From the Guidelines
Tesselon Pearls are generally considered safe for patients with hypertension (HTN). Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough suppressant that works by numbing stretch receptors in the lungs, reducing the cough reflex. Unlike some cough medications that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, benzonatate does not typically raise blood pressure or interact with antihypertensive medications. This makes it a preferred option for cough relief in patients with high blood pressure. The standard dosage is 100-200 mg three times daily as needed for cough, with a maximum daily dose of 600 mg. However, patients should still inform their healthcare provider about all medications they're taking, including over-the-counter products. While generally safe with HTN, benzonatate can cause side effects like drowsiness, headache, or mild dizziness. If a patient experiences severe allergic reactions, confusion, or irregular heartbeat while taking this medication, they should seek medical attention immediately. According to the most recent guidelines 1, the management of hypertension should prioritize the use of evidence-based treatments, and benzonatate does not appear to have any significant interactions with these treatments.
Some key points to consider when managing hypertension include:
- The target blood pressure is <130/80 mm Hg 1
- The use of thiazide diuretics, calcium-channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or angiotensin-receptor blockers as first-line agents for hypertension treatment 1
- The importance of lifestyle modifications, such as sodium restriction and exercise, in managing hypertension 1
- The need to monitor patients with hypertension regularly and adjust their treatment plan as needed 1
It's essential to note that while Tesselon Pearls are generally safe for patients with hypertension, they should still be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially if the patient is taking other medications or has underlying medical conditions.
From the Research
Tesselon Pearls and Hypertension
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding the use of Tesselon pearls in patients with hypertension (HTN) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, some studies discuss the use of local anesthetics with vasoconstrictor agents in dental treatment for patients with hypertension 4, 5, 6.
- These studies suggest that the use of local anesthetics with vasoconstrictor agents, such as epinephrine, can be safe for patients with controlled hypertension, but careful monitoring and aspiration are necessary 4, 5, 6.
- One study found that the use of 1 to 2 cartridges of local anesthetics with 1:80,000,1:100,000, or 1:200,000 epinephrine in patients with controlled hypertension and/or coronary disease is safe 4.
- Another study found that the use of lidocaine 2% + epinephrine, prilocaine 3% + felypressin 0.03, and mepivacaine 3% had similar effects on blood pressure changes in patients with controlled hypertension 6.
Key Findings
- Local anesthetics with vasoconstrictor agents can be used in patients with controlled hypertension, but with caution 4, 5, 6.
- Careful monitoring and aspiration are necessary when using local anesthetics with vasoconstrictor agents in patients with hypertension 4, 5, 6.
- The maximum epinephrine dose should not be exceeded in patients with hypertension 6.