Adverse Effects Associated with the Antitussive Agent Benzonatate

Description

Benzonatate (Tessalon, Ventussin, Exangit, other) is a polyglycol derivative that is used as an antitussive agent. It has been associated with a number of adverse reactions, some of which have been fatal. Small children under the age of 10 are at increased risk for an adverse effect.

Adverse effects may occur:

(1) after swallowing a standard dose

(2) associated with oropharyngeal exposure (sucking on the softgel rather than swallowing it)

(3) associated with overdose (accidental or intentional)

Adverse effects that may occur with a standard dose:

(1) mental confusion

(2) numbness in the chest

(3) visual hallucinations

(4) burning of the eyes

(5) headache

(6) nausea

(7) malaise

(8) drowsiness

(9) nasal congestion

(10) mild pruritis

Adverse effects of oropharyngeal exposure:

(1) laryngospasm and/or bronchospasm

(2) circulatory collapse

Signs and symptoms of an overdose:

(1) seizures

(2) cardiac arrhythmias with cardiac arrest and death

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Adverse Effects Associated with the Antitussive Agent Benzonatate

Description

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