Still Coughing? How Benzonatate Works & Medically Approved Next Steps

A lingering cough can be frustrating, exhausting, and sometimes concerning. If you've been prescribed benzonatate, you may be wondering how it works, how long it takes to help, and what to do if your cough doesn't improve.

Here's what you need to know—based on credible medical guidance—about benzonatate, when it helps, and what steps to take if you're still coughing.

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What Is Benzonatate?

Benzonatate is a prescription medication used to relieve cough. It is commonly prescribed for coughs caused by:

• Colds
• Bronchitis
• Flu
• Other respiratory infections

It is sold under brand names such as Tessalon and Tessalon Perles.

Unlike cough syrups that act on the brain, benzonatate works directly in the lungs and airways. It is classified as a non-narcotic cough suppressant.

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How Benzonatate Works

Coughing happens when nerve endings in your airways become irritated. These nerves send signals to your brain, triggering the cough reflex.

Benzonatate works by:

• Numbing (anesthetizing) stretch receptors in the lungs and airways
• Reducing the cough reflex at its source
• Decreasing the urge to cough without affecting breathing

This numbing effect helps calm persistent, dry coughing.

It typically starts working within 15 to 20 minutes and can last for 3 to 8 hours.

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How to Take Benzonatate Safely

Proper use is critical.

• Swallow capsules whole
• Do not chew, crush, or dissolve them
• Take exactly as prescribed
• Keep out of reach of children

Chewing or breaking the capsule can cause numbness in the mouth or throat. In rare cases, this may lead to choking or serious reactions.

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What Benzonatate Helps — and What It Doesn't

✅ Benzonatate Helps With:

• Dry, persistent cough
• Irritating cough that disrupts sleep
• Cough without heavy mucus production

❌ Benzonatate Does NOT:

• Treat infections
• Clear mucus
• Shorten the duration of illness
• Cure pneumonia or bronchitis

It reduces symptoms but does not address the underlying cause.

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Why Am I Still Coughing?

If your cough isn't improving, there are several possible reasons.

1. The Underlying Cause Is Still Active

Common causes of prolonged cough include:

• Viral infections (can last 2–3 weeks)
• Post-viral inflammation
• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Postnasal drip

2. The Cough Is Productive

If you're coughing up mucus, suppressing it too much may not be helpful. Productive coughs help clear the lungs.

3. It May Be Something More Serious

In some cases, a persistent cough may signal:

• Pneumonia
• Whooping cough
• COVID-19
• Chronic lung disease

If your symptoms include fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, or worsening fatigue, it's important to look deeper.

To help determine whether your symptoms could indicate something more serious like Pneumonia (Lower Respiratory Tract Infection), you can use a free AI-powered symptom checker that evaluates your specific situation in minutes.

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When Benzonatate May Not Be Enough

While benzonatate is effective for many people, you should contact a healthcare provider if:

• Your cough lasts more than 3 weeks
• You develop a high fever
• You cough up blood
• You experience chest tightness or trouble breathing
• Symptoms are getting worse instead of better

A persistent cough is not always dangerous—but it should not be ignored if it's not improving.

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Possible Side Effects of Benzonatate

Most people tolerate benzonatate well when taken correctly.

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Mild nausea

Rare but Serious Side Effects:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Irregular heartbeat
• Numbness in the chest or throat

If you experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face or throat
• Severe dizziness

Seek medical care immediately.

Accidental overdose can be dangerous, especially in children. Even a small amount can cause serious harm in young children.

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What Else Can Help a Persistent Cough?

If benzonatate alone isn't enough, your doctor may suggest additional treatments depending on the cause.

For Postnasal Drip:

• Antihistamines
• Nasal steroid sprays
• Saline rinses

For Acid Reflux:

• Lifestyle changes (elevating head of bed, avoiding late meals)
• Antacids or acid reducers

For Asthma:

• Inhalers (bronchodilators or steroids)

For Bacterial Infection:

• Antibiotics (if appropriate)

General Supportive Care:

• Staying hydrated
• Using a humidifier
• Rest
• Avoiding smoke and irritants

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How Long Is Too Long for a Cough?

Cough duration is generally categorized as:

• Acute: Less than 3 weeks
• Subacute: 3 to 8 weeks
• Chronic: More than 8 weeks

If your cough moves into the chronic category, a medical evaluation is important. Chronic cough can sometimes signal asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other underlying conditions that need targeted treatment.

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Can You Stop Benzonatate Suddenly?

Yes. Benzonatate does not cause dependence. You can stop it when:

• Your cough improves
• Your doctor advises you to
• You develop side effects

There is no withdrawal effect.

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Who Should Be Careful With Benzonatate?

Speak with a doctor before taking benzonatate if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a history of allergic reactions to anesthetics
• Have significant lung disease
• Are giving medication to a child (it is not approved for children under 10)

Always follow prescription instructions closely.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

While most coughs are caused by viral infections and improve on their own, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Speak to a doctor right away if you have:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• High or persistent fever
• Bluish lips or fingernails
• Coughing up blood

These could indicate a serious or life-threatening condition that requires urgent care.

Even if symptoms are mild, consult a healthcare provider if your cough:

• Disrupts sleep for more than several nights
• Persists beyond a few weeks
• Interferes with work or daily life

It's always better to ask than to guess.

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The Bottom Line

Benzonatate is a safe and effective prescription medication for calming dry, persistent coughs when used correctly. It works by numbing cough receptors in the lungs, helping reduce the urge to cough.

However, it does not treat infections or underlying causes. If your cough continues despite treatment, it may signal something that needs further evaluation.

If you're concerned about whether your lingering cough could be a sign of Pneumonia (Lower Respiratory Tract Infection), a quick online symptom assessment can help clarify your risk and guide your next steps.

And most importantly:
If you experience severe symptoms or anything that feels life-threatening, seek medical care immediately and speak to a doctor. Persistent coughs are common—but they should never be ignored when warning signs are present.

Your lungs matter. Take symptoms seriously, but calmly—and get the right care when you need it.