No

Antitussive

Symptomatic relief of nonproductive cough

C

Known hypersensitivity to benzonatate or related compounds (such as tetracaine)

1% to 10%:

Dermatologic: Rash

Gastrointestinal: GI upset

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Numbness in chest

Ocular: Burning sensation in eyes

Respiratory: Nasal congestion

Symptoms of overdose include restlessness, tremor, CNS stimulation. The drug's local anesthetic activity can reduce the patient's gag reflex and, therefore, may contradict the use of ipecac following ingestion, this is especially true when the capsules are chewed.

Gastric lavage may be indicated if initiated early on following an acute ingestion or in comatose patients. The remaining treatment is supportive and symptomatic.

No data reported

Tetracaine congener with antitussive properties; suppresses cough by topical anesthetic action on the respiratory stretch receptors

Onset of action: Therapeutic: Within 15-20 minutes

Duration: 3-8 hours

Children >10 years and Adults: Oral: 100 mg 3 times/day or every 4 hours up to 600 mg/day

Monitor patient's chest sounds and respiratory pattern

May cause drowsiness

None reported

No information available to require special precautions

No effects or complications reported

Take only as prescribed; do not exceed prescribed dose or frequency. Do not break or chew capsule. Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake). Avoid use of other depressants, alcohol, or sleep-inducing medications unless approved by prescriber. You may experience drowsiness, impaired coordination, blurred vision, or increased anxiety (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known); or upset stomach or nausea (frequent small meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking hard candy may help). Report persistent CNS changes (dizziness, sedation, tremor, or agitation), numbness in chest or feeling of chill, visual changes or burning in eyes, numbness of mouth or difficulty swallowing, or lack of improvement or worsening or condition. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to be pregnant. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.

Change patient position every 2 hours to prevent pooling of secretions in lung; capsules are not to be crushed

Capsule: 100 mg

Mongan PD and Culling Rd, "Rapid Oral Anesthesia for Awake Intubation," J Clin Anesth, 1992, 4(2):101-5.