Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Benzonatate as follows:
Respiratory side-effects
- Benzonatate use in individuals with productive cough can result in suppression of the cough, but contribute to the thick mucus secretions getting accumulated in the respiratory tract. This can lead to development of chest tightness, increased shortness of breath, and contribute to development of respiratory infections with fever, rapid heart rate, productive cough, and episodes of confusion.
- Benzonatate, by numbing the airways and respiratory tissues, reduces the sensitivity of respiratory tissues to stimulation by any irritants, such as, dust particles and chemicals, and thus suppresses the cough. In this process, benzonatate can also desensitize the mucosa of the mouth, leading to reduced sensitivity of the oral cavity. This can result in any foreign objects and food particles in the mouth enter the respiratory tract easily and contribute to emergency situation of aspiration or choking.
