What are nursing considerations for benzonatate?

Nursing Considerations for Benzonatate
Benzonatate is a non-narcotic antitussive medication commonly prescribed to relieve coughing. As with any medication, nursing considerations are crucial to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. Here’s a detailed look at the key nursing considerations when administering benzonatate.
Classification and Dosage
Benzonatate is classified as a non-opioid antitussive. It is typically prescribed in dosages of 100 to 200 mg taken orally three times a day, with a maximum daily dose of 600 mg for adults and pediatric patients over 10 years old. Nurses should verify the prescribed dosage and ensure it aligns with the patient’s medical history and current health status.
Patient Assessment
Before administering benzonatate, a thorough patient assessment is essential. This includes evaluating the patient’s cough characteristics, duration, and any underlying conditions that may contribute to the cough, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, nurses should assess for any history of allergies to medications, particularly local anesthetics, as benzonatate can cause similar reactions.
Monitoring for Side Effects
Common side effects of benzonatate include dizziness, drowsiness, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea. Nurses should monitor patients for these effects, especially during the initial stages of treatment. It is also important to educate patients about the potential for sedation and advise them against operating heavy machinery or driving until they know how the medication affects them.
Patient Education
Educating patients about the proper use of benzonatate is vital. Patients should be instructed to swallow the capsules whole and not to chew or dissolve them, as this can lead to a rapid release of the medication and increase the risk of serious side effects, including numbness of the throat. Additionally, patients should be informed about the importance of adhering to the prescribed dosage and schedule.
Pregnancy and Lactation Considerations
Benzonatate falls under Pregnancy Category C, indicating that risk cannot be ruled out. Nurses should assess the potential benefits against risks when prescribing this medication to pregnant or breastfeeding patients. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action in these cases.
Interactions and Contraindications
Nurses should be aware of potential drug interactions. Benzonatate can interact with other medications that cause sedation, increasing the risk of respiratory depression. A comprehensive medication review should be conducted to identify any possible interactions. Additionally, benzonatate is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components.
Conclusion
In summary, nursing considerations for benzonatate encompass a comprehensive approach that includes careful assessment, monitoring for side effects, patient education, and awareness of contraindications and interactions. By adhering to these guidelines, nurses can help ensure the safe and effective use of benzonatate in managing cough symptoms.

What should I monitor when taking benzonatate?

Monitor signs of hypersensitivity reactions, including pulmonary symptoms (tightness in the throat and chest, wheezing, cough, dyspnea) or skin reactions (rash, pruritus, urticaria). Notify physician immediately if these reactions occur.

What should the nurse monitor to patient’s using bronchodilator drugs?

Nursing Considerations: Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and lungs sounds before and after administration. If more than one inhalation is ordered, wait at least 2 minutes between inhalations.

What precautions should be taken when taking benzonatate?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Avoid breaking, chewing, or sucking the capsule, as this can cause serious side effects. Take your medication at regular intervals.

Does benzonatate affect blood pressure?

Serious side effects
allergic reactions, symptoms can include: trouble breathing. swelling or tightness in your throat. heart and blood vessel problems, such as very low blood pressure.

Which of the following is a common nursing consideration when administering antitussives?

Nursing Considerations: With the risk of respiratory depressions associated with this medication, baseline respiratory effort must be assessed. Nurses should monitor for signs of dependence as codeine has the potential for abuse and dependence. Side Effects/Adverse Effects: Side effects include sedation and drowsiness.

What does benzonatate do for your lungs?

Benzonatate relieves cough by acting directly on the lungs and the breathing passages. It may also act on the cough center in the brain. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

What are the guidelines for benzonatate?

It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes for benzonatate to start working, and it should last for 3 to 8 hours. You shouldn’t take more than 200 mg of benzonatate at a time. The maximum recommended benzonatate dosage is 600 mg per day.

What are common side effects of benzonatate?

Common benzonatate side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and headaches. Constipation and nausea are also possible. Most side effects are generally mild, can be managed at home, and go away when you stop taking benzonatate. Serious benzonatate side effects include severe drowsiness, confusion, and hallucinations.

What are the most common side effects of benzonatate?

Common benzonatate side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness;
• nausea, upset stomach;
• constipation;
• itching, rash; or.
• stuffy nose.

What should I check before administering benzonatate?

Before taking benzonatate,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to benzonatate, procaine (Novocain), tetracaine (in Synera),any other medications, or any of the ingredients in benzonatate capsules. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of ingredients.