From the Research
Tessalon Pearls (benzonatate) can generally be taken safely with warfarin, as there are no significant known drug interactions between these medications. Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough suppressant that works by numbing stretch receptors in the lungs, while warfarin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clot formation. When taking these medications together, you should continue your regular warfarin dosing schedule and monitoring of INR (International Normalized Ratio) levels as directed by your healthcare provider. It's essential to note that while direct interactions are not expected, any medication can potentially affect warfarin's effectiveness in individual patients. If you experience any unusual bleeding, bruising, or changes in your symptoms after starting benzonatate, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Some studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of warfarin in various contexts, such as its administration time 1 and its comparison to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) 2. However, these studies do not directly address the interaction between Tessalon Pearls and warfarin. A recent study on the effect of warfarin administration time on anticoagulation stability found that administration time has no statistically significant nor clinically important impact on the stability of warfarin's anticoagulant effect 1. Another study compared the safety and efficacy of DOACs versus warfarin according to time in therapeutic range in atrial fibrillation, finding that DOAC agents are preferable over warfarin as stroke prevention therapy for patients with AF, regardless of the degree of INR control 2.
Additionally, remember that Tessalon Pearls should be swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed, as this can release the medication too quickly and cause numbness in the mouth and throat, potentially leading to choking. It is also crucial to consider the patient's overall health status, including their weight and body mass index, as these factors can affect warfarin's efficacy and safety 3.
In terms of monitoring and management, patients taking warfarin should have regular INR checks to ensure their blood clotting levels are within the therapeutic range. The frequency of these checks may vary depending on individual patient factors, such as their stability on warfarin and their risk of bleeding or thrombosis. Healthcare providers should also be aware of potential interactions between warfarin and other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, and adjust the patient's treatment plan accordingly.
Key points to consider when taking Tessalon Pearls with warfarin include:
- Continue regular warfarin dosing schedule and INR monitoring
- Be aware of potential interactions between warfarin and other medications
- Swallow Tessalon Pearls whole, without chewing or crushing
- Monitor for signs of bleeding or bruising, and report any changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider
- Consider patient-specific factors, such as weight and body mass index, when managing warfarin therapy.