When people first hear about benzonatate, they often wonder, “Is benzonatate a steroid?” The simple answer is no — benzonatate is not a steroid. It is actually a non-narcotic cough suppressant (antitussive) that helps reduce the urge to cough. This medicine is commonly prescribed for short-term relief from coughs caused by colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other respiratory conditions.
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What is Benzonatate?
Understanding what the medication is around your inquiry of “is benzonatate a steroid” is the first step. Benzonatate is a medication that is in the class of prescribed cough medications. It works by numbing the throat and lungs and thereby lessens the cough reflex. It also does not contain steroids or narcotics.
How Benzonatate Works
- If you’re interested in how benzonatate works, the process is relatively simple.
- After you swallow a capsule, it dissolves in your stomach and aids in numbing the stretch receptors of your cough reflex.
- These receptors send signals to your brain to instigate a cough. By numbing these receptors, cough cessation assistance is provided without the need of strong pain relief medications or steroids.
- These also explain why the answer to your question of “is benzonatate a steroid” is no. It works by acting as a local anesthetic to suppress the cough.
What is Benzonatate Used For?
You may wonder, what is benzonatate used for? Its primary purposes are:
- Treating coughs associated with respiratory infections, such as colds and bronchitis.
- Alleviating the coughing that may cause throat or chest irritation.
- Assisting patients with rest when they are experiencing frequent coughing.
For such purposes, doctors often prescribed benzonatate 100 mg capsule or benzonatate 200 mg capsule, based on cough severity and patient age. It is important to swallow the capsules whole as instructed. Benzonatate should never be chewed or crushed; it is meant to avoid the severe mouth or throat numbing.
Benzonatate Side Effects
- There are some benzonatate side effects. Most patients tolerate benzonatate, but a few patients have reported:
- An infrequent mild headache or dizziness. An upset stomach or a feeling of nausea.
- An unpleasant feeling of numbness in the mouth or throat for patients that chewed the capsule.
- The severe side effects are rare; they are confusion, chest tightness, and allergic reaction.
- Reactions such as severe tightness, pain, or difficulty breathing should be communicated to the prescriber immediately.
What Drugs Should Not Be Taken With Benzonatate?
When taking benzonatate, it’s important to know what drugs should not be taken with benzonatate. Generally, there are no major drug interactions, but you should still avoid mixing it with:
- Other cough medicines without your doctor’s advice
- Sedatives, sleeping pills, or alcohol, as these can increase drowsiness
- Strong anesthetic drugs or opioids, since combining them can increase side effects
- Always tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are using before starting benzonatate.
Benzonatate 100 mg and 200 mg Capsules
Benzonatate Capsules 100mg & 200mg Two forms are available — Benzonatate 100mg capsule and Benzonate 200mg capsule. Though they are available in different strengths, their effectiveness hinges on your particular condition and the recommendation of your physician. These capsules take about 15–20 minutes to start working and may remain effective for 8 hours. The maximum frequency of administration is 3 times a day as required.
Final Answer: Is Benzonatate a Steroid?
Is Benzonatate a Steroid? In conclusion, is benzonatate a steroid? The answer is no. It contains no steroids nor anti-inflammatory ingredients. Instead, it functions as a non-narcotic, cough suppressant and works by numbing your cough reflex. It is essential to take it as prescribed to minimize the risk of side effects.
In summary:
Is benzonatate a steroid? No, it is a cough suppressant. What is benzonatate used for? To relieve cough caused by a cold or bronchitis. How benzonatate works: By numbing throat and lung receptors. Benzonatate side effects: Drowsiness, mild dizziness, or stomach upset. What drugs should not be taken with benzonatate: Avoid alcohol, sedatives, or similar medicines.