Benzonatate Dosage Recommendations for Adults and Children Over 10 Years
The recommended dosage of benzonatate for adults and children over 10 years of age is one 100 mg or 200 mg capsule three times a day as needed for cough, with a maximum daily dose of 600 mg divided into three doses. 1
Standard Dosing Guidelines
- For adults and children over 10 years old, the usual dose is 100 mg or 200 mg taken orally three times daily as needed for cough 1
- Maximum daily dose should not exceed 600 mg (divided into three doses) 1
- Benzonatate capsules must be swallowed whole and should never be broken, chewed, dissolved, cut, or crushed 1
Important Administration Considerations
- Benzonatate is a peripheral oral antitussive that works by dampening the activity of cough stretch receptors 2
- The medication should be taken exactly as prescribed to avoid potential toxicity 3
- Capsules must be swallowed whole to prevent immediate release of medication, which could lead to local anesthesia of the oropharynx 1
Safety Considerations and Warnings
- Benzonatate is contraindicated in children under 10 years of age 1
- Overdose can lead to serious adverse effects including cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest 3, 4
- Cases of torsades de pointes have been reported in overdose situations, particularly in pediatric patients 4
- Rapid onset of toxicity can occur with overdose, with symptoms potentially appearing within 15-20 minutes of ingestion 3
Efficacy in Cough Management
- Benzonatate has shown efficacy in managing cough in both acute and chronic settings 5
- When combined with guaifenesin, benzonatate has demonstrated enhanced antitussive effects compared to either agent alone in patients with acute viral cough 6
- In advanced cancer patients with cough, benzonatate has shown effectiveness and safety when used at recommended daily doses 5
Monitoring and Patient Education
- Patients should be educated about the importance of keeping benzonatate out of reach of children due to its rapid toxicity in overdose 3
- Patients should be instructed to store the medication in its original container to prevent accidental ingestion 3
- Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience numbness of the mouth, throat, or tongue after taking benzonatate 1
Remember that benzonatate is a non-narcotic antitussive option that can effectively manage cough symptoms without the risks associated with opioid-based cough suppressants 5.