Benzonatate oral capsule dosage: A detailed guide

Key takeaways

• Benzonatate is typically prescribed to relieve coughs in adults and children 10 years and older, and it should be taken three times daily as needed, as per your doctor’s instructions.
• The medication usually starts working within 15 to 20 minutes, with effects lasting 3 to 8 hours, and is generally used short term, for about 3 to 7 days, coinciding with the duration of the cough.

Overview

This article describes benzonatate oral capsule’s dosages, strengths, and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for benzonatate. If you want to know more about benzonatate oral capsule, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.

Benzonatate oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Tessalon.

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Form and strengths of benzonatate

Benzonatate oral capsule comes as follows:

• Form: capsule that you take by swallowing
• Strengths: 100 milligrams (mg), 150 mg, 200 mg

Dosage of benzonatate

This article describes the recommended dosages for benzonatate oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of benzonatate oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of benzonatate in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of benzonatate oral capsule. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of benzonatate oral capsule that gives the desired outcome.

The recommended dosage for cough relief in milligrams (mg) is:

• Dose: 100 mg or 200 mg
• Frequency: three times per day as needed for cough

Dosage of benzonatate in children

Benzonatate is approved for cough relief in children ages 10 years and older. The recommended dosage for cough relief in milligrams (mg) is:

• Dose: 100 mg or 200 mg
• Frequency: three times per day as needed for cough

Frequently asked questions about benzonatate

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about benzonatate oral capsule and its dosage.

How long does it take a dose of benzonatate to start working?

Benzonatate starts working about 15 to 20 minutes after you take a dose. The effect of a dose lasts between 3 and 8 hours.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have other questions about how benzonatate works to treat your condition.

Is benzonatate taken long term?

No, benzonatate typically isn’t taken long term. It’s taken as needed to treat a cough that comes with a cold or other respiratory infection. Typically, you’ll take benzonatate for about 3 to 7 days or as long as your cough lasts.

If you have questions about how long you should take benzonatate oral capsule, talk with your doctor.

Is benzonatate a steroid?

Benzonatate is not a steroid medication. It’s known as an anesthetic drug, and it works by numbing your throat and lungs.

How benzonatate is taken

You’ll swallow benzonatate oral capsules whole three times per day as needed for cough. You may take the capsule with or without food.

Do not break the capsules open or crush, chew, dissolve, or cut them. If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Benzonatate coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for benzonatate when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

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Overdose of benzonatate

It’s important that you do not take more benzonatate oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects. 

Symptoms of benzonatate overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• numbness of the mouth or throat
• choking
• breathing problems
• tremors or shaking that you can’t control
• swelling of the brain

In extreme cases or if untreated, an overdose can lead to coma or death. 

What to do if you take too much benzonatate

If you think you’ve taken too much benzonatate, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Related articles

• How long does benzonatate take to work?
• Benzonatate side effects
• Benzonatate interactions

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.