From the Research
Benzonatate can typically be prescribed for up to 7-10 days for cough management. The standard adult dosage is 100-200 mg taken orally three times daily, with a maximum daily dose of 600 mg. Treatment duration should be limited because prolonged use hasn't shown additional benefits and may increase the risk of side effects. Benzonatate works by anesthetizing stretch receptors in the lungs, suppressing the cough reflex. It's essential to note that benzonatate should not be used in children under 10 years old due to the risk of severe adverse reactions 1. Patients should be advised to swallow the capsules whole without chewing or crushing them, as this can release the medication too quickly and cause numbness in the mouth or throat, potentially leading to choking. If cough persists beyond 7-10 days, the patient should be reevaluated as this may indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring different treatment.
Some key considerations when prescribing benzonatate include:
- The patient's age and medical history
- The presence of any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the cough
- The potential for side effects, such as numbness or tingling in the mouth or throat
- The need for reevaluation if the cough persists beyond 7-10 days
It's also important to consider alternative treatments for cough, such as addressing underlying conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or postnasal drip syndrome 2, 3. In some cases, lifestyle changes or other medications may be more effective in managing cough symptoms. However, the most recent and highest quality study does not provide specific guidance on the use of benzonatate for cough management 4. Therefore, it's essential to rely on established clinical guidelines and expert recommendations when prescribing benzonatate for cough.