BENZONATATE

(ben-zoe'na-tate)

Tessalon
Classifications: antitussive;
Therapeutic: antitussive; cough suppressant
Pregnancy Category: C

Availability

100 mg capsules

Action

Nonnarcotic antitussive activity reported to be somewhat less effective than that of codeine. Does not inhibit respiratory center at recommended doses.

Therapeutic Effect

Decreases frequency and intensity of nonproductive cough.

Uses

Decreases frequency and intensity of nonproductive cough in acute and chronic respiratory conditions. Also used in bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, and other procedures when coughing must be avoided.

Contraindications

Pregnancy (category C), children <10 y.

Cautious Use

Lactation.

Route & Dosage

Antitussive
Adult/Child (>10 y): PO 100 mg t.i.d. prn up to 600 mg/d

Administration

Oral

Ensure that soft capsules called perles are swallowed whole.
Store in airtight containers protected from light.

Adverse Effects (≥1%)

Body as a Whole: Low incidence. CNS: Drowsiness, sedation headache, mild dizziness. GI: Constipation, nausea. Skin: Rash, pruritus.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: 15–20 min. Duration: 3–8 h.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

Auscultate lungs anteriorly and posteriorly at scheduled intervals.
Observe character and frequency of coughing and volume and quality of sputum. Keep physician informed.

Patient & Family Education

Do not chew or allow perle to dissolve in mouth; swallow whole. If perle dissolves in mouth, the mouth, tongue, and pharynx will be anesthetized. Also, it is unpleasant to taste.

Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug

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