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Medication guide

Benzonatate: uses, appearance and warnings

What the official FDA label says Benzonatate is used for, what it looks like, and its most important warnings — in plain English, with the label text one click away.
Non-narcotic AntitussivePrescription label

Uses

What the official label says Benzonatate is used for

The FDA label for Benzonatate states:

Benzonatate capsules, USP are indicated for the symptomatic relief of cough.
Read the label's “Indications and usage” section (verbatim)
Benzonatate capsules, USP are indicated for the symptomatic relief of cough.

Names & forms

Brand names, forms and strengths

Brand names (from RxNorm; not every brand is still sold): Tessalon Perles.

Generic name: benzonatate · RxNorm ID (RxCUI): 18993

Forms and strengths of Benzonatate listed in RxNorm
FormStrengths listed in RxNorm
Oral Capsule100 MG, 150 MG, 200 MG

Strengths are listed so you can recognise a product — not as dosing information. Only your prescriber can decide what is right for you.

Appearance

What Benzonatate looks like

Illustration: yellow oval capsule, imprint PC15PC15

benzonatate 200 mg
Epic Pharma LLC

Illustration: yellow oval capsule, imprint PC14PC14

benzonatate 100 mg
Epic Pharma LLC

Illustration: yellow oval capsule, imprint PA46PA46

benzonatate 100 mg
Bionpharma Inc.

Illustration: yellow oval capsule, imprint PA83PA83

benzonatate 200 mg
Bionpharma Inc.

Illustration: yellow oval capsule, imprint 705705

benzonatate 100 mg
Strides Pharma Science Limited

Illustration: yellow oval capsule, imprint 704704

benzonatate 200 mg
Strides Pharma Science Limited

Illustration based on label data — not a photo; appearance varies by manufacturer. Confirm with your pharmacist.
Appearance of Benzonatate products from DailyMed product data
StrengthFormColourShapeSizeImprintScoreLabeler
benzonatate 200 mgcapsuleyellowoval9 mmPC151Epic Pharma LLC
benzonatate 100 mgcapsuleyellowoval7 mmPC141Epic Pharma LLC
benzonatate 100 mgcapsuleyellowoval9 mmPA461Bionpharma Inc.
benzonatate 200 mgcapsuleyellowoval9 mmPA831Bionpharma Inc.
benzonatate 100 mgcapsuleyellowoval9 mm7051Strides Pharma Science Limited
benzonatate 200 mgcapsuleyellowoval10 mm7041Strides Pharma Science Limited
benzonatate 150 mgcapsuleorangeround8 mm21Anvi Pharmaceuticals Inc

From the product data in each manufacturer's label on DailyMed. Many companies make Benzonatate, so your medicine may look different from any shown here. If a pill looks unfamiliar, ask your pharmacist before taking it.

Read the label's “How supplied” section (verbatim)
Benzonatate Capsules USP, 100 mg are clear yellow, oval-shaped softgel capsules imprinted with “PC14” and are supplied as follows: NDC 42806-714-01 in bottle of 100 capsules NDC 42806-714-05 in bottle of 500 capsules Benzonatate Capsules USP, 200 mg are clear yellow, oval-shaped softgel capsules imprinted with “PC15” and are supplied as follows: NDC 42806-715-01 in bottle of 100 capsules NDC 42806-715-05 in bottle of 500 capsules Store at 20˚ to 25˚ C (68˚ to 77˚ F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. PROTECT FROM LIGHT Dispense in tight (USP), child-resistant containers. Rx Only Distributed by: Epic Pharma, LLC Laurelton, NY 11413 Product of Taiwan. Rev. 06-2025-00 ZLN029

Safety

Important warnings for Benzonatate

Hypersensitivity Severe hypersensitivity reactions (including bronchospasm, laryngospasm and cardiovascular collapse) have been reported which are possibly related to local anesthesia from sucking or chewing the capsule instead of swallowing it. Severe reactions have required intervention with vasopressor agents and supportive measures. …

Contraindications — who should not use it (verbatim)
Hypersensitivity to benzonatate or related compounds.
Warnings and precautions (verbatim excerpt)
Hypersensitivity Severe hypersensitivity reactions (including bronchospasm, laryngospasm and cardiovascular collapse) have been reported which are possibly related to local anesthesia from sucking or chewing the capsule instead of swallowing it. Severe reactions have required intervention with vasopressor agents and supportive measures. Psychiatric Effects Isolated instances of bizarre behavior, including mental confusion and visual hallucinations, have also been reported in patients taking Benzonatate capsules in combination with other prescribed drugs. Accidental Ingestion and Death in Children Keep benzonatate capsules out of reach of children. Accidental ingestion of benzonatate capsules resulting in death has been reported in children below age 10. Signs and symptoms of overdose have been reported within 15-20 minutes and death has been reported within one hour of ingestion. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately (see OVERDOSAGE ).
Side effects — opening of the label's adverse reactions section
Potential Adverse Reactions to benzonatate capsules may include: Hypersensitivity reactions including bronchospasm, laryngospasm, cardiovascular collapse possibly related to local anesthesia from chewing or sucking the capsule. CNS sedation; headache; dizziness; mental confusion; visual hallucinations. GI constipation; nausea; GI upset. Dermatologic pruritus; skin eruptions. Other nasal congestion; sensation of burning in the eyes; vague “chilly” sensation; numbness of the chest; hypersensitivity. Deliberate or accidental overdose has resulted in death, particularly in children. Hypersensitivity reactions including bronchospasm, laryngospasm, cardiovascular collapse possibly related to local anesthesia from chewing or sucking the capsule.

This is not a complete list of warnings or side effects. Read the full label and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. To report a side effect to the FDA, use MedWatch.

Resources

If you were hurt at work

Whether a medicine is right for you is a decision for your prescriber. If you were injured on the job, these educational guides explain the next steps and who can help.

Sources

Label text is quoted from the Epic Pharma LLC label (label version effective August 3, 2026), retrieved October 20, 2026. Other manufacturers' labels for the same medicine may differ in wording.

If anything here differs from the label that came with your medicine, follow your label and your pharmacist.

Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. This page does not tell you whether to take a medicine or how much to take. Medical emergency? Call 911. Poison emergency: call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.