Benzonatate

Benzonatate is used for:

Relieving cough.

Benzonatate is a nonnarcotic cough suppressant. It works by depressing the "cough center" in the brain.

Do NOT use Benzonatate if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Benzonatate or to related medicines (eg, procaine, tetracaine)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Benzonatate :

Some medical conditions may interact with Benzonatate . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have asthma

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Benzonatate . However, no specific interactions with Benzonatate are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Benzonatate may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Benzonatate :

Use Benzonatate as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Benzonatate by mouth with or without food.
• Swallow Benzonatate whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• If you miss a dose of Benzonatate , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Benzonatate .

Important safety information:

• Benzonatate may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Benzonatate with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Numbness of the mouth can occur if the medicine is released before swallowing the capsule. Severe allergic reactions and choking can result.
• Benzonatate should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 10 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Benzonatate while you are pregnant. It is not known if Benzonatate is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Benzonatate , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Benzonatate :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include restlessness and tremors; drowsiness that could lead to unconsciousness or coma; seizures.

Store Benzonatate at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Benzonatate out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Benzonatate , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Benzonatate is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Benzonatate . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.