O General Information and Indications:
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.
O Information For Users:
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, ask your
doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take benzonatate exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your health care provider.
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.
O Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to benzonatate, procaine (Novocain), tetracaine (Pontocaine), or any
other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking benzonatate, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking benzonatate.
o 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.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
O
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Benzonatate may cause adverse effects.
Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
o upset stomach
o constipation
o drowsiness
o headache
o dizziness
o stuffy nose
o burning in the eyes
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:
o rash or hives (Urticaria)
o itching
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o confusion
o seeing things that do not exist (hallucinating)
O Possible Symptoms
of Overdose:
o restlessness
o hand tremor, shaking hands
o seizures
o unconsciousness
O Brand Name(s):
o Tessalon® Capsules
o Tessalon® Perles |
