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Benzonatate
Benzonatate
Pronunciation
(ben ZOE na tate)
Brand Names
Tessalon® Perles
Canadian/Mexican Brand Names
Beknol (Mexico); Pebegal (Mexico); Tesalon (Mexico)
Therapeutic Categories
Antitussive; Cough Preparation; Local Anesthetic, Oral
What is this medicine used for?
- This medicine is used to relieve coughing.
How does it work?
- Benzonatate reduces activity in the lungs and its passages. It numbs them
and decreases the cough.
How is it best taken?
- Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by
healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your
regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this
medicine?
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to
tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about
rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are the common side effects of this
medicine?
- Feeling tired or dizzy. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that
require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
What should I monitor?
- Your cough. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
- Follow up with healthcare provider especially if there is no improvement
within 1 week.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
immediately
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in
the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
- Any rash.
How should I store this medicine?
- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
General statements
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including
over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
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