If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Your risk may be higher if you chew or suck this drug instead of swallowing it whole. Symptoms can appear as soon as 15 to 20 minutes after taking too much. Symptoms of an overdose include:
Benzonatate, Oral Capsule
Benzonatate oral capsule is a prescription drug that’s available as a brand-name drug called Tessalon. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.
Benzonatate also comes as an oral perle (smaller capsule).
Why it’s used
Benzonatate is used to relieve coughing. It starts working about 15–20 minutes after you swallow it. Its effects last for 3–8 hours.
Benzonatate may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.
How it works
Benzonatate belongs to a class of drugs called antitussive agents. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Benzonatate works by numbing the receptors in your airways that cause you to cough. This makes you cough less after taking the drug.
Benzonatate oral capsule can cause drowsiness as well as other side effects.
More common side effects
The more common side effects of benzonatate oral capsule include:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- headaches
- constipation
- nausea
- upset stomach
- breakouts
- nasal congestion
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
- allergic reactions, symptoms can include:
- trouble breathing
- swelling or tightness in your throat
- heart and blood vessel problems, such as very low blood pressure. This may cause you to feel dizzy or faint.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.
An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. To help prevent interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking.
To find out how benzonatate oral capsule might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.
This drug comes with several warnings.
Numbness
Call your doctor if you have numbness of your tongue, mouth, throat, or face that doesn’t go away or gets worse.
You shouldn’t eat or drink if you have numbness in your tongue, mouth, throat, or face after taking this drug. Once the numbness goes away, you can eat and drink.
Allergies
Benzonatate can cause a severe allergic reaction. Your risk may be higher if you chew or suck the capsule instead of swallowing it whole. Symptoms can include:
- trouble breathing
- swelling or tightness in your throat
- heart and blood vessel problems, such as very low blood pressure. This may cause you to feel dizzy or faint.
If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).
Warnings for certain groups
For pregnant women: Benzonatate is a category C pregnancy drug. That means two things:
- Research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.
- There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus.
Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this drug.
Women who are breastfeeding: Benzonatate may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.
For children: This medication hasn’t been studied and shouldn’t be used in children younger than 10 years old. Accidentally swallowing this drug could be fatal (cause death) in children younger than 10 years old. Keep this drug away from young children.
This dosage information is for benzonatate oral capsule. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:
- your age
- the condition being treated
- how severe your condition is
- other medical conditions you have
- how you react to the first dose
Forms and strengths
Generic: Benzonatate
Brand: Tessalon
Dosage to relieve coughing
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)
Take 100–200 mg three times per day as needed for your cough. The maximum dosage is 600 mg per day.
Child dosage (ages 11 to 17 years)
Take 100–200 mg three times per day as needed for your cough. The maximum dosage is 600 mg per day.
Child dosage (ages 0 to 10 years)
This medication hasn’t been studied and shouldn’t be used in children younger than 10 years old.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.
Benzonatate oral capsule is typically used for short-term treatment. It comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.
If you don’t take it at all: Your coughing will continue.
If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Your risk may be higher if you chew or suck this drug instead of swallowing it whole. Symptoms can appear as soon as 15 to 20 minutes after taking too much. Symptoms of an overdose include:
- choking
- breathing problems
- feeling restless
- shakiness
- seizures
- brain swelling
- stopping of your heart
- coma (being unconscious for a long time)
- death
If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
How to tell if the drug is working: You shouldn’t cough as much. This drug starts working about 15 to 20 minutes after you swallow it. Its effects last for 3 to 8 hours.
Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes benzonatate oral capsule for you.
General
- You can take benzonatate with or without food.
- You should swallow this drug whole. Don’t break, chew, cut, or crush this medication.
- Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it.
Storage
- Store benzonatate at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). Keep it as close to 77°F (25°C) as you can.
- Keep this drug away from light.
- Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.
Refills
A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.
Travel
When traveling with your medication:
- Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
- Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t hurt your medication.
- You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled box with you.
- Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.
Clinical monitoring
You and your doctor should monitor certain health issues. This can help make sure you stay safe while you take this drug. These issues include:
- Cough. Call your doctor if your cough isn’t getting better.
There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2015
Benzonatate
Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Oct 31, 2022.
What is benzonatate?
Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough medicine.
Benzonatate works by numbing the throat and lungs, making the cough reflex less active.
Benzonatate is used to relieve coughing.
Warnings
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to benzonatate or topical numbing medicines such as tetracaine or procaine (found in some insect bite and sunburn creams).
Never suck or chew on a benzonatate capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule may cause your mouth and throat to feel numb or cause other serious side effects.
Serious side effects of benzonatate include choking feeling, chest pain or numbness, feeling like you might pass out, confusion, or hallucinations. Some of these side effects may result from chewing or sucking on a capsule.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 10 years old without medical advice. An overdose of benzonatate can be fatal to a child.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to benzonatate or topical numbing medicines such as tetracaine or procaine (found in some insect bite and sunburn creams).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Benzonatate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old. An overdose can be fatal, especially to a young child who has accidentally swallowed the medicine.
How should I take benzonatate?
Take benzonatate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Always ask a doctor before giving a cough medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Never suck or chew on a benzonatate capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Sucking or chewing the capsule may cause serious side effects.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of benzonatate can be fatal, especially to a child. Accidental death has occurred in children under 10 years old.
Overdose symptoms may include tremors, feeling restless, seizure (convulsions), slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, and slow breathing (breathing may stop).
What to avoid
Avoid eating or drinking anything while you feel numbness or tingling in your mouth or throat.
Benzonatate side effects
Stop taking benzonatate and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe drowsiness or dizziness;
- confusion, hallucinations.
- ongoing numbness or tingling in your mouth, throat, or face;
- numbness in your chest;
- a choking feeling;
- chills; or
- burning in your eyes.
Some of these side effects may result from chewing or sucking on a benzonatate capsule.
Common benzonatate side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness;
- nausea, upset stomach;
- constipation;
- itching, rash; or
- stuffy nose.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Cough:
100 mg to 200 mg orally three times a day as needed for cough
Comments: This drug should be swallowed whole.
Use: Symptomatic relief of cough
Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough:
Children older than 10 years:
100 mg to 200 mg orally three times a day as needed for coughComments: This drug should be swallowed whole.
Use: Symptomatic relief of cough
What other drugs will affect benzonatate?
Using benzonatate with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with benzonatate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use benzonatate only for the indication prescribed.
Frequently asked questions
More about benzonatate
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (701)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: antitussives
- En español
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 9.01.
About Us
Family Medicine
In 2024 our team of doctors and nurses provide a comprehensive range of family planning services. Our doctors have expertise in antenatal care, preconception planning, and STD checks. Contraceptive advice including Mirena and Implanon insertion is available.- Early detection of illness;
- Family planning;
- Promotion of healthy lifestyle;
- Skin cancer checks;
- Sports injuries;
- Weight reduction;
- Workers compensation and third party.
- Cervical Screening tests;
- Reproductive health. Including Mirena and Implanon insertion;
- Shared antenatal care.
- Preventative Healthcare. Including cardiovascular screening, mental health and cancer checks;
- Prostate examination.
Children's Health
Baby Weighing Service. Babies can be booked with our Nurse for weighing, a doctors appointment is not required to use this service. Contact reception for a appointment to have your baby weighed.Immunisations. At Tuggeranong Square children's immunisation is regarded an important part of your childs health care. Our doctors take immunising children very seriously. and to ensure all children are immunised Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice doctors BULK BILL for all childhood immunisations. Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice also ensures the Practice Nursing Staff are highly trained in childhood immunisations.
Women's Health
Our practice is dedicated to treating a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns. We offer pre-natal, antenatal and postnatal care, contraceptive options, pap screening, and preventative health care advice. We provide assistance, advice and support through all stages of life, recognising the many issues many women may face from adolescence through to the peri and post-menopausal period.
Men's Health
We encourage men to present routinely to their GP to discuss all aspects of their health. We provide comprehensive advice and support for men to address the prevention and management of various health conditions. This may include assessments for cardiovascular risk, diabetes, cancer prevention, mental health assessments, STD screening, sports injuries and the importance of sleep as it relates to other areas of health.
