Benzonatate

Pronounced ben-ZOE-nah-tate

Brand names: Tessalon

Type: Cough suppressant · All Lung & Breathing Medicines

What Benzonatate is used for

  • Relieving cough from colds
  • Relieving cough from respiratory infections

Common side effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Numbness in the mouth if chewed

Important cautions

  • Capsules must be swallowed whole — chewing or sucking them numbs the mouth and throat and can cause choking or seizures
  • Accidental swallowing by young children can be fatal even in small numbers — store securely

How it comes

Capsules. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Related medicines — Lung & Breathing Medicines

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.