Benzonatate (By mouth)
ben-ZOE-na-tate
Treats cough.
Drug classes
Antitussive (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Benzonatate is used to relieve coughs due to colds or influenza (flu). It is not to be used for chronic cough that occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema or when there is an unusually large amount of mucus or phlegm with the cough.
Benzonatate relieves cough by acting directly on the lungs and the breathing passages. It may also act on the cough center in the brain.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not crush or chew. Chewing the capsule may numb your mouth and throat and you could choke.
If a dose is missed:
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 use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Keep this medication in the original tightly closed, light-resistant container.
Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to benzonatate in the past.
Warnings
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Benzonatate is not recommended for children younger than 10 years old.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Trouble breathing
Tightness in the chest or throat
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild dizziness
Drowsiness
Stuffy nose
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Tessalon Perles, Zonatuss
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
