Ventussin

Ventussin - General Information

Ventussin is a non-narcotic oral antitussive (cough suppressant) drug which works by anesthetizing the tissues of the lungs and pleura responsible for the cough reflex. It is chemically related to other ester anesthetics such as procaine. It has an anesthetic (numbing) action similar to that of benzocaine and "numbs" the stretch sensors in the lungs. It is the stretching of these sensors with breathing that causes the cough. It was approved by the FDA in 1958

Pharmacology of Ventussin

Ventussin, a non-narcotic antitussive agent chemically related to tetracaine and other ester-type local anesthetics, is used to suppress cough associated with both acute and chronic respiratory conditions.

Ventussin for patients

Release of benzonatate from the softgel in the mouth can produce a temporary local anesthesia of the oral mucosa and choking could occur. Therefore, the softgels should be swallowed without chewing.

Ventussin Interactions

No information provided.

Ventussin Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to benzonatate or related compounds.

Additional information about Ventussin

Ventussin Indication: For the symptomatic relief of cough
Mechanism Of Action: Ventussin acts peripherally, anesthetizing the stretch receptors of vagal afferent fibers in the alveoli of the lungs, bronchi, and pleura. When applied locally, Ventussin binds within the intracellular portion of voltage-gated sodium channels, decreasing the rate of membrane depolarization and increasing the threshold for electrical excitability.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Take without regard to meals.
Generic Name: Benzonatate
Synonyms: Benzonatato [Inn-Spanish]; Benzonatatum [Inn-Latin]; Benzononatine
Drug Category: Antitussives
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Benzonatate: Benzononantin; Exangit; Tesalon; Tessalin; Tessalon; Tessalon Perles; Tessalon-Ciba; Ventussin; Ventussin-Loz;
Absorption: Not Available
Toxicity (Overdose): Restlessness, tremors, seizures and unconsciousness.
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Benzonatate is hydrolyzed to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) by plasma esterases
Half Life: 3-8 hours
Dosage Forms of Ventussin: Capsule Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: 2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethyl 4-butylaminobenzoate
Chemical Formula: C30H53NO11
Benzonatate on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzonatate
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals