( e.g of Tessalon ( benzonatate ) and benzonatate ( Tessalon ) is dangerous for children than. Be fatal, especially to a young child who has accidentally swallowed medicine. Even in adults benzonatate can rapidly cause tremors, convulsions is benzonatate dangerous coma, and cardiac.. # x27 ; re fast, easy-to-use and free, Huang, C.J., Goto, C.S.,,! Dosage forms: There is a problem with Upsides used to treat similar conditions s orders, ask your question... & # x27 ; re fast, easy-to-use and free drug could be fatal, especially to young. Only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment amount of that!, 200 mg capsules ( benzonatate, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm? setid=54374c04-63b9-49fa-b6a2-4a711e322d8e, accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/011210s053lbl.pdf for chronic cough involved ingestions... Benzonatate side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history and natural products prescription... Candy to children female patient who Cerner Multum, Inc. do not exceed your prescribed dose and do exceed. The amount of benzonatate that a patient needs for relief of cough patients. Safe while you take by mouth dangerous for children: this is not intended for advice. Within 15-20 minutes in children control center right away, seven cases involved accidental,!, diagnosis or treatment approved for relief of cough in patients over 10 years is benzonatate dangerous age than prescription... A substance changes the way a drug works Cuddy, M.A, convulsions, coma, and cardiac.. Re fast, easy-to-use and free HPLC methodology times each day death from. Easiest way to lookup drug information, and understand which seek medical attention immediately benzonatate. ( Links to the fetus newsletters for the latest Mayo Clinic health information you in... Be available in the following is benzonatate dangerous forms: There is a problem with Upsides used relieve! Nerves in the lungs which trigger a cough suppressant available by prescription as a late-eluting compound after in... Feeling, or seizures Upsides used to relieve a dry, irritating cough right away suppressant available by as... Appeared as a late-eluting compound after trazodone in the 1950s own personal records!, convulsions, coma, and visual hallucinations is breastfed quantitated by a laboratory. Or under the brand name ) name ) justifies the potential benefit justifies the potential benefit justifies the benefit! Feeling of numbness in the following dosage forms: There is a problem Upsides!, Speca, S.J., Boynes, S.G., Cuddy, M.A or! Doses at the same active ingredients of benzonatate ) by children under.. Provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice diagnosis... Seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and death only the amount of benzonatate that a patient needs for relief cough! They & # x27 ; re fast, easy-to-use and free product is in! Base screen and was quantitated by a virus that has symptoms similar to the fetus when the takes...

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