Benzonatate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 5, 2025.

Applies to benzonatate: oral capsule, oral capsule liquid filled.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress while you or your child are using this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.

If your cough has not become better after 7 days or if you have a high fever, skin rash, or continuing headache with the cough, check with your doctor. These signs may mean that you have other medical problems.

Benzonatate overdose can occur in children (younger than 10 years of age) within 15 to 20 minutes after accidentally taking this medicine. In children under 2 years of age, ingestion of even 1 or 2 capsules has resulted in overdose. Signs and symptoms may include: convulsions (seizures), loss of consciousness, restlessness, or trembling or shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet. If your child took this medicine by accident, call the poison control center (1-800-222-1222) and go to the hospital immediately.

Serious side effects of benzonatate

Along with its needed effects, benzonatate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking benzonatate:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking benzonatate:

Symptoms of overdose

• change in consciousness
• convulsions (seizures)
• loss of consciousness
• no blood pressure or pulse
• restlessness
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• stopping of the heart
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• unconsciousness

Other side effects of benzonatate

Some side effects of benzonatate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to benzonatate: oral capsule.

General adverse events

The most serious side effects reported were bronchospasm, laryngospasm, and cardiovascular collapse.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Bronchospasm, laryngospasm, cardiovascular collapse, hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Sedation, headache, dizziness, mental confusion, visual hallucinations.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Nasal congestion, numbness of the chest^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Constipation, nausea, GI upset^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Pruritus, skin eruptions^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Sensation of burning in the eyes^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Vague "chilly" sensation^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Can benzonatate be used for a sore throat?

Further information

Benzonatate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer