Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Benzonatate Cause Headaches As A Side-effect?
Question: my daughter has just been diagnosed with pneumonia and given IC Benzonatate to take, but it gives her a horrible headache and she refuses to take it. Is this a side effect of this medication? She is limited on what she can take because she has had a minor stroke and something wrong with her heart, codeine is absolutely out of the question as well as antihistimines, would you have any suggestions?
YYYY@YYYY
YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
Fentanyl transdermal patch and dextromethorphan hydrobromide.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Benzonatate is a cough medicine. It works by numbing the throat and lungs making the cough reflex less active.
One of its side effects is a headache.
As IC benzonatate is giving her headache I would suggest she takes syrup Grilinctus 2 tsp twice daily for her cough.
It contains dextromethorphan hydrobromide and chlorpheniramine maleate which does not cause a headache and is non-narcotic.
Since she had a minor stroke and something wrong with her heart she cannot take codeine and antihistamines.
She can use the Transdermal patch to relieve a headache or any pain the body as she is unable to take codeine.
It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.
Apply the patch in a non-hairy area on a flat part of her body, such as the chest, sides, back, or upper arms.
If there is hair on the skin, use scissors to clip the hair as close as possible to the skin.
Do not shave hair since this might cause skin irritation. If needed, use water to clean the area.
Do not use soap, oils, lotions, or alcohol on the application site. Dry the skin well before applying the patch.
The patch is usually changed every 72 hours. To avoid irritation, apply to a different area each time. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new patch.
Do not use the patch if it appears to be broken, cut, or damaged. Remove from the sealed pouch, peel off the protective liner, and apply right away to the skin.
Press firmly in place with the palm of the hand for 30 seconds, making sure the contact is complete
Since she is limited to what she can take you can ask your doctor to put a Ryles tube which is a connection made through the nose followed by the oesophagus to the stomach.
You can give the cough syrup with some water through the Ryles tube.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Dr Monish De
Fentanyl transdermal patch and dextromethorphan hydrobromide.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Benzonatate is a cough medicine. It works by numbing the throat and lungs making the cough reflex less active.
One of its side effects is a headache.
As IC benzonatate is giving her headache I would suggest she takes syrup Grilinctus 2 tsp twice daily for her cough.
It contains dextromethorphan hydrobromide and chlorpheniramine maleate which does not cause a headache and is non-narcotic.
Since she had a minor stroke and something wrong with her heart she cannot take codeine and antihistamines.
She can use the Transdermal patch to relieve a headache or any pain the body as she is unable to take codeine.
It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.
Apply the patch in a non-hairy area on a flat part of her body, such as the chest, sides, back, or upper arms.
If there is hair on the skin, use scissors to clip the hair as close as possible to the skin.
Do not shave hair since this might cause skin irritation. If needed, use water to clean the area.
Do not use soap, oils, lotions, or alcohol on the application site. Dry the skin well before applying the patch.
The patch is usually changed every 72 hours. To avoid irritation, apply to a different area each time. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new patch.
Do not use the patch if it appears to be broken, cut, or damaged. Remove from the sealed pouch, peel off the protective liner, and apply right away to the skin.
Press firmly in place with the palm of the hand for 30 seconds, making sure the contact is complete
Since she is limited to what she can take you can ask your doctor to put a Ryles tube which is a connection made through the nose followed by the oesophagus to the stomach.
You can give the cough syrup with some water through the Ryles tube.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Dr Monish De
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
