Tessalon


benzonatate

(ben-zoe-na-tate) benzonatate,

Tessalon

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: allergy cold cough remedies
Pregnancy Category: C

Indications

Relief of nonproductive cough due to minor throat or bronchial irritation from inhaled irritants or colds.

Action

Anesthetizes cough or stretch receptors in vagal nerve afferent fibers found in lungs, pleura, and respiratory passages. May also decrease transmission of the cough reflex centrally.

Therapeutic effects

Decrease in cough.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unknown.Distribution: Unknown.Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.Half-life: Unknown.

Time/action profile (antitussive effect)

ROUTE ONSETPEAKDURATION
PO15–20 minunknown3–8 hr

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to benzonatate. Cross-sensitivity with other ester-type local anesthetics (tetracaine, procaine, and others) may occur.Use Cautiously in: Obstetric / Lactation: Safety not established; Pediatric: Safety not established in children <10 yr.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

  • headache
  • mild dizziness
  • sedation

Ear, Eye, Nose, Throat

  • burning sensation in eyes
  • nasal congestion

Gastrointestinal

  • constipation
  • GI upset
  • nausea

Dermatologic

  • pruritus
  • skin eruptions

Miscellaneous

  • chest numbness
  • chilly sensation
  • hypersensitivity reactions

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

Additive CNS depression may occur with antihistamines, alcohol, opioids, and sedative/hypnotics.

Route/Dosage

Oral (Adults and Children ≥10 yr) 100 mg 3 times daily (up to 600 mg/day).

Availability (generic available)

Capsules: 100 mg, 200 mg Cost: Generic — $13.37 / 100

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

  • Assess frequency and nature of cough, lung sounds, and amount and type of sputum produced. Unless contraindicated, maintain fluid intake of 1500–2000 mL to decrease viscosity of bronchial secretions.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Ineffective airway clearance (Indications)

Implementation

  • Capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, because release of benzonatate from capsules may cause local anesthetic effect and choking.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patient to take exactly as directed. If a dose is missed, take as soon as possible unless almost time for next dose. Do not double doses.
  • Caution patient not to chew capsules.
  • Advise parents to keep benzonatate in a child-resistant container and store it out of reach of children. Overdose with benzonatate in children less than 2 years of age has been reported following accidental ingestion of as few as 1 or 2 capsules. If a child accidentally ingests benzonatate, seek medical attention immediately.
  • Instruct patient to cough effectively: Sit upright and take several deep breaths before attempting to cough.
  • Advise patient to minimize cough by avoiding irritants, such as cigarette smoke, fumes, and dust. Humidification of environmental air, frequent sips of water, and sugarless hard candy may also decrease the frequency of dry, irritating cough.
  • Caution patient to avoid taking alcohol or other CNS depressants concurrently with this medication.
  • May occasionally cause dizziness or drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to the medication is known.
  • Advise patient that any cough lasting more than 1 wk or accompanied by fever, chest pain, persistent headache, or skin rash warrants medical attention.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional if symptoms of overdose (seizures, restlessness, trembling) occur.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

  • Decrease in frequency and intensity of cough without eliminating patient’s cough reflex.