A client has been taking benzonatate (Tessalon) as ordered. The nurse tells the client that this medication should do which of the following?
A. Take away nausea and vomiting.
B. Calm the persistent cough.
C. Decrease anxiety level.
D. Increase comfort level.
Correct Answer: B. Calm the persistent cough
Benzonatate is a locally acting antitussive. Its effectiveness is measured by the degree to which it decreases the intensity and frequency of cough, without eliminating the cough reflex. Benzonatate is used to relieve coughing. Benzonatate is in a class of medications called antitussives (cough suppressants). It works by reducing the cough reflex in the lungs and air passages.
Option A: Never suck or chew on a benzonatate capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule may cause serious side effects. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if there are signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Option C: Benzonatate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old. An overdose of benzonatate can be fatal to a young child. Using benzonatate with other drugs that make the client drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask the doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Option D: Benzonatate may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to the doctor if the client wants to breastfeed the child. She may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.