Benzonatate

Benzonatate Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Benzonatate is a brand name. Its generic name is Benzonatate.

Benzontate Introduction

Benzontate is an oral medication used to treat cough due to bronchitis, the flu, or other respiratory infections. It is classified as a cough suppressant, meaning it works by inhibiting the cough reflex in the brain. Benzontate is usually prescribed along with antibiotics and other medications to reduce symptoms of a cough.

Uses For

Benzontate is used to treat coughs caused by bronchitis, the flu, or other respiratory infections. It can help reduce the severity and intensity of coughing, making it easier to get the rest needed to recover from an illness.

Mechanism of Action

Benzontate works as a cough suppressant by binding to certain receptors in the brain and blocking the cough reflex. This helps to reduce coughing and can relieve symptoms of a cough caused by bronchitis, the flu, or other respiratory infections.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Benzontate usually begins to work within a few hours after taking it. It is most effective when taken every 4-6 hours, as needed.

Absorption

Benzontate is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration, with peak levels reached in about an hour.

Route of Elimination

Benzontate is completely metabolized in the liver and eliminated primarily through the kidney.

Dosage

The usual adult dosage of Benzontate is 100-200 mg no more than 4 times a day. It should not be taken for more than 7 days without consulting a healthcare provider. Children over the age of 12 should not take more than 200 mg per day, and children younger than 12 should only take 100 mg per day.

Administration

Benzontate should be taekn every 4-6 hours, as needed, up to a maximum of four doses per day. It should be taken orally with a full glass of water.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Benzontate include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, and upset stomach. Rarely, more serious side effects can occur, such as rapid heart rate, confusion, and agitation.

Toxicity

Benzontate can be toxic if taken in large doses or if taken for long periods of time. Symptoms of overdose include confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, and rapid heart rate.

Precautions

Patients who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding should consult their healthcare provider before taking Benzontate. Patients with liver or kidney disease, glaucoma, asthma, high blood pressure, a history of depression or suicidal thoughts, or a history of drug abuse should also consult their healthcare provider before taking Benzontate.

Interactions

Benzontate can interact with other medications, including sedatives, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, narcotics, phenobarbital, and anticonvulsants. Patients should tell their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking before taking Benzontate.

Disease Interactions

Patients with liver or kidney disease, asthma, high blood pressure, a history of depression or suicidal thoughts, or a history of drug abuse should tell their healthcare provider before taking Benzontate.

Drug Interactions

Benzontate can interact with several different medications, including sedatives, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, narcotics, phenobarbital, and anticonvulsants. Patients should tell their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking before taking Benzontate.

Food Interactions

Food does not affect the absorption or effectiveness of Benzontate, but it may increase the risk of side effects.

Pregnancy Use

There is limited data on the use of Benzontate in pregnant women. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before taking Benzontate while pregnant.

Lactation Use

Benzontate is not recommended for use in nursing mothers, as it is not known if it passes through breast milk.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of an acute overdose of Benzontate include confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, and rapid heart rate. If an overdose is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.

Contraindication

Benzontate is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the medication or any of its ingredients.

Use Directive

Patients should take Benzontate exactly as prescribed by their healthcare provider. Do not take more or less of the medication than prescribed, and do not take it for longer than 7 days without consulting a healthcare provider.

Storage Condition

Benzontate should be stored at room temperature in a dry, well-ventilated place. Keep the medication out of reach of children and away from pets.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of Benzontate in adults is 15.4 liters.

Half Life

The half-life of Benzontate is approximately 4 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of Benzontate in adults is approximately 0.45 liters/min.

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