Side Effects from Benzonatate You Need to Take Care of

Carewell
August 4, 2025
Noah Bennett

Your doctor may prescribe benzonatate if you suffer from a persistent dry cough due to colds or the flu. However, it is not recommended for coughs with a large amount of mucus or coughs due to smoking or asthma.

Benzonatate, the non-narcotic cough suppressant, helps reduce coughing by acting on the lungs, breathing passages, and the cough center in the brain. While this medication can relieve you, it’s important to understand the possible side effects from benzonatate.

Knowing what to expect before you take any medication can help you stay safe and make informed choices. This article explores everything you need to know about benzonatate, from its side effects to overdose symptoms, benzonatate precautions, and more.

What is Benzonatate?

Benzonatate is an abbreviation for a prescription medication to treat dry coughs. It mitigates the cough reflex by numbing certain nerves in the lungs and air passages. You can get it in capsule forms of 100 mg or 200 mg under the brand names Tessalon and Zonatuss.

It can be taken up to three times a day, and you can expect its effects within 15 to 20 minutes after being ingested. This relief can last for several hours. Because Benzonatate is not a narcotic, it is not as addictive as opioid suppressants. With that said, benzonatate is not free of dangers.

Listing the Benzonatate Side Effects

Like any other medication, benzonatate has side effects. And while most people tolerate it well, some may exhibit adverse reactions to the medication’s side effects if used against prescription.

Mild Side Effects

When you first start taking benzonatate, you may notice mild side effects such as:

Mild drowsiness
Mild dizziness
Headache
Itching
Upset stomach (constipation, nausea, or vomiting)
A sensation of burning in your eyes

These effects are usually temporary and may go away as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if they persist or worsen, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Severe Side Effects

Some side effects can be more serious and require immediate medical attention. These include:

Confusion or hallucinations
Wheezing
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing/speaking
Severe dizziness or fainting

If you experience any of these, stop taking the medication and seek emergency help.

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Benzonatate Allergic Reaction: What to Watch For

You could be at risk of a serious allergic reaction to benzonatate if you’re sensitive to anesthetic compounds like procaine or tetracaine. Allergic responses to benzonatate can range from mild to life-threatening.

Watch for signs such as:

Skin rash or itching
Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
Severe dizziness
Difficulty breathing

An allergic reaction can occur shortly after taking your first dose or even after multiple doses if your sensitivity builds over time. If you notice any signs of an allergy, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Precautions Regarding Benzonatate That Need Attention

Benzonatate medications should not exceed some prerequisites specific to the capsules. For instance, a physician already suggests some basic rules that are critical for his patient even before the initial meeting.

Refrain from Sucking or Chewing the Capsules

It is crucial that a benzonatate capsule not be chewed, crushed, or sucked. If any of these steps are performed, the drug stands to be absorbed too fast, causing the mouth and throat to be numbed immediately. This does result in gagging or even severe complications when it comes to breathing.

Always ensure to swallow the capsule in its entirety along with a full glass of water.

Avoid Leaving it in Reach of Younger Children

For pediatric patients, particularly those under the age of 10, benzonatate can present severe risks. For a toddler, a single capsule can prove to be extremely lethal. While using the drug, it should be kept in a secure place out of reach of children. Make sure to use the original child-resistant packet.

Refrain from Using with Alcohol or sedatives

As benzonatate puts the user in a state of drowsiness, combining it with a sedative or alcohol greatly intensifies the effect. This does end up impairing driving ability while increasing the chances of unintentional injury or harm.

Who Should Not Take Benzonatate?

Benzonatate isn’t right for everyone. Certain health conditions or factors can increase your risk of serious side effects. Make sure to tell your doctor if you:

Have a history of drug allergies
Have asthma or chronic respiratory conditions
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Are under the age of 10 (not approved for young children)
Have trouble swallowing pills

If any of these apply to you, your doctor may recommend a different cough treatment or take additional precautions.

Benzonatate Overdose Symptoms and Emergency Response

Overdosing on benzonatate is extremely dangerous. Even a small overdose, especially in children or older adults, can lead to serious complications or death within hours.

Symptoms of Overdose Include:

Seizures
Shakiness in limbs (hands, feet, arms, or legs)
Restlessness or agitation
Cardiac arrest
Change/loss of consciousness
Respiratory depression
Numbness of the mouth and throat (from a chewed capsule)

If you or someone you know may have taken too much benzonatate, call poison control or 911 immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to develop; early treatment can save a life.

Benzonatate For Dry Cough: Is It Effective For You?

If you are experiencing a dry and persistent cough without the presence of phlegm, benzonatate can mitigate the problem. It works well for persistent coughs that disrupt sleep. Nevertheless, it is not a permanent solution; it only offers suppression.

Do not use benzonatate to dampen a wet cough unless suggested by your physician. Blocking a wet cough can lead to the accumulation of mucus in the lungs, which can trigger infections such as pneumonia.

Benzonatate For Dry Cough: Is It Effective For You?

Managing Side Effects from Suspended Cough Devices

Every side effect stemming from cough syrup needs to be managed with the highest degree of attention, even those that might appear less severe. When using benzonatate, make sure that your body remains safe from fainting, numbness, or any strange actions.

Remember to inform your doctor if you are using other medications alongside cough relief. The combination of benzonatate with some other drugs, particularly CNS depressants such as sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs, or opioids, invites additional danger.

Final Thoughts: Weighing the Risks vs. Benefits

When used correctly, benzonatate can be a powerful ally in managing a disruptive dry cough. But as with any medication, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the risks. Understanding the possible side effects from benzonatate, taking proper precautions, and knowing who should avoid benzonatate can help protect your health.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions, avoid self-medicating, and don’t exceed the recommended dose. And if you ever experience symptoms of a benzonatate allergic reaction or overdose, get help right away.

Medicare Well for Medicines and Drugs

Benzonatate is a common non-narcotic drug used to treat a persistent dry cough, but knowing its side effects and safe dose is necessary to avoid complications. Medicarewell.com covers medication information, its usage, and precautions so you can stay informed at all times.

FAQs

What are the most common side effects of benzonatate?

The most common side effects of benzonatate include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, constipation, and a numbing sensation in the mouth or throat if the capsule is not swallowed whole.

What to avoid when taking benzonatate?

Avoid chewing the capsules, taking them with alcohol, using sedatives, and operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Also, keep it away from children due to the risk of fatal overdose.

How long can you take benzonatate for a cough?

You can take benzonatate for as long as your doctor recommends, usually for short-term relief of an acute cough. It’s not meant for long-term use as it is not a prescribed medicine for chronic conditions.