An Overview of the Uses for Benzonatate
Benzonatate (
Tessalon®) is a prescription cough medication. Unlike many other cough medications, benzonatate is not a cough syrup. Instead, it comes in liquid-filled gel capsules.
There are several ways to treat a cough. If the cough is productive (it produces phlegm or mucus), it may be best to use an expectorant such as
guaifenesin, which will help thin the mucus. If the cough is not productive (it is a "dry" cough), a cough suppressant is usually a better choice.
Benzonatate is a cough suppressant, which means it will help stop the coughing. Keep in mind, however, that it is almost always best to treat the actual cause of the cough.
Before recommending a cough suppressant, your healthcare provider should try to determine the cause of the cough and treat it directly, instead of just covering up the symptoms with a suppressant. Your healthcare provider will consider questions such as the following:
However, even using this approach, it may be necessary to use a cough suppressant at certain times, such as at night, to get some sleep.
How Does Benzonatate Work?
Benzonatate works directly at the lungs and respiratory passages. It probably works as an anesthetic, essentially numbing certain receptors (known as "stretch" receptors) in the lungs and respiratory passages.
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