BENZONATATE

(ben-zoe'na-tate)
Tessalon
Classifications: antitussive
Pregnancy Category: C

Availability

100 mg capsules

Actions

Nonnarcotic antitussive chemically related to tetracaine. Antitussive activity reported to be somewhat less effective than that of codeine. Does not inhibit respiratory center at recommended doses.

Therapeutic Effects

Decreases frequency and intensity of nonproductive cough.

Uses

Decreases frequency and intensity of nonproductive cough in acute and chronic respiratory conditions. Also used in bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, and other procedures when coughing must be avoided.

Contraindications

Safe use during pregnancy (category C) or lactation is not established.

Route & Dosage

Antitussive
Adult: PO 100 mg t.i.d. prn up to 600 mg/d
Child: PO <10 y, 8 mg/kg/d in 3–6 divided doses

Administration

Oral

Ensure that soft capsules called perles are swallowed whole.
Store in airtight containers protected from light.

Adverse Effects (1%)

Body as a Whole: Low incidence. CNS: Drowsiness, sedation headache, mild dizziness. GI: Constipation, nausea. Skin: Rash, pruritus.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: 15–20 min. Duration: 3–8 h.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

Auscultate lungs anteriorly and posteriorly at scheduled intervals.
Observe character and frequency of coughing and volume and quality of sputum. Keep physician informed.

Patient & Family Education

Do not chew or allow perle to dissolve in mouth; swallow whole. If perle dissolves in mouth, the mouth, tongue, and pharynx will be anesthetized. Also it is unpleasant to taste.
Do not breast feed while taking this drug without consulting physician.

Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug