What is Benzonatate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Benzonatate is a prescription cough medicine. Unlike other cough medicines, it’s a topical anesthetic that relieves cough by desensitizing areas in the airways and the tissues surrounding the lungs. Because so little benzonatate enters the bloodstream, side effects and serious side effects are minimal. However, benzonatate can cause serious problems in people allergic to the drug or if it’s taken incorrectly.
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Benzonatate overview
BRAND NAMES:
Tessalon Perles
Generic Names:
Benzonatate
Uses:
Treats cough
Therapeutic Classes:
Antitussive, non-opioid antitussive
Forms:
Liquid-filled capsule
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Benzonatate used for?
Benzonatate is used to relieve coughing.
What form(s) does Benzonatate come in
Liquid-filled capsule
100 mg
150 mg
200 mg
What are common Benzonatate doses?
For the symptomatic relief of cough in adults and children 10 years of age and older: 100–200 mg capsule taken three times per day
Common Benzonatate prescriptions
Benzonatate
100mg capsuleBenzonatate
150mg capsuleBenzonatate
200mg capsule
How to take Benzonatate
Follow all instructions from the healthcare provider, pharmacist, or medication label when taking benzonatate.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, bite, or suck on the capsule.
Store benzonatate at room temperature (68°–77°F) protected from light.
What to do if you miss a dose of Benzonatate
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
You should not take two doses at the same time.
Benzonatate contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to benzonatate in the past.
Benzonatate warnings
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Do not crush, chew, bite, or suck on the capsule. Doing so can quickly numb the mouth and throat, cause difficulty swallowing, and create a choking hazard. It can also cause severe hypersensitivity reactions such as inability to breathe or severely low blood pressure.
If tingling or numbness is felt in the mouth, throat, or face, do not eat or drink until the numbness stops. If the numbness doesn’t go away, get emergency medical attention.
Benzonatate is not recommended for children younger than 10 years old.
Young children have died when they have accidentally ingested benzonatate capsules. Always store this medication in a child-resistant container out of the reach of children at all times.
Benzonatate interactions
There are no reported drug interactions with benzonatate.
However, always tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before taking benzonatate.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Benzonatate side effects
Serious side effects
Benzonatate can cause serious side effects due to allergies or taking the drug incorrectly. Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:
Facial numbness, throat numbness, trouble swallowing, and choking
Confusion, hallucinations
Allergic reaction: throat closure, airway closure, low blood pressure, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Nausea
Upset stomach
Drowsiness
Mild dizziness
Headache
Constipation
Stuffy nose
Eye irritation
Sources:
Benzonatate capsule prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine
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