Benzonatate
Benzonatate (other names Tessalon, Perles, Zonatuss) is an antitussive (cough suppressant) medicine used to help with coughing and hiccups.[1][2] It is taken by mouth. People under ten years old should not use it.[3] It starts working after around twenty minutes, and can last eight hours.[4]
It can cause side effects such as being tired or dizzy, having stomach aches, or having hallucinations. It can also cause allergic reactions. Having too much benzonatate can cause seizures, heartbeats that are not normal (Arrhythmia), or even death. Chewing benzonatate capsules instead of just swallowing them can cause spasms in the lungs and shock.[1] It is not known if people who are pregnant or breastfeeding can use the drug.[5] It works by numbing some nerves in the lungs.[1]
Benzonatate was allowed to be used as a medicine in the United States in 1958.[1] In 2020, there were over 3 million prescriptions for the drug.[6]
References
change- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Benzonatate Monograph for Professionals". Drugs.com. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ↑ Becker, DE (2010). "Nausea, vomiting, and hiccups: a review of mechanisms and treatment". Anesthesia Progress. 57 (4): 150–6, quiz 157. doi:10.2344/0003-3006-57.4.150. PMC 3006663. PMID 21174569.
- ↑ "Drugs for cough". The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics. 60 (1562): 206–208. 17 December 2018. PMID 30625123.
- ↑ "Tessalon - benzonatate capsule". DailyMed. 20 November 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
- ↑ "Benzonatate Use During Pregnancy". Drugs.com. 10 October 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
- ↑ "Benzonatate - Drug Usage Statistics". ClinCalc. Retrieved 7 October 2022.