RNpedia.

com
Nursing Notes and Community

Drug Name benzonatate (ben zoe' na tate) Benzonatate Softgels, Tessalon, Tessalon Perles Pregnancy Category C Drug classes Antitussive (nonopioid)

Dosages ADULTS AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS > 10 YR 100200 mg PO tid; up to 600 mg/day may be used.

Therapeutic Actions Related to the local anesthetic tetracaine; anesthetizes the stretch receptors in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura, hampering their activity and reducing the cough reflex at its source.

Indications Symptomatic relief of nonproductive cough Unlabeled use: May be used to reduce cough reflex during procedures (ie, endoscopy)

Adverse effects CNS: Sedation, headache, mild dizziness, hallucinations, nasal congestion, sensation of burning in the eyes Dermatologic: Pruritus, skin eruptions GI: Constipation, nausea, GI upset Other: Vague "chilly" feeling, numbness in the chest

Contraindicat ions Contraindic ated with allergy to benzonatat e or related compounds (tetracaine) ; lactation. Use cautiously with pregnancy.

Nursing considerations Assessment History: Allergy to benzonatate or related compounds (tetracaine); lactation, pregnancy Physical: Nasal mucous membranes; skin color, lesions; orientation, affect; adventitious sounds Interventions WARNING: Administer orally; caution patient not to chew or break capsules but to swallow them whole; choking could occur if drug released in the mouth. Teaching points Swallow the capsules whole; do not chew or break capsules because numbness of the throat and mouth could occur, and swallowing could become difficult. You may experience these side effects: Rash, itching (skin care may help); constipation, nausea, GI upset; sedation, dizziness (avoid driving or tasks that require alertness). Report restlessness, tremor, difficulty breathing, constipation, rash, bizarre behavior.

http://RNpedia.com- Nursing Notes and Community