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
| Form | Strengths listed in RxNorm |
|---|---|
| Oral Capsule | 100 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
benzonatate 200 mg
Epic Pharma LLC
benzonatate 100 mg
Epic Pharma LLC
benzonatate 100 mg
Bionpharma Inc.
benzonatate 200 mg
Bionpharma Inc.
benzonatate 100 mg
Strides Pharma Science Limited
benzonatate 200 mg
Strides Pharma Science Limited
| Strength | Form | Colour | Shape | Size | Imprint | Score | Labeler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| benzonatate 200 mg | capsule | yellow | oval | 9 mm | PC15 | 1 | Epic Pharma LLC |
| benzonatate 100 mg | capsule | yellow | oval | 7 mm | PC14 | 1 | Epic Pharma LLC |
| benzonatate 100 mg | capsule | yellow | oval | 9 mm | PA46 | 1 | Bionpharma Inc. |
| benzonatate 200 mg | capsule | yellow | oval | 9 mm | PA83 | 1 | Bionpharma Inc. |
| benzonatate 100 mg | capsule | yellow | oval | 9 mm | 705 | 1 | Strides Pharma Science Limited |
| benzonatate 200 mg | capsule | yellow | oval | 10 mm | 704 | 1 | Strides Pharma Science Limited |
| benzonatate 150 mg | capsule | orange | round | 8 mm | 2 | 1 | Anvi 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.
- Injured at work? →What to do after a workplace injury and how workers' comp generally works.
- Prescription home delivery →How mail-order pharmacies can deliver prescriptions to your door.
- Find help →Connect with workers' comp attorneys and doctors who take work-injury cases.
- Pharmacies near you →Search local pharmacies by ZIP code.