Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Benzonatate vs. Guaifenesin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) and guaifenesin ER (Mucinex) are both used to help with cough, but they work in different ways. Benzonatate is an antitussive, which means it helps stop the urge to cough by numbing the nerves in your lungs and airways. It's a prescription medication taken by mouth three times a day and is approved for those 10 years and older. Guaifenesin ER, on the other hand, is an expectorant that helps loosen mucus in your chest so you can cough it up more easily. It's available over-the-counter and can be taken by those 12 years and older, typically every 12 hours. Benzonatate can make you sleepy and should not be taken with alcohol, while guaifenesin is generally well-tolerated and doesn't cause drowsiness. Both medications come as a lower-cost generic. Be careful not to crush or chew either medication, as this can affect how they work.

  • Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
    Guaifenesin
  • Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
    Guaifenesin

  • Summary of Benzonatate vs. Guaifenesin

    Summary for Antitussive
    Prescription only

    Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is a cough suppressant. It's used to relieve cough in people ages 10 years and older. Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is taken by mouth three times a day as needed. Possible side effects of this medication include headache and constipation. Because benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) can make you drowsy, so it's best to avoid alcohol while taking it.

    Summary for Expectorant

    Guaifenesin is an expectorant used for wet cough. It helps loosen phlegm in the throat and chest so you can cough it up more easily. Guaifenesin is an immediate-release medication that's available as a tablet and liquid solution. It's taken by mouth, typically every 4 hours, by adults and children. Most people experience few to no side effects after taking this medication as directed. Guaifenesin can be found under multiple brands (e.g., Robafen, Geri-Tussin) and as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Benzonatate vs. Guaifenesin

    Indications for
    •Cough in people ages 10 years and older
    Indications for
    •Loosens and breaks up mucus in the airways (chest congestion)

  • Pros and Cons of Benzonatate vs. Guaifenesin

    Pros and Const for Antitussive
    Pros
    •Works quickly, within 15 to 20 minutes
    •Is a non-narcotic treatment for cough, meaning it isn't habit forming
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might have to take it three times a day
    •Must be swallowed whole to avoid unwanted side effects
    •Not for children younger than 10 years old
    Pros and Const for Expectorant
    Pros
    •Available over the counter
    •Has very few side effects if used as directed
    •Available as a tablet and oral liquid
    Cons
    •Might not work work well for dry coughs
    •Not meant to be used long-term
    •Found in many over-the-counter products, so you can accidentally take too much

  • Common Side Effects of Benzonatate vs. Guaifenesin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Constipation
    •Nausea
    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

  • Warnings of Benzonatate vs. Guaifenesin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Mental health side effects
    •Accidental ingestion and death in children
    Common Side Effects for
    •Accidentally taking too much medication (overdose)

  • Prices with our coupons for Benzonatate vs. Guaifenesin

    Learn more about Benzonatate
    Learn more about Guaifenesin

Compare other Cough drugs

Benzonatate vs CodeineBenzonatate vs DextromethorphanBenzonatate vs GuaifenesinBenzonatate vs MucinexBenzonatate vs PromethazineBenzonatate vs RobitussinHydromet vs BenzonatateCodeine vs NorcoDextromethorphan vs GuaifenesinDiphenhydramine vs DextromethorphanFlonase vs MucinexHydromet vs Codeine GuaifenesinHydromet vs Promethazine VcMucinex vs DayquilMucinex vs DelsymMucinex vs Mucinex DMucinex vs Mucinex DmMucinex vs Nyquil Cold And FluMucinex vs RobitussinMucinex vs Robitussin AcPromethazine vs NyquilPromethazine vs Promethazine DmRobitussin Multi Symptom Cold Cf vs DelsymRobitussin Multi Symptom Cold Cf vs MucinexRobitussin Multi Symptom Cold Cf vs RobitussinRobitussin vs DayquilRobitussin vs DelsymRobitussin vs Nyquil Cold And FluUnisom vs MucinexUnisom vs Robitussin
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.