Benzonatate
| Drug monograph · NCLEX study reference | |
| Trade names | Tessalon |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Antitussive |
| Pharmacologic class | Peripheral cough suppressant (ester anesthetic) |
| Onset / peak / duration | Onset 15 to 20 minutes; duration 3 to 8 hours. |
| Half-life / level | Short; no routine level. |
| Routes | PO (oral) |
| High-alert (ISMP) | No |
| Black box warning | None |
| Antidote / reversal | Supportive care. |
| Pregnancy / lactation | Use if needed. |
Nursing pharmacology study reference (NCLEX-style monograph). Numeric values are standard teaching ranges for study and must be verified against current manufacturer labeling before clinical use. This is educational content, not prescribing guidance.
Benzonatate (brand name Tessalon) — Antitussive; Peripheral cough suppressant (ester anesthetic).
Identification
- Therapeutic class: Antitussive.
- Pharmacologic class: Peripheral cough suppressant (ester anesthetic).
Pharmacology
- Mechanism of action: Numbs stretch receptors in the airways to suppress the cough reflex.
- Onset / peak / duration: Onset 15 to 20 minutes; duration 3 to 8 hours.
- Half-life / therapeutic level: Short; no routine level.
Clinical use
- Indications: Nonproductive cough.
- Usual dose, route, frequency: 100 to 200 mg PO three times daily.
- Maximum dose / adjustments: Max 600 mg/day.
Safety
- Contraindications: Children under 10 (risk of fatal overdose), hypersensitivity.
- Black box warning: None (label warns strongly about fatal overdose in children and choking if chewed).
- Interactions: Additive sedation with central nervous system depressants.
- Pregnancy / lactation: Use if needed.
- High-alert: No.
Adverse effects
- Common side effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, GI upset.
- Serious effects to report: Numbness of mouth or throat (if chewed), choking, severe overdose in children.
- Antidote / reversal: Supportive care.
Nursing process
- Assessment before administration: Cough type, age.
- Interventions during therapy: Keep away from children; do not chew capsules.
- Monitor: Cough relief.
- Evaluation / expected outcome: Reduced coughing.
Patient teaching
- Patient teaching: Swallow whole, never chew or suck; store safely away from children.
- Notify provider if: Mouth or throat numbness, trouble breathing.
- Administration tips: Swallow capsules whole.