From the Guidelines
Benzonatate is effective in suppressing cough by numbing stretch receptors in the lungs, throat, and breathing passages, and it is recommended for dry, non-productive coughs caused by minor throat and airway irritation, with a standard adult dosage of 100-200 mg three times daily, not exceeding 600 mg per day, as stated in the study by Molassiotis et al. 1. The medication works by blocking the ability of these receptors to send signals to the brain, thereby reducing the urge to cough. It is most effective for dry, non-productive coughs, but it is not recommended for all types of cough. Specifically, benzonatate should not be used for productive coughs that help clear mucus from the lungs, as suppressing these coughs can lead to mucus buildup and potential respiratory complications.
Some key points to consider when using benzonatate include:
- The medication comes as gel capsules that should be swallowed whole, not chewed or dissolved in the mouth, as this can cause temporary numbness of the mouth and throat, potentially leading to choking.
- Side effects may include drowsiness, headache, dizziness, constipation, and stomach upset.
- Benzonatate is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug and should be used cautiously in pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under 10 years of age.
- The study by Moroni et al. 1 also suggests that benzonatate can be effective in controlling cough in patients with lung cancer, although the evidence is limited.
In terms of the effectiveness of benzonatate, the study by Molassiotis et al. 1 suggests that it is moderately effective, typically working within 15-20 minutes and lasting for 3-8 hours. However, the study by Moroni et al. 1 notes that the evidence for the effectiveness of benzonatate in controlling cough in patients with lung cancer is limited, and further research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Overall, benzonatate can be a useful medication for suppressing dry, non-productive coughs, but it should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as stated in the study by Molassiotis et al. 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
BENZONATATE acts peripherally by anesthetizing the stretch receptors located in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura by dampening their activity and thereby reducing the cough reflex at its source. BENZONATATE is indicated for the symptomatic relief of cough.
Benzonatate helps in suppressing cough by anesthetizing the stretch receptors in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura, thereby reducing the cough reflex. It can be used for the symptomatic relief of cough. However, the effectiveness of benzonatate may vary depending on the type of cough, and it is not explicitly stated that it can be used for all types of cough. The duration of action is 3 to 8 hours and it starts acting within 15 to 20 minutes 2. Benzonatate is indicated for the symptomatic relief of cough, but its effectiveness for different types of cough is not specified 2.
From the Research
Mechanism of Action
- Benzonatate works by suppressing cough through its anesthetic effect on the lungs and airways 3
- It helps to numb the stretch receptors in the lungs, which are responsible for triggering the cough reflex
Efficacy and Safety
- The effectiveness of benzonatate in suppressing cough is still a topic of debate, with some studies suggesting that it may be beneficial in certain cases, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects 3
- Safety concerns have been raised regarding the use of benzonatate, particularly in terms of toxicity due to overdose or inappropriate use 3
Types of Cough
- Benzonatate may not be suitable for all types of cough, and its effectiveness may vary depending on the underlying cause of the cough
- There is limited evidence to suggest that benzonatate is effective in treating chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma 4
Alternative Treatments
- Dietary flavonoids have been shown to have a potential health effect on respiratory health, with some studies suggesting that they may be associated with a lower risk of chronic respiratory disease 4
- Glycitein and Eriodictyol are two flavonoid components that may have a particularly beneficial effect on respiratory health 4