Reviews (1546)Overview: Benzonatate is a cough medicine. It works by numbing areas of your airways that trigger coughing. Common side effects include drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea, constipation, or upset stomach. Serious side effects are rare but may include confusion or severe allergic reaction. If your mouth or throat feels numb after taking benzonatate, do not eat or drink anything until the numbness goes away. Contact your health care provider right away if you have ongoing numbness, confusion, or trouble breathing.
Uses
What is benzonatate used for?
Benzonatate is commonly used to reduce cough that is caused by the common cold or bronchitis.
Benzonatate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does benzonatate work (mechanism of action)?
Benzonatate reduces the urge to cough by numbing certain areas in your lungs and airways.
How is benzonatate supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
Benzonatate
Tessalon
Tessalon Perles
Dosage forms and strengths
100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg oral capsules
How should I store benzonatate?
Benzonatate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep tightly closed. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of benzonatate?
The most common side effects of benzonatate are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
Drowsiness or sleepiness
Dizziness
Headache
Constipation, nausea, or upset stomach
Itchy skin, or rash
Stuffy nose
There may be other side effects of benzonatate that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of benzonatate?
While less common, the most serious side effects of benzonatate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Benzonatate can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking benzonatate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Itching or skin rash
Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain
Brain or Central Nervous System (CNS) Effects. Benzonatate can affect your brain or central nervous system (CNS). Call your health care provider right away if you have confusion or if you are seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear (hallucinations).
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use benzonatate?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use benzonatate products.
Tessalon
Benzonatate
Other anesthetics such as procaine and tetracaine
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific benzonatate products they stock.
What should I know about benzonatate before taking it?
Do not take benzonatate unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share benzonatate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep benzonatate out of the reach of children. See the Overdose section for more details.
Do not break, chew, dissolve, cut, or crush benzonatate. Swallow the capsule whole. If benzonatate is accidentally chewed or dissolves in the mouth, your mouth and throat may become numb. Do not eat or drink anything until any numbness or tingling sensation goes away.
Benzonatate can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how benzonatate affects you.
What should I tell my health care provider before taking benzonatate?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if benzonatate is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how benzonatate could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take benzonatate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if benzonatate passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take benzonatate while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does benzonatate interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between benzonatate and foods.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect benzonatate. The risk of drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion may increase if you drink alcohol while taking benzonatate.
Does benzonatate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Benzonatate may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally take too much benzonatate?
If you or someone else has taken too much benzonatate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. Death may occur within 1 hour of accidentally taking benzonatate, especially in children.
What should I do if I miss a dose of benzonatate?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.