Benzonatate: Uses, Dosage, and Safety Information

Benzonatate, sold under the brand name Tessalon in the US, is a non-narcotic cough suppressant used for treating persistent coughing fits. It is thought to reduce the cough reflex by anesthetizing stretch receptors in the respiratory passages when the capsule is swallowed intact.

Common Indications

Cough Relief. Benzonatate is used for symptomatic relief of cough in patients 10 years of age and older. Persistent or unexplained cough should still be evaluated by a doctor to identify the underlying cause.

Important Safety Warning: Keep Away From Children

Accidental ingestion of even one or two capsules by a child younger than 10 has caused death. Serious symptoms can develop rapidly, sometimes within 15 to 20 minutes of ingestion, and death has occurred within an hour in some reported cases.

Store benzonatate in a child-resistant container, out of sight and reach of children. If a child swallows benzonatate accidentally, this requires immediate emergency medical attention, even if the child initially appears well. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Benzonatate capsules are round and liquid-filled, which can make them attractive to young children. Children under 10 should not receive benzonatate, since safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been established.

How Benzonatate Works

Benzonatate is thought to reduce the cough reflex by anesthetizing stretch receptors in the respiratory passages when the capsule is swallowed intact. This is different from numbing the throat or mouth. That only happens if the capsule is chewed, sucked, or broken, and it is a warning sign of danger, not part of how the medicine is meant to work.

Dosage and Administration

• Typical dose is 100 to 200 mg, up to three times daily, based on need. Do not take more than 200 mg in a single dose, or more than 600 mg in a day. Route is oral capsules. Swallow whole with water. Never chew, suck, dissolve, or crush the capsule.
• If a capsule is chewed or breaks in the mouth, it can cause numbness of the mouth and throat, choking, and, rarely, serious breathing or heart problems. If this happens, avoid eating or drinking and seek medical help.

Adverse Reactions

Reported side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and other gastrointestinal or central nervous system effects. Serious reactions include allergic reactions, numbness of the mouth or throat and choking risk if the capsule is chewed, and in overdose, restlessness, tremors, seizures, or cardiac arrest have been reported.

Contraindications and Precautions

Contraindicated in people with known hypersensitivity to benzonatate or related compounds, including chemically related local anesthetics such as procaine or tetracaine.

Not recommended for children under 10 years of age.

Use with caution alongside alcohol and other medicines that cause drowsiness, as they may increase sedation or impairment. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before combining them.

Effect on Pregnancy and Organ Function

• Pregnancy. Classified as Category C. Human pregnancy data are limited; use only if a doctor considers it necessary and decides the benefit outweighs the potential risk.
• Breastfeeding. It isn’t known whether benzonatate passes into breast milk; a doctor should be consulted before use while breastfeeding.
• Liver and kidney function. Specific dosing recommendations for significant liver or kidney impairment are limited. Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease so they can determine whether benzonatate is appropriate for you.

Brand Names

United States: Tessalon, and generic benzonatate capsules.

India: Available as Benz Pearls (Lupin). It is not as widely stocked in India as more commonly used cough medicines, so check availability with your pharmacy.

Price in India

Benzonatate 100 mg capsules may cost approximately ₹80 to ₹110 for a strip of 10 capsules, depending on the brand, pharmacy, location, and current discounts. Prices may change over time, so check the current price with a licensed pharmacy.

How HealthPil Can Help

For persistent or unexplained cough, a HealthPil doctor can help assess the possible cause and guide you on appropriate treatment or further evaluation. Book a consultation for tailored advice.