Generic name: benzonatate [ ben-ZOE-na-tate ]
Brand names: Tessalon Perles, Tessalon, Zonatuss
Drug class:Antitussives
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 th...
