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Compare Benzonatate vs. Promethazine

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

Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
Promethazine
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
Promethazine

Summary of Benzonatate vs. Promethazine

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 Antihistamine
Prescription only

Promethazine is a prescription medication with many uses, such as treatment or prevention of nausea, motion sickness, and allergy symptoms. Promethazine works by blocking several chemicals, including histamine, dopamine, and acetylcholine. It comes as tablets, an oral solution, rectal suppositories, and an injection. The dose of promethazine and how often you take it depends on your age and what medical condition you're taking it to treat. But it shouldn't be given to children younger than 2 years of age since it can cause serious breathing problems. Common side effects include sleepiness and dizziness.

Indications of Benzonatate vs. Promethazine

Indications for
•Cough in people ages 10 years and older
Indications for
•Runny nose, watery eyes, and other symptoms of allergies
•Runny or stuffy nose that isn't caused by allergies
•Rash, swelling, anaphylaxis, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction
•Dermographism
•Treatment or prevention of nausea and vomiting before and after surgery
•Treatment or prevention of motion sickness
•Treatment of pain along with other pain medications after surgery
•Help to relax your body and produce a light sleep, particularly before a procedure

Pros and Cons of Benzonatate vs. Promethazine

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 Antihistamine
Pros
•Available as a lower-cost generic
•Available in different formulations, such as a tablet, syrup, and injection
•Starts working within 20 minutes
Cons
•Can't be taken by children under 2 years old because risk of serious breathing problem
•Higher risk of side effects in older adults
•Can cause sleepiness

Common Side Effects of Benzonatate vs. Promethazine

Common Side Effects for
•Drowsiness
•Dizziness
•Headache
•Constipation
•Nausea
Common Side Effects for
•Feeling drowsy or tired
•Dizziness
•Confusion
•Dry mouth
•Nervousness
•Blurry vision

The following side effects are those additionally reported with promethazine injection at the injection site:

•Burning
•Pain
•Rash
•Swelling

Warnings of Benzonatate vs. Promethazine

Common Side Effects for
•Severe allergic reactions
•Mental health side effects
•Accidental ingestion and death in children
Common Side Effects for
•Potentially life-threatening slow breathing (respiratory depression)
•Serious tissue injury (Injection only)
•Excessive sleepiness
•Worsening of certain health problems
•Seizures
•Higher risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
•Risk of serious nerve problems (neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
•Uncontrollable body movements

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