How should benzonatate be taken orally?

Proper Administration of Benzonatate

Benzonatate capsules must be swallowed whole and should never be broken, chewed, dissolved, cut, or crushed to prevent potentially fatal complications. 1

Dosage and Administration

• Adults and children over 10 years of age:

  • Standard dose: One 100 mg or 200 mg capsule three times daily as needed for cough
  • Maximum daily dose: 600 mg (divided into three doses)
  • Administration frequency: Every 8 hours as needed 1

• Children under 10 years:

  • Not recommended - safety and effectiveness have not been established
  • Fatal accidental ingestions have been reported in children under 10 years 1

Administration Technique

1. Verify the prescription label matches the medication order
2. Confirm patient identity and check for medication allergies
3. Administer with a full glass of water
4. Swallow capsule whole - do not manipulate the capsule in any way
5. May be taken without regard to meals 2

Critical Safety Warnings

• Oral numbing risk: If the capsule releases in the mouth, it can cause temporary local anesthesia of oral mucosa, potentially leading to choking 1
• If numbness or tingling of mouth, tongue, throat, or face occurs:
  • Stop oral intake of food or liquids until numbness resolves
  • Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen 1
• Overdose risk: Signs of overdose can appear within 15-20 minutes and death can occur within one hour of ingestion 1, 3
• Overdose symptoms: Restlessness, tremors, convulsions, cardiac arrhythmias (including torsades de pointes), coma, and cardiac arrest 1, 4, 5

Storage and Handling

• Keep medication in original container with child-resistant closure
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
• Keep out of reach of children - accidental ingestion can be fatal 1

Special Populations

• Pregnancy: Category C - use only if clearly needed (animal reproduction studies have not been conducted) 1
• Nursing mothers: Use with caution - unknown if excreted in breast milk 1
• Elderly: No specific dosage adjustments, but monitor for increased sensitivity

Patient Education Points

1. Emphasize the importance of swallowing capsules whole
2. Explain the risk of numbness if capsule contents are released in the mouth
3. Instruct on maximum daily dosage (600 mg)
4. Advise on proper storage away from children
5. Inform about signs of overdose requiring immediate medical attention

Benzonatate has shown efficacy in suppressing cough reflex sensitivity, particularly when combined with guaifenesin 6, but its safety profile requires strict adherence to proper administration techniques to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.