How Many Days Can You Take Benzonatate?

If you've been dealing with a lingering cough, your healthcare provider might prescribe benzonatate, sometimes known by the brand name Tessalon Perles, to help you find relief. But if you've never taken it before, you might be wondering: "How many days can you take benzonatate?" or "How often can you take Tessalon Perles?" Most prescriptions are designed for short-term use. The exact length of treatment depends on your diagnosis, the response of your symptoms, and whether you have any other underlying health conditions. Your provider will tailor the duration to your situation.

What is benzonatate and how does it work?

Benzonatate is a non-narcotic prescription cough suppressant that belongs to a group of medicines called local anesthetics. Unlike opioid-based cough medicines that affect the brain's cough center, benzonatate works locally, right in your lungs and airways. Once swallowed, the capsule dissolves in your stomach and is absorbed into your bloodstream. It travels to the stretch receptors in your respiratory passages, lungs, and sometimes your ear canals (which can be linked to coughing). By numbing these receptors, benzonatate helps reduce the urge to cough. You might be prescribed benzonatate if you have:

• A dry, hacking cough from a cold or flu that keeps you from sleeping
• Throat irritation after a viral infection
• Bronchitis or another respiratory condition
• A cough triggered by post-nasal drip
• A persistent cough after certain medical procedures

While benzonatate helps manage symptoms, it's important to remember it does not treat the underlying illness. Your provider may also prescribe antibiotics (for bacterial infections), inhalers (for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD), or acid reducers (for reflux-related cough), depending on the underlying cause.

Brand names and equivalents

Tessalon Perles is one of the most recognized brand names for benzonatate, but there are generic versions that work the same. Whether you take the brand or generic, the dosage and instructions are the same:

• 100 to 200 mg up to three times daily
• Space doses about 8 hours apart

Generics are often less expensive, and because the active ingredient is identical, most people respond similarly to either.

How often can you take benzonatate?

Benzonatate is typically prescribed for short-term use, most often for 7 to 10 days. That's usually enough time for a cough caused by a cold, flu, or mild respiratory infection to improve. In some cases, your provider might recommend it for a little longer:

• Post-viral coughs that linger after other symptoms fade
• Bronchitis, where coughs can last weeks
• Recovery after lung or chest surgery to prevent strain from coughing

If your cough lasts more than 10 days, worsens, or is accompanied by fever, chest pain, wheezing, or shortness of breath, you should contact your healthcare provider. Coughing that doesn't improve may be a sign of:

• Asthma
• Pneumonia
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Heart problems (rarely, cough can be linked to heart failure)

Benzonatate is not addictive, but it should not be taken longer than necessary. Overuse can hide symptoms of a more serious condition and delay needed treatment.

Standard dosage and frequency

For adults and children over 10 years old, the standard prescription is:

• 100 mg capsule: 1 to 2 capsules, up to three times daily
• 200 mg capsule: 1 capsule, up to three times daily

Important dosing guidelines:

• Space doses about 8 hours apart for steady symptom control.
• Do not exceed 600 mg in 24 hours; taking more won't make it work better and can be dangerous.
• Always swallow capsules whole, never chew or suck them, as this can cause sudden numbness in your mouth and throat, making it hard to swallow or breathe.

If you miss a dose and your next one is soon, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses at the same time.

"How many days can you take benzonatate?"

The safe duration depends on why you're taking it, how you respond, and any other health conditions you have.

Acute Cough Conditions

For short-term coughs caused by colds, flu, or mild respiratory infections, benzonatate is typically prescribed for 7 to 10 days. These illnesses usually resolve on their own, but benzonatate helps you stay more comfortable while your body heals. Most people notice their cough getting less frequent and less severe within the first few days. If your cough hasn't improved after 10 to 14 days, your provider may recheck you for other causes.

Chronic respiratory conditions

For individuals with chronic bronchitis, COPD, or other long-term lung diseases, coughs can persist for an extended period. In these cases, benzonatate might be prescribed for several weeks, but only with close monitoring. Long-term use should be reviewed at follow-up appointments to ensure it remains appropriate.

Post-surgical or procedure recovery

After surgeries involving the chest, lungs, or airway, coughing can be painful and interfere with healing. In these situations, benzonatate may be prescribed for 1 to 2 weeks to reduce discomfort and protect your recovery. Your surgical team will provide you with specific instructions on when to stop.

Key safety tips

How long can you take benzonatate isn't the only consideration. There are other essential steps to help you use this medication safely:

• Follow your prescription exactly. Never take more than directed. Swallow capsules whole. Never chew, crush, or dissolve them in your mouth.
• Store safely. Benzonatate can look like candy to children, and even one or two capsules can be fatal if swallowed accidentally.
• Don't share your prescription, even with someone who has similar symptoms.
• If you develop a rash, itching, or trouble breathing, stop taking benzonatate and seek emergency care immediately.

What happens if you take too much benzonatate?

An overdose can be life-threatening, especially for children. Symptoms can appear within 15 to 20 minutes and may include:

• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat
• Sudden collapse or unconsciousness
• Severe dizziness or confusion
• Numbness in the mouth and throat

If you or someone else takes too much benzonatate, call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.

Alternatives to benzonatate for cough relief

If you can't take benzonatate or if you want to combine it with other safe methods, your provider may recommend: Non-medication relief:

• Sipping warm tea with honey to soothe your throat
• Steam inhalation or using a hot shower to loosen mucus
• Running a humidifier in your bedroom at night
• Saltwater gargles for throat irritation

Over-the-counter (OTC) options:

• Dextromethorphan cough syrups (for dry coughs)
• Guaifenesin (Mucinex) to thin mucus and make coughing more productive

Before combining treatments, consult your healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions or excessive dosing.

When to see your healthcare provider again

Call your provider if you:

• Have a cough lasting more than 10 days
• Start coughing up blood
• Develop chest pain, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• Feel severe dizziness or numbness after taking a dose

These symptoms may require urgent evaluation or a change in treatment.

How long can you take benzonatate? Key takeaways

Benzonatate is typically prescribed for short-term use, usually 7 to 10 days, to help alleviate a temporary cough associated with colds, flu, or other respiratory issues. Most people take 100 to 200 mg up to three times a day, with each dose spaced about 8 hours apart. You should not take more than 600 mg in a single day. When used as directed, benzonatate is not addictive and is considered safe. Simply follow your provider's instructions and store it in a secure location, out of the reach of children. If prescribed for you, benzonatate can be a simple and effective way to reduce coughing, making it easier to rest and recover. And if you're not sure "how often to take Tessalon Perles," or benzonate, that's a question your healthcare provider can answer based on your specific needs.

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FAQs

 

How many days can you take Tessalon Perles?

Most people use Tessalon Perles for short-term cough relief, typically for a few days to two weeks, depending on their symptoms and their healthcare provider's instructions. It's normally taken every 8 hours, up to three times daily, without exceeding 600 mg in 24 hours for safety.

How many hours apart can you take benzonatate 200 mg?

Benzonatate 200 mg should generally be taken about 8 hours apart to maintain consistent cough relief. This spacing also helps prevent accidental overdose. Most people take no more than three doses in 24 hours, unless their healthcare provider gives specific instructions for a different schedule.

Is benzonatate addictive?

No. Benzonatate is not habit-forming and does not cause physical dependence. However, taking more than prescribed can be dangerous, potentially leading to side effects such as numbness in the mouth or throat, dizziness, confusion, seizures, or even life-threatening complications. Always follow your provider's directions closely.

 

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://www.wellrx.com/prescriptions/benzonatate/

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

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

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

https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pulmonary-disorders/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-and-related-disorders/treatment-of-acute-copd-exacerbation#Medication-Therapy_v28585152

https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/media/pdfs/2024/04/CommonColdfactsheet_508.pdf