Ric asked
Is it safe to use cough drops while using Tessalon (benzonatate)?
Answer
Yes, you can safely use most cough drop products with benzonatate (brand name Tessalon). Most cough drop products contain the following ingredients:
- Menthol
- Vitamin C
- Eucalyptus
- Zinc
- Benzocaine
- Phenol
- Dyclonine
A variety of products use one or more of these ingredients. They are all considered safe to use with benzonatate as there are no reported or listed interactions.
Benzonatate works by anesthetizing stretch receptors located in the respiratory passages and lungs. Stretch receptors respond to stretching (or contraction) of surrounding tissue and are thought to be highly involved in the cough reflex. The net effect of benzonatate is to reduce the reflex to cough. The onset of action is about 15 to 20 minutes. The duration of action is 3 to 8 hours.
Most cough drops work to soothe the throat and respiratory passages. A few ingredients (e.g. benzocaine) are mild numbing agents that can reduce the feeling of irritation. They are safe to use with benzonatate.
