When can I breastfeed after taking benzonatate?

Understanding Benzonatate and 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, many breastfeeding mothers may have concerns about its safety and the appropriate timing for breastfeeding after taking the medication.
Safety Profile of Benzonatate
The safety of benzonatate during breastfeeding is not fully established. According to available medical sources, it is not known if benzonatate passes into breast milk. This uncertainty raises questions about its potential effects on nursing infants . While some sources suggest that benzonatate is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, caution is advised, especially since the drug has been associated with serious poisoning in children following accidental ingestion.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding After Taking Benzonatate
Given the lack of definitive research on the excretion of benzonatate in breast milk, healthcare providers typically recommend a conservative approach. It is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare provider or pediatrician before taking benzonatate. They can provide personalized guidance based on the mother’s health status and the infant’s needs.
If a mother does take benzonatate, it may be prudent to wait a few hours before breastfeeding. This waiting period can help minimize any potential exposure to the infant, although specific timeframes are not universally established due to the variability in individual metabolism and the drug’s pharmacokinetics.
Conclusion
In summary, while benzonatate is used to treat coughs, its safety during breastfeeding remains uncertain. Mothers should engage in discussions with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks, and if they choose to take the medication, consider delaying breastfeeding for several hours to reduce any potential risks to their infants. Always prioritize open communication with healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.

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.

Is benzonatate safe in pregnancy?

Not preferred due to limited data: 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.

Is it safe to take benzonatate while breastfeeding?

For a cough, it is not recommended for a breastfeeding mother to take Tessalon Perles (Benzonatate) or Codeine. Dextromethorphan (Babee Cof Syrup, Hold DM, Vicks 44, Delsym) is a better choice for cough suppressant while breastfeeding if non drug measures are not working.

How many hours should I wait between benzonatate?

You can also take benzonatate as needed for cough — you don’t need to take it on a regular schedule for it to work. 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.

What to avoid when taking benzonatate?

While taking benzonatate, you should be cautious of any medications that can cause sedation, such as other cough and cold medications, anxiety medications, opioid pain medications, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, seizure treatments, and certain mental health medications.

How long until benzonatate is out of 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).

Is benzonatate better than Mucinex for cough?

Comparing Benzonatate vs Mucinex
Benzonatate has an average rating of 4.1 out of 10 from a total of 773 ratings on Drugs.com. 31% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 62% reported a negative effect. Mucinex has an average rating of 6.2 out of 10 from a total of 154 ratings on Drugs.com.

Can I breastfeed immediately after giving medicine?

If you take medicine while breastfeeding, it will be transferred to your baby through your breast milk. In most cases, the amount passed to your baby is very small and unlikely to cause harm. But some drugs can become concentrated in breast milk. A small number of these are not safe to take while breastfeeding.

How long do the effects of benzonatate last?

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.

Can I breastfeed after taking cough medicine?

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.