See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Benzonatate
Can you drink alcohol while taking benzonatate?
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is a prescription cough suppressant. Drinking alcohol while using it is generally discouraged because both can depress the central nervous system. Mixing can increase the risk of sedation, dizziness, or impaired coordination.
Why is the alcohol + benzonatate combination risky?
Benzonatate can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Alcohol can add to those effects, which can make driving or operating machinery unsafe and can make some people feel faint or more unsteady than usual.
What could happen if someone mixes them?
Possible problems include:
- Increased drowsiness or dizziness
- Impaired judgment or coordination
- Greater risk of falls or accidents
- Higher chance of feeling “too sedated” for normal activities
What should you do instead?
If you’re taking benzonatate, the safest approach is to avoid alcohol until you know how the medicine affects you. If you do drink, keep it minimal and don’t drive afterward.
Does alcohol affect benzonatate dosing or how well it works?
There’s no widely used dosing adjustment solely for alcohol, but alcohol can worsen the way you feel (sedation/dizziness), which is the main concern rather than loss of cough suppression.
Who should be extra cautious?
Extra caution is warranted if you:
- Have a history of alcohol use disorder
- Need to stay alert for work (driving, operating tools)
- Are taking other medicines that cause drowsiness (opioids, sleep meds, many antihistamines, anxiety medicines)
When to get medical help
Get urgent help if there’s concern for overdose or severe reactions, such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness.
Sources
No sources were provided with your request, so I’m answering based on general safety considerations for combining alcohol with medicines that can cause sedation. If you share the country (or the exact product label) and whether you’re asking about adult vs. child use, I can tailor the guidance to the most relevant wording.