WARNINGS
Hypersensitivity
Severe hypersensitivity reactions (including bronchospasm, laryngospasm and cardiovascular collapse) have been reported which are possibly related to local anesthesia from sucking or chewing the capsule instead of swallowing it. Severe reactions have required intervention with vasopressor agents and supportive measures.
Psychiatric Effects
Isolated instances of bizarre behavior, including mental confusion and visual hallucinations, have also been reported in patients taking BENZONATATE in combination with other prescribed drugs.
Accidental Ingestion and Death in Children
Keep BENZONATATE out of reach of children. Accidental ingestion of BENZONATATE resulting in death has been reported in children below age 10. Signs and symptoms of overdose have been reported within 15–20 minutes and death has been reported within one hour of ingestion. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately (see OVERDOSAGE).
PRECAUTIONS
Benzonatate is chemically related to anesthetic agents of the para-amino-benzoic acid class (e.g. procaine; tetracaine) and has been associated with adverse CNS effects possibly related to a prior sensitivity to related agents or interaction with concomitant medication.
Information for patients
Swallow BENZONATATE Perles whole. Do not break, chew, dissolve, cut, or crush BENZONATATE Perles. Release of BENZONATATE from the capsule in the mouth can produce a temporary local anesthesia of the oral mucosa and choking could occur. If numbness or tingling of the tongue, mouth, throat, or face occurs, refrain from oral ingestion of food or liquids until the numbness has resolved. If the symptoms worsen or persist, seek medical attention.
Keep BENZONATATE out of reach of children. Accidental ingestion resulting in death has been reported in children. Signs and symptoms of overdose have been reported within 15–20 minutes and death has been reported within one hour of ingestion. Signs and symptoms may include restlessness, tremors, convulsions, coma and cardiac arrest. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Overdosage resulting in death may occur in adults.
Do not exceed a single dose of 200 mg and a total daily dosage of 600 mg. If you miss a dose of BENZONATATE, skip that dose and take the next dose at the next scheduled time. Do not take 2 doses of BENZONATATE at one time.
Usage in Pregnancy
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with BENZONATATE. It is also not known whether BENZONATATE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. BENZONATATE should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Nursing mothers
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk caution should be exercised when BENZONATATE is administered to a nursing woman.