Benzonatate Induced Neck Stiffness: A Case Series

Abstract

As a non-narcotic antitussive, benzonatate has been effective in symptomatic relief of dry cough. Cough following recovery from acute COVID-19 has widely been treated with over-the-counter cough suppressants like benzonatate, guaifenesin, dextromethorphan etc. However, despite being an effective non-narcotic cough suppressant modality, benzonatate has been constrained by its poor safety profile. The present case series describes a very rare side effect of neck stiffness reported in patients who were prescribed benzonatate for dry cough suppression post COVID 19. Keywords: Benzonatate, Neck stiffness, Post-COVID complications, Cough