What Drugs Should Not Be Taken With Benzonatate?

When it comes to taking medications, it is important to be aware of the potential interactions between medications. Benzonatate is a common medication prescribed to reduce coughing, but it can have dangerous interactions with other drugs. In this article, we will discuss what drugs should not be taken with Benzonatate and the potential risks associated with these interactions.

What Drugs Should Not Be Taken With Benzonatate?

Benzonatate is an oral medication used to reduce cough symptoms. It is a prescription drug that works by numbing the throat and lungs to decrease the sensation of coughing. Benzonatate is usually taken every four to six hours and can be taken with or without food. While it is generally safe to take with other medications, there are certain drugs that should not be taken with benzonatate.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics should not be taken with benzonatate as they can increase the effects of the medication. This can lead to an increased risk of side effects and may even cause benzonatate to be more effective than intended. Additionally, taking antibiotics with benzonatate may reduce their effectiveness, as the benzonatate can lower their absorption into the bloodstream.

Examples of Antibiotics

Some common types of antibiotics that should not be taken with benzonatate include amoxicillin, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and levofloxacin. These antibiotics can interact with benzonatate and should not be taken together.

When to Take Antibiotics

When taking antibiotics, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for when to take them. If your doctor has instructed you to take antibiotics with benzonatate, you should take them at least an hour before or after taking the benzonatate. This will help to reduce the risk of interaction and ensure that the antibiotics are as effective as possible.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are medications used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Taking antidepressants with benzonatate can increase the risk of side effects and can reduce their effectiveness. It is important to speak to your doctor before taking any antidepressants with benzonatate.

Examples of Antidepressants

Some common types of antidepressants that should not be taken with benzonatate include citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline. These medications can interact with benzonatate and should not be taken together.

When to Take Antidepressants

When taking antidepressants, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for when to take them. If your doctor has instructed you to take antidepressants with benzonatate, you should take them at least an hour before or after taking the benzonatate. This will help to reduce the risk of interaction and ensure that the antidepressants are as effective as possible.

Blood Pressure Medications

Blood pressure medications are medications used to treat high blood pressure. Taking blood pressure medications with benzonatate can increase the risk of side effects and can reduce their effectiveness. It is important to speak to your doctor before taking any blood pressure medications with benzonatate.

Examples of Blood Pressure Medications

Some common types of blood pressure medications that should not be taken with benzonatate include amlodipine, atenolol, lisinopril, and losartan. These medications can interact with benzonatate and should not be taken together.

When to Take Blood Pressure Medications

When taking blood pressure medications, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for when to take them. If your doctor has instructed you to take blood pressure medications with benzonatate, you should take them at least an hour before or after taking the benzonatate. This will help to reduce the risk of interaction and ensure that the medications are as effective as possible.

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benzonatate?

Benzonatate is an oral medication that is used to relieve coughing. It belongs to a class of drugs called expectorants, which work by thinning and loosening mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus. Benzonatate is available in capsule and liquid form and is usually taken three times a day.

What are the side effects of Benzonatate?

The most common side effects of Benzonatate include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and constipation. Other more serious side effects include confusion, difficulty breathing, seizures, and rash. If you experience any of these side effects, you should contact your healthcare provider right away.

What drugs should not be taken with Benzonatate?

Benzonatate should not be taken with certain other medications, including sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic pain relievers, muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, and other cough and cold medicines. Taking Benzonatate with these drugs can cause serious side effects, such as increased drowsiness and difficulty breathing.

What should I do if I take Benzonatate with other medications?

If you take Benzonatate with other medications, you should contact your healthcare provider right away. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if you need to stop taking the other medications or if you need to adjust the dosages.

Are there any foods or drinks that should not be taken with Benzonatate?

Benzonatate should not be taken with alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can increase the side effects of Benzonatate, including drowsiness and difficulty breathing. It is also important to avoid eating or drinking anything that is high in sugar, as this can also increase the side effects of Benzonatate.

Are there any other precautions I should take when taking Benzonatate?

Yes, it is important to take certain precautions when taking Benzonatate. You should not drive or operate machinery while taking this medication since it can cause drowsiness. You should also avoid taking Benzonatate if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of liver or kidney disease. Additionally, you should not take Benzonatate if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.

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In conclusion, Benzonatate should not be taken with certain drugs, such as MAO inhibitors, antifungal medications, and certain antibiotics. If you take any of these drugs, it is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Benzonatate. Taking Benzonatate with these drugs can increase the risk of side effects and may not be safe. Be sure to always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any new medications.