benzonatate (Rx)

BENZONATATE- ORAL

(ben-ZOE-na-tate)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tessalon Perle, Zonatuss

USES: This medication is used to treat coughs caused by the common cold and other breathing problems (such as pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma). It works by reducing the reflex in the lungs that causes the urge to cough.Use of this medication is not recommended in children younger than 10 years. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3 times daily as needed or as directed by your doctor.Swallow this medication whole. Do not chew, suck, or dissolve this medication in your mouth. Doing so will cause a loss of feeling in your mouth/throat and may cause choking or a severe allergic reaction. (See also Side Effects section.) Do not eat or drink until the numbness goes away. Get medical help right away if the numbness lasts or gets worse.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take more than 200 milligrams at one time. Taking more benzonatate than prescribed will not make your cough go away faster but may result in serious side effects.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, stomach upset, constipation, and stuffy nose may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes, loss of feeling in the chest, burning in the eyes.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. The possibility of an allergic reaction may increase if you chew, suck, or dissolve this medication in your mouth. Get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, fainting.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking benzonatate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to certain anesthetic agents (such as procaine, tetracaine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, or if a child accidentally swallows this medication, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: restlessness, shaking (tremors), seizures, inability to wake up (coma).

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Always store benzonatate in a child-resistant container. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Information last revised April 2022. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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