If you are taking benzonatate, it is important to be aware of what drugs should not be taken with benzonatate.
Benzonatate is a cough suppressant that is commonly used to relieve coughs due to colds or the flu.
While it is generally safe to use, certain medications can interact with benzonatate and cause harmful side effects.
One class of drugs that should not be taken with benzonatate is narcotic pain medications.
These drugs, which include codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone, can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
If you are taking a narcotic pain medication, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking benzonatate to avoid any potential interactions.
Another class of drugs to avoid when taking benzonatate is sedatives or tranquilizers.
These drugs, which include benzodiazepines like diazepam and lorazepam, can also increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
If you are taking a sedative or tranquilizer, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking benzonatate to ensure that it is safe for you to use.
What Is Benzonatate?
Benzonatate is a medication used to relieve coughing. It is classified as a cough suppressant and works by numbing the throat to reduce the urge to cough.
Benzonatate is available in capsule form and should be swallowed whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule can cause serious side effects.
How Does Benzonatate Work?
Benzonatate works by numbing the throat and lungs, reducing the urge to cough.
It does this by acting on the nerve endings in the lungs and respiratory passages.
This medication is fast-acting and can provide relief within 15-20 minutes of taking a dose.
What Are The Uses Of Benzonatate?
Benzonatate is primarily used to relieve coughing caused by the common cold or other respiratory infections.
It is not recommended for chronic coughs caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema. This medication is also not intended for use in children under the age of 10.
When taking benzonatate, it is important to avoid certain medications that can interact with it and cause serious side effects. Some medications that should not be taken with benzonatate include:
- Narcotic pain medications
- Sedatives
- Tranquilizers
- Muscle relaxants
- Antidepressants
If you are taking any of these medications, talk to your doctor before taking benzonatate.
They may recommend alternative treatments or adjust your dosage to avoid interactions.
In conclusion, Benzonatate is a fast-acting medication used to relieve coughing caused by respiratory infections.
It works by numbing the throat and lungs to reduce the urge to cough. When taking benzonatate, it is important to avoid certain medications that can interact with it and cause serious side effects.
What Drugs Should Not Be Taken With Benzonatate?
If you are taking benzonatate, it is important to be aware of the potential drug interactions that can occur.
Some drugs can interact with benzonatate and cause harmful effects. In this section, we will discuss the drugs that should not be taken with benzonatate.
Drug Interactions With Benzonatate
Benzonatate can interact with several drugs, including opioids, sedatives, and other medications that cause constipation. The following drugs should not be taken with benzonatate:
- Opioids: Taking benzonatate with opioids can increase the risk of side effects such as sedation, dizziness, and respiratory depression. Examples of opioids include codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone.
- Sedatives: Benzonatate can enhance the effects of sedatives, leading to increased sedation and drowsiness. Examples of sedatives include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and certain antihistamines.
- Medications that cause constipation: Benzonatate can cause constipation as a side effect. Taking medications that also cause constipation can increase the risk of constipation and other gastrointestinal problems. Examples of medications that cause constipation include ondansetron, iron supplements, and certain opioids.
Why Should These Drugs Not Be Taken With Benzonatate?
Taking benzonatate with these drugs can increase the risk of side effects and potentially harmful interactions.
For example, taking benzonatate with opioids can increase the risk of respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening.
Similarly, taking benzonatate with sedatives can increase the risk of sedation and drowsiness, which can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery.
In addition, taking medications that cause constipation with benzonatate can increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation.
If you are taking any of these drugs, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking benzonatate.
Your doctor can help you determine if it is safe to take benzonatate with your other medications and can monitor you for any potential drug interactions or side effects.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Benzonatate?
Benzonatate is an effective medication for treating coughs, but like any drug, it can cause side effects.
In this section, we will discuss the common side effects of Benzonatate and what to do if you experience any side effects.
Common Side Effects Of Benzonatate
The most common side effects of Benzonatate include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Itching
- Rash
- Stuffy nose
These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately.
What To Do If You Experience Side Effects?
If you experience any side effects while taking Benzonatate, there are a few things you can do to alleviate them:
- Headache: You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve headaches.
- Dizziness: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel dizzy. You can also try getting up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
- Nausea and upset stomach: Taking Benzonatate with food may help alleviate these symptoms. If they persist, talk to your doctor about taking an anti-nausea medication.
- Constipation: Drinking plenty of water and eating high-fiber foods can help prevent constipation. You can also talk to your doctor about taking a stool softener or laxative.
- Itching and rash: These symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction to Benzonatate. Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
- Stuffy nose: Over-the-counter decongestants may help relieve a stuffy nose.
In conclusion, while Benzonatate is generally safe and effective, it can cause side effects in some people. If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor about how to manage them.
Key Points
When taking benzonatate, it is important to be aware of the drugs that should not be taken with it.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Do not take benzonatate with MAO inhibitors, sedatives or other medications that cause drowsiness. This can lead to serious side effects such as respiratory depression, coma, or even death.
- Before taking benzonatate, it is important to talk to your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements that you are taking. Some drugs may interact with benzonatate, leading to unwanted side effects or reduced effectiveness.
- Be sure to follow the proper use instructions for benzonatate. Do not break, crush, or chew the capsules. If the capsules come in contact with your mouth, it may cause numbness or tingling of the mouth, tongue, throat, or face. If this occurs, do not eat or drink until the symptoms disappear.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking benzonatate. It is not known if benzonatate can harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk.
- Benzonatate is not approved for use in children younger than 10 years old. If you are giving benzonatate to a child, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
By keeping these key points in mind, you can help ensure that you are taking benzonatate safely and effectively.
If you have any questions or concerns about benzonatate or its interactions with other drugs, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.