What are benzonatate (Tessalon) side effects?

Common side effects of benzonatate are listed below. Tell your doctor if these side effects are severe or do not go away after a few days.

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Constipation
• Chills
• Stuffy nose
• Burning sensation in the eyes

Rarely benzonatate can cause more serious side effects. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Rash, hives, itching, or other signs of allergic reactions
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Tightening of the throat
• Chest numbness
• Confusion
• Auditory or visual hallucinations

The above list may not include all the potential adverse effects of benzonatate. Tell your doctor immediately if you have severe or unusual side effects or your symptoms are worsening. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Benzonatate Overdose: In case of an intentional or accidental overdose of benzonatate, get immediate medical attention immediately. Call your local poison control center, provincial poison control center, or the national poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms can develop rapidly within 15-20 minutes and may lead to death within an hour, especially in children younger than 10 years old. Intentional or unintentional benzonatate overdose may cause symptoms such as uncontrolled shaking, restlessness, seizures, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Source: FDA