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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
What is benzonatate used for? Benzonatate is an anesthetic drug that is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a cough suppressant. Although benzonatate has been available as a prescription cough suppressant in the United States since the 1950’s, use of the drug has become more common in recent years. From 2003 to 2018, the amount of benzonatate prescribed or administered in both outpatient and Emergency Department settings increased substantially.How does benzonatate work?Benzonatate is marketed in liquid-filled capsule formulation as Tessalon® and Zonatuss®. Benzonatate capsules are sometimes described as “perles” due to their small, pearl-like appearance. When swallowed, the fluid contained in benzonatate capsules is absorbed by the gastrointestinal system and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, where it works on a cellular level to inhibit the cough reflex. How is benzonatate used?Benzonatate capsules should be swallowed intact and not chewed, crushed, or dissolved. Drinking the liquid contents of benzonatate capsules can cause rapid numbing of the mouth and throat that may lead to choking and breathing difficulties. Eye exposures to the contents of benzonatate capsules can result in eye pain, blurry vision, and ocular damage.Is benzonatate available over the counter?Benzonatate is not available over the counter in the United States, and can only be obtained with a prescription. Benzonatate is available in 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg capsules. A typical adult dose is 100-200 mg three times a day as needed for coughing.Is benzonatate a steroid?Benzonatate is neither a steroid nor a narcotic drug. It is an anesthetic drug and shares a similar chemical structure with other anesthetic drugs including tetracaine, procaine, and cocaine. Because benzonatate has anesthetic properties, it can cause a temporary numbing effect when applied directly to skin or mucous membranes.What are the side effects of benzonatate?Side
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