{"id":32814,"date":"2021-05-28T10:30:46","date_gmt":"2021-05-28T14:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=32814"},"modified":"2021-05-27T10:22:42","modified_gmt":"2021-05-27T14:22:42","slug":"benzonatate-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/benzonatate-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Benzonatate side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#benzonatate-side-effects\">Benzonatate side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#serious-side-effects\">Serious side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-long-do-side-effects-last\">How long do side effects last?<\/a> | <a href=\"#warnings\">Warnings<\/a> | <a href=\"#interactions\">Interactions<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-to-avoid-side-effects\">How to avoid side effects<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate is a generic non-opioid medication used for the relief of symptomatic or chronic cough in adults and children 10 years of age and older. Available as a generic medication or under the brand name <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tessalon-perles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tessalon Perles<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, benzonatate is taken as a capsule three times a day as needed. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate, which is chemically similar to topical anesthetics such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/procaine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">procaine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tetracaine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tetracaine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, numbs receptors in the lungs that initiate the cough reflex. Besides treating cough, benzonatate is sometimes used <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/off-label-prescription-drugs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">off-label<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014applied as an anesthetic to the surfaces of the mouth and throat by a healthcare professional before intubation or an endoscopy. It is also used off-label to treat stubborn or unstoppable hiccups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like all medications, benzonatate can cause problems, so this article will review side effects, restrictions, drug interactions, and how to take the drug properly and safely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RELATED: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/benzonatate\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn more about benzonatate<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"benzonatate-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of benzonatate<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The incidence of side effects when taking benzonatate is not known. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8edd07a0-5f5b-9000-bafb-dbf8ff7609d4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the most common side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of benzonatate as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sedation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itching<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach upset<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visual hallucinations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Numbness in the chest<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye irritation or burning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chills<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of benzonatate<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate\u2019s most severe side effects are allergic reactions, which may be caused by biting, chewing, or sucking on the capsule. Benzonatate should always be swallowed whole so the medicine is not released into the mouth or the back of the throat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe hypersensitivity reactions include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anaphylaxis, an allergic reaction that causes nausea, vomiting, skin rash, trouble breathing, and a rapid and potentially lethal drop in blood pressure (called shock)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bronchospasm, or constricting of the lung\u2019s airways<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laryngospasm, or a constriction of the vocal cords, making speaking or breathing difficult<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic reactions are rare but can be serious or life-threatening, so if you have any of the symptoms listed above, seek emergency medical treatment right away.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do benzonatate side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of the side effects of benzonatate will <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Benzonatate-benzonatate-3512\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">occur rapidly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (within 15 minutes) after taking the drug, such as itching, chills, and eye irritation. Central nervous system (CNS) problems, such as headache, confusion, visual hallucinations, and dizziness, occur fairly early (within an hour) after taking a dose of benzonatate. These rapid or early side effects generally fade as the drug wears off in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/compound\/Benzonatate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">three to eight hours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Other common side effects, particularly digestive system problems, are delayed and may last longer. Severe allergic reactions require emergency medical treatment and persist for several hours or days.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"warnings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate contraindications &amp; warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate can cause problems in some people. More importantly, benzonatate is potentially lethal when taken incorrectly or given to children. This drug must be taken as prescribed and stored properly. Anyone taking benzonatate\u2014even for a few days\u2014should carefully learn the possible risks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abuse and dependence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate does not cause dependence or withdrawal symptoms. It is not a drug with a known history of abuse or misuse. This distinguishes benzonatate from opioid or opioid-like cough drugs, like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/codeine-sulfate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">codeine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dextromethorphan-hbr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dextromethorphan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate is potentially lethal at high doses. Death from swelling in the brain (cerebral edema) or a heart attack can occur within one hour after taking too much benzonatate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of overdose such as tremors and restlessness usually occur within 10\u201315 minutes of an overdose. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/15710\/benzonatate\/Monograph\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of benzonatate overdose can occur within the first hour and include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Convulsions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weak pulse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fainting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coma<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If an overdose is suspected, call a poison control center and get immediate medical attention. There is no antidote. Treatment will consist of emptying the stomach, monitoring, and support.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are reports of death in young children caused by a benzonatate overdose. Benzonatate gel capsules look like candy, so children are particularly at risk for accidental overdose. Even a normal dose could harm a small child. For these reasons, benzonatate should always be stored in a sealed, child-resistant container out of reach of any children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restrictions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate can only be used by people 10 years of age or older. It can not be used by anyone under the age of 10 years. The medication, however, may not be right for everyone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate is not given to people with hypersensitivity to PABA anesthetic medications or who cannot swallow the capsule. If the capsule is not properly swallowed, the medication can numb the mouth, create a choking hazard, and possibly cause life-threatening constriction of the larynx and airways.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate has not been determined as safe to take while pregnant.Women should tell the doctor or healthcare provider about any pregnancy or pregnancy plans before taking this medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is not known if benzonatate passes into breast milk or affects lactation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Benzonatate-benzonatate-3512\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has not issued a recommendation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> regarding benzonatate and breastfeeding. A doctor or other healthcare provider can provide medical advice to nursing mothers about the safety of benzonatate as well as information about alternative prescription or over-the-counter antitussives. Because of the lack of information on benzonatate and breastfeeding, a different medication may be preferred.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FDA <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c2d5bbc3-40a3-4b2f-9bc5-276acf21aa3e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drug information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for benzonatate products does not list any significant drug interactions. However, the Prescriber\u2019s Digital Reference (PDR) <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Benzonatate-benzonatate-3512\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">advises<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that benzonatate not be used with certain types of drugs including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Local anesthetics: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lidocaine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lidocaine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/prilocaine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prilocaine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and similar drugs work like benzonatate by numbing the nerves. All these drugs, including benzonatate, have potential toxic effects, so doctors and other healthcare professionals are advised to use caution when combining them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Monoamine oxidase inhibitors:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/maois\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MAO inhibitors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a small class of drugs that include some antidepressants (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/phenelzine-sulfate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">phenelzine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, isocarboxazid, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tranylcypromine-sulfate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tranylcypromine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), an antibiotic (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/linezolid\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">linezolid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), certain Parkinson\u2019s disease medications (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rasagiline-mesylate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rasagiline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/selegiline-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">selegiline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/methylene-blue\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">methylene blue<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, used to treat urinary infections or as a contrast dye for X-rays or surgery. Combining them with benzonatate may cause low blood pressure or worsen side effects involving the central nervous system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sedatives, benzodiazepines, opioids, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, and alcohol:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The sedative effects of drugs that depress the central nervous system may be enhanced when combined with benzonatate.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These drug interactions are largely theoretical, that is, there are no published reports of benzonatate reactions with any other type of drug. The best advice is to discuss all the medications you take, including prescription, OTC, and vitamins or supplements, with your doctor. If you take a drug that may interact with benzonatate, monitor side effects. If there are problems, consult your doctor for medical advice or seek emergency treatment if required..<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid benzonatate side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no published statistics on what percentage of people experience benzonatate side effects. Although the drug is usually only prescribed for a few days, side effects typically appear within minutes or hours of taking the medicine, rather than being caused by long-term use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A few tips can help people taking benzonatate to avoid or minimize side effects:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Tell a doctor about all medical conditions and medications<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are only a few instances where a doctor or other healthcare professional will not prescribe benzonatate, but make sure the doctor knows about all medical conditions and medications, especially:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergies to topical anesthetics like lidocaine, procaine, or tetracaine (found in certain insect bite, numbing, and sunburn creams)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty swallowing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy or breastfeeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any topical anesthetics being used<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Take benzonatate as directed<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow all the directions on the prescription label or provided by a healthcare professional. Follow the dosing schedule and do not take more or less of this medication than instructed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Do not bite, chew, or suck on the capsule\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swallow the capsule whole. Do not bite, chew, or suck on the capsule. If you do, the medicine will be released and will instantly numb the mouth and throat. The numbness can make swallowing difficult. Eating or drinking with a numbed mouth and throat could cause choking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Do not eat or drink if the mouth goes numb<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the mouth or throat are numbed by the medicine, do not drink or eat until the numbness goes away. Eating or drinking could cause choking. Wait until the numbness passes. If numbness persists for longer than a few hours, call a doctor or get medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Take the medicine only while coughing persists<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To avoid possible side effects, only take this medicine when experiencing cough symptoms. When the cough clears up, don\u2019t take additional doses \u201cjust to be sure.\u201d Wait until cough symptoms reappear before taking another dose.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. See a doctor if coughing persists for too long<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consult with your doctor if coughing persists for longer than seven days. It may be a sign of an underlying condition that should be treated instead of the cough symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Call a doctor if feeling dizzy, drowsy, or unusual<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate can cause central nervous problems such as dizziness, hallucinations, confusion, or extreme drowsiness. Call a doctor or other healthcare professional if benzonatate is causing serious CNS impairment. Medical help may also be necessary if experiencing side effects like chills or chest numbness.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Be cautious about driving or other risky activities<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate can cause central nervous system (CNS) problems like sleepiness and dizziness or, worse, hallucinations or mental confusion. The likelihood of experiencing these side effects is not known. Try to avoid driving or other risky activities until the effects of the medicine are well-known. If the medication causes central nervous system problems, avoid any risky activities while taking the medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Keep benzonatate out of the reach of children<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-safety-and-availability\/fda-drug-safety-communication-death-resulting-overdose-after-accidental-ingestion-tessalon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Young children have died<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from accidentally consuming benzonatate. Although all OTC and prescription drugs should be kept out of the reach of children, it is especially important to ensure that benzonatate is always stored in a sealed, child-resistant container out of the reach of children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discard any unused benzonatate. Do not save it for future use. Here is how to discard benzonatate:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take the pills out of the prescription vial<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mix them with an unappealing substance like coffee grounds or kitty litter (this will make it less appealing to children or pets).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place the medication in a sealable bag or empty can with a tight lid, and place in household trash.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Store benzonatate properly<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All medicines come with storage instructions. While some people read and follow these instructions, others do not. For benzonatate capsules, it\u2019s very important that they are stored in a sealed container at room temperature (between 68\u02daand 77\u02daF) away from heat, light, and humidity. If the gel capsules begin to dissolve in excess humidity, melt in the heat, or become brittle in temperatures below freezing, they are more likely to release the medicine in the mouth, causing numbness, difficulty swallowing, and possible severe adverse effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resources:<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/15710\/benzonatate\/Monograph\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Epocrates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/compound\/Benzonatate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate compound summary<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Benzonatate-benzonatate-3512\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate drug summary<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Prescribers Digital Reference (PDR)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c2d5bbc3-40a3-4b2f-9bc5-276acf21aa3e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benzonatate prescribing information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-safety-and-availability\/fda-drug-safety-communication-death-resulting-overdose-after-accidental-ingestion-tessalon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA Drug Safety Communication: Death resulting from overdose after accidental ingestion of Tessalon (benzonatate) by children under 10 years of age<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8edd07a0-5f5b-9000-bafb-dbf8ff7609d4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tessalon prescribing information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Benzonatate side effects | Serious side effects | How long do side effects last? | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects Benzonatate is a generic non-opioid medication used for the relief of symptomatic or chronic cough in adults and children 10 years of age and older. Available as a generic medication or [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":32836,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[3418,12752],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-32814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-generic-drugs","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Benzonatate side effects, warnings and interactions | SingleCare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Sedation, headache, and dizziness are common benzonatate side effects. 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