
Coughing is an expulsion – often suddenly – of air from your air passages. This action helps in clearing foreign matter, fluids as well as irritants. Coughing is often accompanied by a unique sound. In some instances – as a protective measure – these actions are repetitive. If you are coughing regularly, it may be due to an underlying medical condition. Infrequent coughing spells may be due to smoking or pollutants. Benzonatate is one of the medications used to provide relief from coughing. But, for how many days can you take benzonatate? It is worth your while to know more.
Acute spells of coughing lasting for more than 2 weeks are caused by conditions like common cold. Causes that trigger coughing may include infections in respiratory tract, severe spells of bronchitis, pertussis or pneumonia. Discomforts include a tickling sensation in throat and tightening of chest muscles. Repetitive spells of coughing may cause internal swelling, and this can trigger severe coughing.
Entry of foreign matter may cause coughing. This may happen while you are eating. There are also instances of a sudden outburst of coughs; these may occur due to dryness of mouth or when food gains access to your windpipe / trachea. The latter is more likely to occur among those with difficulties in swallowing. A few meds like ACE inhibitors or beta blocking meds may also trigger coughing as one of the adverse side effects. Discontinuation of these meds can help reduce acute coughs.
What is benzonatate?
Benzonatate was formulated in mid-1950s, and was introduced for public use in the late-1950s in US. This is a non-opioid med prescribed for treating coughing spells. This drug is used for a wide range of breathing conditions like bronchial asthma, bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, etc. Its key ingredients can decrease the volume and consistency of sputum produced by most of these lung-based conditions.
In general, benzonatate is effective in reducing coughs caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). You need to remember that benzonatate is not used for treating the underlying reasons for coughing. When compared with other meds like codeine, it is effective in bringing down frequencies of coughing.
How many days can you take benzonatate?
This drug is widely used through the oral route. Antitussive properties of this non-opioid med can kick-in less than 25 minutes. Effects are known to last for 4 to 7 hours. Benzonatate has a half-life of 60 minutes; such half-life period is one of its key benefits.
This med does not form habits; this means you can take it for long. But, benzonatate is used only for a shorter span of time. Typical medication plan is for 6 days’ time. If you continue coughing after 6 days of medication, you are advised to tell your doctor of your clinical condition.
This antitussive agent works by suppressing the reflexes in lungs that create a cough. Once your reflex is under control, you are likely to obtain needful relief. If you are taking this med for than a week, it may lead to an overdose. You also need to know that the real cause for coughing is not treated by benzonatate.
Your caregiver is likely to prescribe this med for 6 days. However, the duration of your medication plan depends on your lung condition, age and intake of other meds, if any. Most people who took benzonatate for a week observed a significant improvement in their condition. You are advised to adhere to the dosage plan prescribed by your treating physician.
If you have missed one of the doses, and if your next dose is coming close, you may skip the dose you missed. But if you have missed a few doses, talk to your caregiver and reschedule your treatment. Above all, seek more clarity on how many days can you take benzonatate by speaking with a certified caregiver.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.