A non-opioid cough suppressant
Benzonatate
A non-opioid cough suppressant that must be swallowed whole, as it is dangerous, and potentially fatal, if chewed or taken in overdose, especially in children.
What is Benzonatate?
Benzonatate is a non-opioid medicine used to suppress a troublesome cough. It works by numbing the stretch sensors in the lungs and airways that trigger the cough reflex. The most critical safety point is that the capsules must be swallowed whole and never chewed, sucked or broken open, because doing so numbs the mouth and airway and can be dangerous. It is also very dangerous, and can be fatal, in overdose, particularly in children, so it must be kept well out of their reach. It is not a suitable medicine for young children.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Benzonatate — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Benzonatate is a cough medicine that, unlike some others, does not contain an opioid. It is used to relieve a dry, irritating cough by reducing the cough reflex. It is taken by mouth as a capsule that must be swallowed whole. While it can help an irritating cough, it carries serious safety warnings around how it is taken and around overdose, especially in children, which is why it must be used and stored carefully and is not suitable for the very young.
How it works
Benzonatate works by numbing the tiny stretch-sensitive nerve endings in the lungs and airways that normally trigger the cough reflex when the airways are irritated. By dampening these sensors, it reduces the urge to cough. Because it is a local-anaesthetic-type medicine, if a capsule is chewed or broken in the mouth instead of swallowed whole, it numbs the mouth and throat, which can interfere with the airway and be dangerous. The same anaesthetic-type action is why an overdose can be so serious, affecting the heart and nervous system quickly.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Generic (long-established).
A non-opioid cough suppressant taken as a capsule, which must be swallowed whole and is dangerous if chewed or taken in overdose.
Practical use
How to take Benzonatate
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Swallow the capsules whole with water; never chew, suck, crush or break them open.
- Keep it well out of the sight and reach of children, as overdose can be fatal even in small amounts.
- Do not give it to young children, for whom it is not a suitable medicine.
- Never take more than prescribed, as overdose is very dangerous and can be fatal.
- Seek emergency help immediately for signs of overdose such as restlessness, tremor, numb mouth, fits or collapse.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Benzonatate
Advantages
- Can relieve a dry, irritating cough without containing an opioid.
- Taken simply by mouth as a capsule.
- Offers a non-opioid option for cough suppression in suitable adults.
Disadvantages
- Must be swallowed whole, as chewing or breaking the capsule numbs the airway and is dangerous.
- Very dangerous and potentially fatal in overdose, especially in children.
- Not suitable for young children and must be stored very carefully.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important thing to know about benzonatate is how it must be taken: the capsules have to be swallowed whole and must never be chewed, sucked, crushed or broken open, because they numb the mouth and airway and can cause serious harm. It is also extremely dangerous in overdose, and even a small number of capsules can be fatal in a young child, so it must be stored well out of their sight and reach and is not suitable for young children. Signs of overdose can come on quickly and include restlessness, tremor, a numb feeling in the mouth, fits or collapse, and need emergency help immediately. Used correctly by the right person, it can help calm an irritating cough.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Young children, for whom it is not a suitable medicine and overdose can be fatal.
- Anyone who cannot reliably swallow the capsule whole without chewing it.
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to benzonatate or related local anaesthetics.
- People should not use it if it has not been prescribed for them.
Monitoring
- Checking the cough is improving and that the medicine is being swallowed whole and used correctly.
- Making sure it is stored safely away from children.
- Watching for excessive drowsiness or any worrying symptoms that could suggest overdose.
Side effects
- Drowsiness, dizziness or headache.
- Nausea, tummy upset or constipation.
- A numb feeling in the mouth or throat, particularly if a capsule is chewed rather than swallowed whole.
- Rarely but seriously, choking sensations, allergic reactions, or, in overdose, fits, heart problems and collapse.
Key interactions
- It may add to the drowsiness of other sedating medicines and alcohol.
- There are few other well-established routine interactions, but tell your prescriber about all your medicines.
- The main danger is from taking too much or chewing the capsule rather than from typical interactions.
Available as: Capsules taken by mouth and swallowed whole.
Answers
Benzonatate: frequently asked questions
What is benzonatate used for?
It is a non-opioid cough suppressant used to relieve a dry, irritating cough by numbing the stretch sensors in the airways that trigger coughing.
Why must I swallow the capsule whole?
If a capsule is chewed, sucked or broken open it numbs the mouth and airway, which can be dangerous, so it must always be swallowed whole.
Why is it so dangerous for children?
It is very dangerous and potentially fatal in overdose, and even a small number of capsules can harm a young child, so it must be kept well out of their reach and is not suitable for them.
What are the signs of overdose?
Signs can come on quickly and include restlessness, tremor, a numb mouth, fits or collapse; these need emergency help immediately.
Does it contain an opioid?
No. Benzonatate is a non-opioid cough suppressant, but it still carries serious safety warnings about how it is taken and about overdose.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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