Benzonatate: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

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 healthcare 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)?

Benzonatate is available as Tessalon and generic benzonatate in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

100 mg oral capsules
150 mg oral capsules
200 mg oral capsules

How should I store benzonatate?

Benzonatate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 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 healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Drowsiness or sleepiness
Dizziness
Headache
Constipation, nausea, or upset stomach
Itchy skin, rash
Stuffy nose

There may be other side effects of benzonatate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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. 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, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain

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 using it?

Do not take benzonatate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare 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 below for more details.

Do not break, chew, dissolve, cut, or crush benzonatate. 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 healthcare provider before using benzonatate?

Tell your healthcare 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 an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you 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 healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take benzonatate while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does benzonatate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between benzonatate and foods or nonalcoholic drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect benzonatate. The risk for sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness 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 healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does Benzonatate interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use 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.