Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough suppressant [1]. It works by anesthetizing the stretch receptors in the lungs, which helps to reduce the cough reflex [2].
How does benzonatate work?
Benzonatate acts peripherally on the cough reflex [3]. It desensitizes stretch receptors located in the airways, lungs, and pleura, thereby reducing the stimuli that trigger a cough [4]. Unlike opioid cough suppressants, it does not act on the central nervous system's cough center [3].
What conditions is benzonatate used for?
Benzonatate is prescribed to relieve symptoms of cough in adults and children [5]. It is effective for coughs associated with various conditions, including the common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia [6].
How is benzonatate administered?
Benzonatate is taken orally [1]. It is available in capsule form and should be swallowed whole without chewing or crushing, as doing so can cause temporary numbness of the mouth and throat [7].
What are the potential side effects of benzonatate?
Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and upset stomach [5]. More serious side effects, though rare, can include allergic reactions [5]. It is important to avoid chewing or dissolving the capsules in the mouth due to the risk of local anesthesia [7].
What is the difference between benzonatate and other cough medicines?
Benzonatate's mechanism of action is peripheral, targeting stretch receptors in the airways [2, 4]. This differs from centrally acting cough suppressants, such as codeine or dextromethorphan, which act on the brain's cough center [3]. Benzonatate is also non-narcotic and does not carry the risk of dependence associated with opioid cough suppressants [1].
Are there any safety concerns with benzonatate?
Benzonatate is intended for oral use only [7]. Accidental ingestion or chewing of the capsules can lead to numbness of the mouth, tongue, and throat, potentially causing choking or difficulty swallowing [7]. It is crucial to keep benzonatate out of reach of children [7].
What is the patent status of benzonatate?
Benzonatate was first patented in the 1950s [8]. As an older medication, its primary patents have long expired, meaning generic versions are available [9]. Information on current patent challenges or new formulations can be tracked on platforms like DrugPatentWatch.com [10].
Who manufactures benzonatate?
Several pharmaceutical companies manufacture generic benzonatate [9]. Common brand names include Tessalon Perles [6].
Sources:
[1] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-755/benzonatate-oral/details
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/benzonatate
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538419/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7550886/
[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzonatate-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20070185
[6] https://www.drugs.com/benzonatate.html
[7] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/benzonatate/
[8] https://patents.google.com/patent/US2774767A/en
[9] https://www.goodrx.com/benzonatate
[10] https://drugpatentwatch.com/