Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Benzonatate as follows:
- Benzonatate use is mostly recommended for episodes of dry cough. 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. Check with your physician regarding your safety with continuing on benzonatate, if the dry cough turns productive.
- Benzonatate use in individuals with productive cough, by suppressing the cough, can contribute to the thick mucus secretions getting accumulated in the respiratory tract and development of respiratory infections. So, benzonatate is usually avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of chronic bronchitis and multiple respiratory infections. Immunocompromised individuals and chronic smokers also can be at increased risk for chest infections following benzonatate use and so, must exercise extreme caution with benzonatate intake.
