Benzonatate

Side effects, and when to stop

Potential Adverse Reactions to Benzonatate Capsules 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.

Who should not take it

Hypersensitivity to benzonatate or related compounds.

Warnings

Benzonatate is chemically related to anesthetic agents of the para-amino-benzoic acid class (e.g. procaine; tetracaine) and has been associated with adverse CNS effects possibly related to a prior sensitivity to related agents or interaction with concomitant medication.