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Benzonatate

Tessalon Perles

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Sourced from primary literature. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Respiratory

Routes

PO

Indications

Non-productive cough

Mechanism of Action

Tetracaine-related compound that anesthetizes stretch receptors in the lungs and pleura, suppressing the cough reflex peripherally.

Side effects & warnings

Do not crush or chew capsules — releases liquid that can cause oropharyngeal anesthesia and choking. Seizures if capsule bitten. Use with caution in small animals.

Species with Benzonatate dosing data (2 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Weak×1Extrapolated×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by a published primary source

  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

Free-tier preview — dog and cat dosing. Pro and Student unlock all 2 species including reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)PO3–8 mg/kgq8-12hWeakPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)PO1–3 mg/kgq8-12hExtrapolatedPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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Calculate Dosage for Benzonatate