Benzonatate
RxNorm 197397· BENZONATATE· ORAL
Non-narcotic Antitussive [EPC] · Bryant Ranch Prepack
Indications and usage
INDICATIONS AND USAGE BENZONATATE is indicated for the symptomatic relief of cough.
Dosage and administration
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adults and Children over 10 years of age: Usual dose is one 100 mg or 200 mg capsule three times a day as needed for cough. If necessary to control cough, up to 600 mg daily in three divided doses may be given. BENZONATATE should be swallowed whole. BENZONATATE Capsules are not to be broken, chewed, dissolved, cut or crushed.
Warnings
WARNINGS Hypersensitivity Severe hypersensitivity reactions (including bronchospasm, laryngospasm and cardiovascular collapse) have been reported which are possibly related to local anesthesia from sucking or chewing the capsule instead of swallowing it. Severe reactions have required intervention with vasopressor agents and supportive measures. Psychiatric Effects Isolated instances of bizarre behavior, including mental confusion and visual hallucinations, have also been reported in patients taking BENZONATATE in combination with other prescribed drugs. Accidental Ingestion and Death in Children Keep BENZONATATE out of reach of children. Accidental ingestion of BENZONATATE resulting in death has been reported in children below age 10. Signs and symptoms of overdose have been reported within 15-20 minutes and death has been reported within one hour of ingestion. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately (see OVERDOSAGE).
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to benzonatate or related compounds.
Pregnancy
Usage in Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with BENZONATATE. It is also not known whether BENZONATATE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. BENZONATATE should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Nursing mothers
Nursing mothers: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk caution should be exercised when BENZONATATE is administered to a nursing woman.
Adverse events
Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.
- chronic kidney disease1,233
- fatigue1,219
- cough1,185
- dyspnoea1,138
- pneumonia1,100
- diarrhoea1,079
- nausea1,058
- pain918
- renal failure871
- death829
- headache813
- acute kidney injury797
- off label use633
- dizziness631
- drug ineffective577
- anxiety570
Adverse reactions (label)
ADVERSE REACTIONS Potential Adverse Reactions to BENZONATATE may include: Hypersensitivity reactions including bronchospasm, laryngospasm, cardiovascular collapse possibly related to local anesthesia from chewing or sucking the capsule. CNS: sedation; headache; dizziness; mental confusion; visual hallucinations. GI: constipation; nausea; GI upset. Dermatologic: pruritus; skin eruptions. Other: nasal congestion; sensation of burning in the eyes; vague "chilly" sensation; numbness of the chest; hypersensitivity. Deliberate or accidental overdose has resulted in death, particularly in children. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bionpharma at 1-888-235-2466 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
View more: Full FDA label on DailyMed →Label effective 20260515