How Long Does It Take for Benzonatate to Work?

A stubborn cough can be more than just a nuisance. It can keep you up at night, make it hard to focus at work, and leave you feeling worn out. When your healthcare provider prescribes benzonatate (brand name Tessalon Perles), it's natural to wonder: "How long does it take for benzonatate to work?" Knowing how quickly this medication takes effect can help you manage your expectations, plan your day, and achieve the relief you need to function comfortably. Whether your cough persists after a cold, is linked to bronchitis, or is caused by another respiratory condition, finding fast, effective relief is a priority.

What is benzonatate?

Benzonatate is a prescription cough medicine that works differently from most over-the-counter cough syrups. Instead of working in your brain to quiet a cough, it goes straight to the source, your lungs and airways. It does this by numbing the nerve endings that trigger your cough reflex. When those nerves are less sensitive, you don't feel the same urge to cough, which makes benzonatate especially helpful for dry, stubborn coughs that don't improve with other treatments. Benzonatate belongs to a class of medications known as local anesthetics. The same type of medicine a dentist might use to numb your mouth. Working directly on your airways, rather than your brain, often provides faster relief, prompting many to ask, "How quickly does benzonatate work?" after taking it.

How long does it take for benzonatate to work?

For most people, benzonatate begins to take effect within 15 to 20 minutes after swallowing the capsule. The effects can last anywhere from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the person. If you've been prescribed Tessalon Perles, you might ask, "How long does it take for Tessalon Perles to work?" or "How quickly do Tessalon Perles work?" The answer is the same, since they contain the same active ingredient.

How long for benzonatate to work if you miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and stick to your regular schedule. Never double up unless your provider specifically instructs you to do so.

What if benzonatate doesn't seem to be working?

When does benzonatate start working? If you don't feel relief within 30 minutes, resist the urge to take extra capsules. Persistent coughing may be due to an underlying issue, such as allergies, asthma, or acid reflux, which requires a different treatment. Contact your provider if your cough doesn't improve.

5 factors that affect benzonatate's time to work

While benzonatate is known for its relatively quick onset, several variables can change how fast benzonatate works for you. Understanding these factors can help you manage your expectations and use the medication in the most effective way possible.

1. Dosage

Benzonatate is available in 100 mg and 200 mg capsules, and your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose based on the severity of your cough, your overall health, and your age.

• How long does it take for Benzonatate 100 mg to take effect? In most cases, you'll start feeling relief within 15 to 20 minutes. However, the effects may wear off slightly sooner compared to the higher dose, meaning you may need to take it more frequently (as prescribed) to maintain cough control.
• How long does it take for Benzonatate 200 mg to take effect? The onset time is typically the same as that of the 100 mg dose, approximately 15 to 20 minutes, but the relief may last longer, potentially up to 8 hours for some individuals. The higher dose is often used for more severe or persistent coughs.

Your healthcare provider will balance effectiveness and safety, since taking more than the prescribed dose can increase the risk of side effects without making the medication work faster.

2. Metabolism and body chemistry

Your metabolism, the rate at which your body processes food, drink, and medications, can influence how quickly benzonatate works.

• If you have a faster metabolism, your body may absorb the medication more quickly, leading to slightly quicker symptom relief.
• If your metabolism is slower, the onset may take a little longer.

Other factors, such as your hydration level, hormone balance, and even genetics, can influence how your body responds to benzonatate. This is one reason why two people taking the same dose might notice different timing for relief.

3. Food Intake

What you eat and when you eat it can affect how long benzonatate works:

• Full stomach: If you take benzonatate right after a large meal, your stomach is busy digesting food, which can delay the absorption of the medication into your bloodstream. Relief may take a few minutes longer to take effect.
• Empty stomach: When taken without food, benzonatate may be absorbed more quickly, and you could notice effects sooner.

However, if you're prone to stomach upset when taking medication, your provider might suggest taking benzonatate with a light snack. Always follow their advice; comfort and safety are just as important as speed.

4. Other medications

Benzonatate can interact with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or even herbal supplements. These interactions can either slow or accelerate the absorption and processing of the drug. For example:

• Certain acid-reducing medicines may affect how quickly benzonatate breaks down in your stomach.
• Some antibiotics or antifungal drugs may alter the way your liver processes the medication, potentially affecting the onset time.

That's why it's important to provide your healthcare provider and pharmacist with a complete list of all medications and supplements you use, even if they seem unrelated to your cough.

5. Overall health

Many patients wonder, "How long does benzonatate take to work?" However, several factors can influence the timing. Your general health can have a direct effect on how long benzonatate takes to work.

• Conditions such as liver disease can slow the breakdown of medications in the body, potentially delaying the onset or prolonging their effects.
• Digestive disorders that affect absorption, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, could also influence how quickly you notice relief.
• Even temporary illnesses, like a stomach virus, can change the way your body handles medication.

If you have a chronic health condition, your provider will take that into account when prescribing benzonatate and may adjust your dose or monitor your response more closely.

How to take benzonatate for the best results

To help benzonatate work as fast as possible:

• Swallow capsules whole. Chewing or crushing can cause numbness in the mouth or throat and may pose a risk of choking.
• Take at regular intervals. This keeps the medicine working steadily throughout the day.
• Avoid doubling up. Extra doses won't make it work faster and could cause side effects.
• Store correctly. Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture.

Common side effects of benzonatate

Most people tolerate benzonatate well, but possible side effects include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Nausea
• A mild numbing sensation in the chest or throat

Seek medical help if you experience confusion, hallucinations, severe allergic reactions, or trouble breathing. Safety tips:

• Keep out of children's reach. Even one accidental dose can be dangerous for a child.
• Don't share. Other people's health conditions may make benzonatate unsafe for them.
• Follow dosing exactly. This ensures safety and effectiveness.

Final takeaways: Benzonatate, how long does it take to work

How fast does benzonatate work? For most people, it is 15 to 20 minutes. Relief can last several hours, making it a convenient option for daytime and nighttime cough control. It's best for dry, non-productive coughs, and relief can last 2 to 8 hours. By following your provider's instructions and understanding what affects onset time, you can get the fastest, safest relief possible.

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Alyse Thompson, M.D., is a freelance medical writer with experience caring for patients in primary and urgent care settings. She also has a master's degree in basic medical science. She has managed acute and chronic diseases and participated in medical and pharmaceutical research.

References

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682640.html

https://www.wellrx.com/benzonatate/drug-information/77381/?brandGeneric=G

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430894/

https://reference.medscape.com/drug/tessalon-benzonatate-343400

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzonatate-oral-route/description/drg-20062223

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

https://www.medcentral.com/drugs/monograph/14257-382640/benzonatate-oral