Benzonatate vs Mucinex

If you've got a cough, you may be considering your treatment options. There are many common medications that you might be considering. When looking at your options, you may wonder about benzonatate vs mucinex. Here are some things to consider. Mucinex is also known as guaifenesin. It is a common over-the-counter medication used to treat congestion caused by colds, upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, and allergies. Mucinex works by thinning mucus in the lungs, head, and throat, making it easier to clear these secretions. Mucinex is one of several brand names for guaifenesin, a medication in the expectorant class. Thinning mucus can make your cough more productive and improve your breathing.

What Is Mucinex?

Mucinex comes in several formulations, including liquids and pills. It is often combined with other medications such as decongestants or cough suppressants like dextromethorphan. Mucinex is often well-tolerated; however, it can cause side effects. Side effects of Mucinex include:

• Headaches
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness

In rare cases, Mucinex can cause allergic reactions, such as:

• Rashes
• Itching
• Hives
• Facial swelling (including lips, tongue, or throat)

Mucinex treats congestion, but it does not address the underlying causes. It will only treat the mucus associated with the cough and not the cough itself. If your symptoms last for more than a week or are accompanied by other symptoms, you should consider consulting your healthcare provider to determine whether they may be due to a more serious problem.

What Is Benzonatate?

Benzonatate is a prescription-only cough suppressant. It is often known by the brand name Tessalon Perles. This medication numbs stretch receptors found in the lungs and surrounding tissues. This numbing effect reduces the cough reflex where it starts, in the lungs. Healthcare providers often prescribe benzonatate for coughs caused by colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections that don’t respond to over-the-counter medications. It’s a good choice for people who can’t use cough medications that act on the brain for various reasons. This is because benzonatate doesn’t act on the lungs; it acts on the brain. One example of a population that would potentially benefit from a cough medication such as benzonatate instead of a brain-acting cough medication would be people with substance use disorder. Benzonatate is a prescription-only medication, but it is not considered a controlled substance. Benzonatate is not approved for use in people under 10 years of age. Benzonatate can be dangerous in people under the age of 10 years. Using it in this population can lead to serious side effects, including death. Benzonatate should be stored away from children because the most common exposure in children is accidental ingestion. Children may display symptoms of toxicity within 10-15 minutes of ingestion. These include:

• Seizures
• Tremors
• Abnormal heart rhythms or cardiac arrest
• Restlessness

In people 10 and older, benzonatate is usually well tolerated. It is typically available in gel capsules at 100mg or 200mg per dose taken up to three times daily. Benzonatate capsules are intended to be swallowed whole and not chewed or dissolved. Potential side effects of benzonatate include:

• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Tingling in the mouth, tongue, or throat

Benzonatate may also cause more serious side effects, though these are usually the result of allergic reactions or overdose. Serious side effects that should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention include:

• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
• Hives, rashes, or skin itching

Taken as directed by a healthcare provider, benzonatate is usually safe and well-tolerated.

Why Use Benzonatate vs Mucinex for Cough?

Benzonatate and Mucinex are both often used for cough related to upper respiratory infections, but they work in different ways. When choosing between benzonatate and Mucinex, consider the type of cough and your specific health conditions. Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough suppressant (antitussive) that works by numbing the stretch receptors in the lungs. It is more effective for treating a non-productive cough, or one that doesn’t produce much mucus. It will not help with treating congestion or mucus. For this reason, it’s not recommended for productive coughs because it is often necessary to have a cough reflex to clear the phlegm from your lungs and throat. Mucinex, on the other hand, uses guaifenesin as the active ingredient. Guaifenesin is an expectorant, which means that it works by thinning the mucus in your airways, making it easier to clear through coughing. Mucinex is more effective for a productive cough and can make breathing easier by reducing congestion. Mucinex will help clear mucus, but does not stop coughing. Coughing is a protective mechanism that helps your body defend against infections and irritants.

What Is the Difference Between Mucinex and Benzonatate?

	Benzonatate	Mucinex
Active ingredient	Benzonatate	guaifenesin
Class	Antitussive	Expectorant
Mechanism of action	Numbs stretch receptors in lungs and airways, reduces cough reflex	Thins and loosens mucus in airways
Uses	Dry, nonproductive, persistent cough	Chest congestion, thick mucus
Available	By prescription only	Over-the-counter
Age restrictions	Ages 10 and up	Some formulations are approved for children
Side effects	Sleepiness, dizziness, numbness in throat or mouth, upset stomach	Nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness

Is Benzonatate the Same as Mucinex?

So, is benzonatate the same as Mucinex? No, they’re two different classes of medications, and though they are both used to treat cough, they generally treat different types of cough. They differ in active ingredients, how they work, what they are used for, and how they are taken. Benzonatate is a prescription antitussive, or cough suppressant. It works by numbing the cough reflex at the level of the lungs. Mucinex, on the other hand, is an expectorant and is used to thin the mucus.

Is Mucinex as Good as Benzonatate?

When trying to decide which is better, benzonatate or Mucinex, you have to consider the type of cough you are treating. Both benzonatate and Mucinex are used for cough, but they work in different ways. Mucinex may work better for a productive cough because it loosens and thins mucus, helping you clear phlegm from your chest. If the cough is wet, Mucinex can help you cough up the congestion and make it easier to breathe. Benzonatate is better used for non-productive coughs. It works by numbing the stretch receptors in the lungs and decreasing the urge to cough. This allows for easier rest, especially with a persistent and disruptive cough.

What Side Effects Are Common Between Benzonatate and Mucinex?

Several side effects may occur with both benzonatate and Mucinex. Both medications can cause:

• Stomach upset
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headache

Drowsiness may also occur with both medications, but it is much less common.

What Side Effects Are Not Common Between Benzonatate and Mucinex?

Benzonatate and Mucinex also have different side effects. Benzonatate is more likely to cause side effects such as:

• Numbness of the mouth, tongue, and throat (especially if the capsules are chewed or dissolved)
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Allergic reactions

Mucinex may cause side effects such as diarrhea or rash. Both medications are generally safe, but it is also possible to have severe reactions. If you have changes in mentation or neurologic symptoms, you should seek medical attention.

How Successful Is Benzonatate in Treating Cough?

Benzonatate works by numbing stretch receptors in the lungs and airways. It is generally considered effective for treating a persistent, nonproductive cough, especially when over-the-counter options are ineffective. While benzonatate is effective for many people, a 2023 review in the Annals of Pharmacology suggested the need for further studies due to a lack of high-quality information on safety and efficacy. While studies are lacking, clinical practice suggests that benzonatate is effective for treating nonproductive cough in adults; however, it should not be used in children under 10 due to a risk of serious or fatal adverse effects.

How Successful Is Mucinex in Treating Cough?

Mucinex is commonly used to treat coughs that are associated with congestion and mucus buildup. It works by thinning and loosening mucus, making it easier to cough up phlegm. Mucinex is widely used for cough and congestion, especially with colds and other respiratory infections such as bronchitis. It does not work well for coughs not associated with mucus because it does not reduce the cough reflex. The active ingredient in Mucinex, guaifenesin, comes in both long-acting and short-acting forms and is generally considered safe and effective for treating cough associated with mucus production.

Is Benzonatate Better than Mucinex for Cough?

When choosing between benzonatate and Mucinex, you may wonder, Is benzonatate better than Mucinex for a cough? The answer may depend on the type of cough and the specific symptoms. Benzonatate is a cough suppressant, or antitussive, that works by numbing the cough reflex in the airways and lungs. It works best for dry coughs without significant congestion or mucus. It will not clear or loosen mucus. Mucinex, on the other hand, is an expectorant or mucus thinner. It works better for a wet cough associated with chest congestion and mucus buildup. Mucinex does not suppress cough but makes coughs more effective at clearing mucus.

Related FAQs

 

Can you take Benzonatate with Mucinex?

If you’re wondering, can you take Benzonatate with Mucinex? The short answer is yes. They work in different ways and treat different symptoms. Benzonatate suppresses the cough reflex, and Mucinex loosens up the mucus. If you have chest congestion along with a dry, irritating cough, this combination may be useful. However, you should discuss combining them with your healthcare provider before taking them together, as a cough is often needed to clear mucus from your chest and reduce congestion.

Can I take Mucinex with benzonatate 100mg?

Yes, you can take Mucinex with benzonatate 100mg if your healthcare provider indicates it. And if you’re wondering, can I take Mucinex with benzonatate 200mg? Generally, yes. If your healthcare provider recommends it, you can take both medications together because they treat different symptoms.

Mucinex vs Benzonatate: Which is best for an extreme cough?

Is Mucinex or benzonatate better for an extreme cough? The answer depends on what type of extreme cough you’re dealing with. Benzonatate may be better for a dry, nonproductive cough. It works by suppressing the cough reflex by numbing the stretch receptors in the lungs and airways. This means it can help reduce the constant, irritating cough that keeps you awake at night. Mucinex may be better for a severe cough that is wet or associated with thick mucus. Guaifenesin, the active ingredient in Mucinex, works by thinning the mucus and making it easier to cough up. It does not affect the cough reflex, but it may improve your breathing by helping you clear that congestion from your chest.

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References

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Benzonatate

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https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20882-benzonatate-capsules

https://www.pharmacist.com/Blogs/CEO-Blog/Article/easing-chest-congestion-with-guaifenesin (Subscription Required)

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20450-guaifenesin-solution

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682494.html

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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0954611115300640