How long does it take for benzonatate to work?

Key takeaways

• Benzonatate, a prescription medication, can relieve coughing by numbing the airways and lungs, typically starting to work within 15 to 20 minutes of taking it.
• It is important to take benzonatate as directed, swallowing the capsule whole, and only when needed for short-term cough relief, while consulting a doctor for persistent or worsening symptoms.
• If benzonatate doesn’t provide relief, especially for coughs related to bacterial infections or chronic conditions, a doctor might suggest alternative medications tailored to the specific cause of the cough.

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Overview

Benzonatate is a generic prescription medication often used to relieve coughs caused by throat or lung irritation. It works by numbing certain nerves in the airways and lungs, helping to reduce the urge to cough. 

Benzonatate is available as an oral capsule or a smaller capsule called a perle. The brand-name version, Tessalon, is no longer available.

It usually gets to work quickly. However, if your cough doesn’t go away, gets worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms, consider speaking further with a healthcare professional.

How long does it take to see results with benzonatate?

Benzonatate relieves coughing by numbing the cough receptors in your lungs and airways, making you cough less shortly after taking it. 

Doctors may prescribe benzonatate for conditions that lead to persistent coughing. These include the common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. For most conditions, benzonatate starts working within 20 minutes.

• For coughs from the common cold: Relief usually starts 15 to 20 minutes after taking benzonatate. Cough relief effects generally last between 3 and 8 hours, depending on the individual and the severity of the cough.
• For acute bronchitis: ​​Cough suppressants like benzonatate are only used to treat severe dry coughs. People taking benzonatate for bronchitis-related coughs may also feel relief within about the same period of 15 to 20 minutes.
• For pneumonia and other serious respiratory infections: Benzonatate quickly helps relieve coughing, usually within 15 to 20 minutes. But it only offers temporary relief and doesn’t treat the underlying infection. Additional medications like antibiotics may be required to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia.

How long do you need to take benzonatate?

The length of time you take benzonatate depends on the cause of your cough, your symptoms, and the instructions from your doctor or pharmacist. 

Benzonatate is commonly prescribed for short-term cough relief and comes as a capsule or perle (a smaller capsule) to be swallowed whole. Do not chew or crush it. This is to avoid numbness in the mouth, throat irritation, or choking. 

The typical dose is 100 to 200 milligrams (mg), taken up to three times daily, with each dose spaced about 8 hours apart as needed. Take benzonatate only when needed for cough relief, and don’t exceed the maximum recommended dose of 600 mg daily.

If your cough lasts more than a few days or gets worse, or if you start to notice additional symptoms, talk with your doctor. This may indicate a more serious condition needing medical attention.

How do you know if benzonatate is working?

You’ll generally notice benzonatate is working when you see these signs:

• You cough less often and it is less severe: Benzonatate helps lower the urge to cough within 15 to 20 minutes after taking it. It also lowers how often and how strongly you cough. Its effects typically last 3 to 8 hours.
• You have less throat or chest irritation: Benzonatate’s numbing action can ease irritation in the airways and lungs, leading to fewer coughing fits.
• You’re sleeping better at night: Some people find that benzonatate helps them get restful sleep by reducing coughing, which makes it easier to fall and stay asleep. While it isn’t a sedative, its effects on reducing coughing can indirectly help with sleep. Proper rest supports your body in healing the underlying infection or cause of the cough.

What if it doesn’t work?

Benzonatate usually starts relieving cough symptoms shortly after taking a dose, with effects lasting around 3 to 8 hours.

If you don’t notice improvement within a day or two, or if your symptoms are getting worse, consider speaking with your doctor. 

Sometimes, benzonatate may not work as well if your cough is due to conditions it’s not meant to treat. Benzonatate is not meant to treat bacterial infections or chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Also, certain medications may interact with benzonatate, causing it not to work as well. It’s important to tell your doctor if you’re taking other medications to prevent possible interactions.

If benzonatate isn’t working, your doctor may suggest other medications depending on the cause of your cough:

• dextromethorphan (Robitussin, Delsym) for general cough suppression
• codeine-based cough medications for ongoing cough relief
• diphenhydramine (Benadryl), an antihistamine that may help with allergy-related coughs
• guaifenesin (Mucinex), an expectorant for coughs with mucus

Each option works differently depending on the cause of your cough, and your doctor will help you choose the right treatment for your condition.

Summary

Benzonatate is a prescription medication that offers quick relief from coughing symptoms, often taking effect within 15 to 20 minutes and lasting up to 8 hours. 

It’s generally prescribed for short-term cough relief, with an option to take a dose every 8 hours as needed. 

If you don’t experience relief within a few days, talk with your doctor. Alternative treatments may be more suitable, depending on the cause of the cough.

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