Does benzonatate affect breastfeeding?

Understanding Benzonatate and Its Impact on Breastfeeding
Benzonatate, commonly known by its brand name Tessalon, is an oral medication primarily used to relieve coughing. While it is effective for this purpose, its safety during breastfeeding remains a topic of concern among healthcare providers and nursing mothers.
Lack of Definitive Research
One of the primary issues surrounding benzonatate is the uncertainty regarding its transfer into breast milk. According to available medical sources, it is not known if benzonatate passes into breast milk. This ambiguity poses a significant dilemma for breastfeeding mothers who may require cough relief while ensuring the safety of their infants.
Potential Risks for Breastfed Infants
The potential risks associated with benzonatate use during breastfeeding are highlighted by various health advisories. Some sources indicate that the medication is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers due to the possibility of serious side effects in breastfed babies. Specifically, the safety score of 5 suggests that there may be considerable risks involved, prompting healthcare professionals to advise caution.
Moreover, the InfantRisk Center categorizes benzonatate as a dangerous product when ingested by children, emphasizing the need for nursing mothers to avoid this medication to prevent any risk of toxicity to their infants.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
Given the uncertainties and potential risks, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to engage in discussions with their healthcare providers before starting benzonatate. Medical professionals can help weigh the benefits of cough relief against the possible risks to the infant, guiding mothers toward safer alternatives if necessary.
Conclusion
In summary, while benzonatate is an effective cough suppressant, its safety during breastfeeding is questionable. The lack of definitive research on its transfer into breast milk, combined with the potential for serious side effects in infants, leads to a general recommendation against its use in nursing mothers. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider is essential for making informed decisions regarding medication use while breastfeeding.

How long does it take for benzonatate to get rid of a cough?

Benzonatate makes the cough reflex less active. Once you take the capsule, it starts working in 15 to 20 minutes, and the effect lasts for about 3 to 8 hours. It is used for coughs caused by a cold or influenza and not for chronic coughs caused by smoking, asthma and emphysema.

Is it okay to take benzonatate while pregnant?

Benzonatate: Benzonatate is a prescription cough medication. Safe use of benzonatate during pregnancy has been described, but there is minimal data on the safety of benzonatate during pregnancy. Other medications with more evidence for safety during pregnancy may be more ideal.

Who should avoid benzonatate?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Kidney or liver disease.
• An unusual or allergic reaction to benzonatate, anesthetics, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• Breast-feeding.

How long does benzonatate stay in your system?

Onset of Action: Benzonatate begins to work within 15 to 20 minutes after ingestion. Duration of Effect: The effects can last for up to 8 hours. Elimination: Given the half-life of 3.8 hours, Benzonatate is typically eliminated from the system within about 19 hours (approximately five half-lives).

Why is benzonatate bad?

There have been reports of serious benzonatate side effects in children under 10 years old. These include seizures, coma, and cardiac arrest. There have also been reports of death. These serious side effects are related to benzonatate toxicity (overdose).

Is it safe to take benzonatate while breastfeeding?

While there is low to minimal transfer of benzonatate into breastmilk, the Infant Risk Center recommends avoiding this medication when possible because benzonatate can be very dangerous if taken directly by a child and cause severe toxicity at relatively low doses.

What cough medicine is safe while breastfeeding?

Dextromethorphan. This cold medicine is considered safe for breastfeeding moms and babies. Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects.

What kind of cough suppressant can I take while pregnant?

Dextromethorphan (DM) is a cough suppressant commonly found in OTC cold medications. There are a number of human studies on the use of DM during pregnancy that did not find an association between this drug and an increased risk of birth defects.

What can I take to stop coughing while breastfeeding?

If you are feeling very unwell because of a cold, the flu or sinus problems, you should contact your doctor. For a dry cough, a cough suppressant such as pholcodine or dextromethorphan is considered safe while breastfeeding. A dry, irritating cough is usually associated with a postnasal drip.

What are nursing considerations for benzonatate?

Women who are breastfeeding: Benzonatate may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.