II. Background
- First approved for use in U.S. in 1958
- Synthetic butylamino-benzoate derivative (related to tetracaine, procaine)
- Voltage-gated Sodium channel inhibitor
- Peripherally acting non-opioid Antitussive
- Decreases cough reflex by anesthetizing and suppressing stretch receptors receptors in the airways, lungs, and pleura
- Narrow therapeutic range
- See Benzonatate Overdose
- Single capsule may be lethal in a child
- A small handful of capsules in Overdose could be lethal in adults
III. Dosing
- Adults: 100-200 mg orally every 8 hours as needed for cough
- Not approved for age under 10 years old
IV. Pharmacokinetics
- Onset: 15-20 minutes
- Duration: 3-8 hours
V. Adverse Effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Sedation or Somnolence
- Tongue numbness