Key takeaways
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) and codeine are both medications that can be used to treat cough, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Benzonatate is an antitussive, which means it suppresses cough by numbing the nerves in your lungs and airways. It is specifically used for cough relief in people aged 10 years and older. Codeine, on the other hand, is an opioid that is primarily used to treat mild-to-moderate pain when non-opioid alternatives are ineffective, but can be used off-label for cough. While both medications can cause drowsiness, codeine has a higher risk of dependence and addiction. Benzonatate is taken by mouth three times a day as needed, while codeine is typically taken every four hours. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of benzonatate include drowsiness and headache, while codeine can cause constipation, sleepiness, and nausea. It's important to avoid alcohol with both medications, but codeine has more significant drug interactions and requires careful monitoring to prevent serious side effects like dangerously slow breathing.
