Cough Treatment with Benzonatate

Comparative Efficacy and Clinical Decision

• The American Thoracic Society suggests that benzonatate offers an alternative to opioid antitussives like codeine and dextromethorphan, which have significant adverse effect profiles 1, 2
• Benzonatate does not have the same adverse side effect profile as codeine or pholcodine, and may be preferred when opioids are contraindicated 2

Clinical Assessment and Treatment

• The European Respiratory Society recommends assessing cough characteristics and duration before considering benzonatate for symptomatic relief of non-productive cough 2
• The guideline suggests ruling out serious underlying causes requiring specific treatment before initiating benzonatate therapy 1